Some customers type your name into Google. Others type what you sell and your city. If neither search shows you, those customers may never reach you. Nobody can set where Google shows you. But you can make the right facts about you easy to find.
Imran runs a coaching class. A parent told him, "I searched your class name on Google. I only found other classes."
Imran checked. His Google listing had a short form of his name. His website used the full name. Google did not seem to join the two.
This is an example, with a made up name and business.
What a Pulse check shows you
Pulse runs a few Google searches as a customer standing near your shop. It also searches your name. Your results show:
- the searches we ran,
- where you showed up for each one,
- whether a search for your name showed your listing or your website.
Fix it yourself
- Search your own name. Use your phone, signed out. Does your listing show? Does your website show?
- Use one name everywhere. Your Google listing, website and other apps should use the same shop name.
- Link your listing and your website. Put your website on your Google listing. Put a link to your Google listing on your website.
- Say what you sell and where. On your website, name your area and city near the top.
- Keep your website and its questions and answers up to date. Old hours or prices confuse people.
- Check your Google category and map pin. See choosing the right category.
- Keep your name, address and phone the same everywhere. See same details on every app.
- Keep asking every customer for a review.
For searches by people near you, see our guide on not being on page one nearby. To see your listing like a new customer, read what people see when they search you.
Common questions
My name search shows me, but not my city search. Is that bad?
Not always. A city search covers a big area, with many shops in it. Check your nearby searches too.
Can someone promise me page one?
No. Nobody can promise where Google will show you. Avoid anyone who says they can.
How soon will I see a change?
It can take weeks. Your next check shows what changed.