top of page

LIQUIA DESIGN

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

The Local Business Owner’s Guide to Getting Found on Google


If you’ve ever typed your business name into Google and thought, “Why don’t I show up?” - you’re not alone. Learning how to get found on Google starts with understanding that visibility isn’t luck, it’s a strategy you can build over time.


When you understand how Google decides which businesses to show, you can take control of your rankings, instead of hoping people stumble across your website.



Optimized Google Business Profile for Liquia Design, highlighting web design, SEO, and digital marketing services for Michigan businesses.

1. How to Get Found on Google: Start with Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your local visibility. It’s often the first impression a customer gets, even before they visit your website.


✅ Make sure it’s fully filled out:

  • Business name (exactly as used everywhere else)

  • Address or service area

  • Phone number

  • Website link

  • Hours

  • Business categories

  • Services with keyword-rich descriptions


If you travel to clients (like a contractor or cleaning company), list your service areas rather than a physical address. Google rewards transparency.


Pro tip: Add new photos, posts, and updates weekly. Google favors active listings, and it signals that your business is alive and engaged.


2. Get Reviews and Respond to Them

Reviews are your reputation currency. They tell Google (and potential customers) that you’re trustworthy, responsive, and real.


Ask happy clients to leave one right after you finish a job or project, when their experience is fresh.


Even better: reply to every single review. It shows that you care about your customers and gives you another chance to include subtle keywords like your location or service type (e.g., “Thanks for choosing us for your flooring project in Brighton, MI!”).


3. Keep Your Information Consistent Everywhere

Your business name, address, and phone number (called NAP) need to match exactly across every directory - Google, Facebook, Yelp, Bing, Hotfrog, Cylex, etc.


Inconsistencies can confuse Google’s crawlers and cause your business to rank lower in the map pack. If you recently rebranded, moved locations, or changed your website, update your citations everywhere you can.


4. Add Localized Keywords to Your Website

If you serve multiple Michigan counties (say Oakland, Livingston, or Washtenaw), you’ll need to tell Google that, it doesn’t assume. Create dedicated service pages or sections that include each region or city name.


For example:

  • “Web Design in Brighton, MI”

  • “SEO Services in Ann Arbor”

  • “Google Ads for Oakland County Businesses”


These localized keywords make your website relevant to specific search areas and help it rank beyond your immediate zip code.


5. Build Local Backlinks

Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other reputable websites. When they come from local sources, they’re even more powerful.


Consider building backlinks through:

  • Joining your local Chamber of Commerce

  • Sponsoring community events or youth teams

  • Partnering with nearby businesses for shared blog features

  • Getting listed on local vendor or industry directories


Each link tells Google, “Hey, this business is active and trusted in this area.”


6. Post Regularly and Keep Your Content Fresh

Google’s algorithm loves activity. When you add new content, whether it’s a blog post, Google Business update, or fresh photos, you remind Google your business is current.


Think of it as digital momentum: the more consistent you are, the stronger your online visibility becomes.


7. Don’t Forget Mobile and Maps

Nearly 70% of local searches happen on mobile devices, often when someone’s ready to buy or visit. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly or loads slowly, visitors will bounce, and Google takes note.


Make sure your:

  • Website loads in under 3 seconds

  • Phone number is clickable

  • Maps link works correctly

  • Directions are clear


These little details dramatically improve local engagement metrics (like calls and direction clicks).


Get Found. Get Chosen. Get Growing.

When all these pieces come together - your website, GBP, citations, and content - you’re no longer guessing how to get found on Google. You’ve built a system that keeps your business visible and trusted long-term.


That’s when you start climbing the local rankings. And that’s exactly what Freedom Marketing helps business owners do: build a digital foundation that works while you’re off the clock.


If you’re tired of being invisible on Google, let’s fix that.

bottom of page