The most common reason a Google Business Profile doesn't show is that it hasn't been verified yet. Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address, and until you enter that code in your dashboard, your profile won't appear in Maps or local search results. This process typically takes 5–14 days in Canada, sometimes longer in remote areas. Suspension is the second major culprit. Google can suspend profiles that violate their guidelines—using a virtual office without a physical location, keyword stuffing in the business name, operating outside service areas you've declared, or having duplicate listings. You'll see a suspension notice in your dashboard if this happens. Reinstatement requires fixing the violation and submitting a reconsideration request, which can take 3–7 business days. Other common issues include: - Profile is live but ranking outside the local pack due to weak signals (inconsistent NAP citations, thin reviews, location too far from searcher) - Business category mismatch with what people actually search for - Google My Business app cache issues—try logging in via desktop browser instead - You're searching from outside your service area and Google isn't showing you for that location - The listing exists but is hidden because you marked it as temporarily closed and never reopened it At Ottawa SEO, we troubleshoot this by first checking the dashboard for explicit warnings, then verifying the business name exactly matches what's on the storefront and website. We audit NAP consistency across directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages Canada, and industry-specific citations. If the profile is verified and compliant but still invisible, it's usually a proximity or relevance problem—the business needs more reviews mentioning specific services and a tighter geographic focus in the service area settings. If you recently moved or changed your business name, Google sometimes removes the listing temporarily while re-verifying. Don't create a second listing—that guarantees suspension. Just wait for the existing one to update or contact Google Business Profile support through the dashboard.