Most profile visibility issues come down to five common problems. First, unverified profiles don't appear in Maps or local pack results—you must complete the verification process via postcard, phone, or video depending on your business type. Second, Google suspends profiles for policy violations like fake addresses, keyword-stuffed business names, or prohibited categories, and suspended profiles vanish completely until reinstated. Your NAP (name, address, phone) must match exactly across your website, citations, and GBP. Inconsistencies confuse Google's algorithm and tank your rankings. If you're "Ottawa Plumbing" on your profile but "Ottawa Plumbing Services Inc." on your website, that's a problem. Similarly, wrong or incomplete categories kill visibility—your primary category should match your core service exactly, and you should fill all available secondary slots with relevant options. Proximity matters more than most business owners realize. If you're searching from Toronto for your Ottawa-based business, you won't see it rank well because Google prioritizes nearby results for local queries. Service area businesses (plumbers, electricians, consultants) face extra scrutiny—you need a real address even if you hide it, and your service areas must be legitimately serviced. Profile completeness drives visibility. Google explicitly favors profiles with: - All business information fields filled (hours, website, attributes, description) - Regular posts and photo uploads - Verified messaging or booking features - Consistent review acquisition with owner responses - Products or services listed in the new GBP interface At Ottawa SEO, we see profiles start ranking within 7-14 days of verification if the fundamentals are solid, but competitive markets like Toronto real estate or Vancouver restaurants can take 45-90 days of consistent optimization and review building. Check your profile status in GBP Manager first—if it says "Suspended" or "Pending," that's your answer. If it's active but invisible, audit your categories and NAP consistency before anything else.