Many local businesses invest time and money into their online presence, but still struggle to show up on Google. According to Aaron Traub, owner of Geaux SEO, the issue often comes down to a few common and avoidable mistakes.

“One of the biggest problems is that businesses either don’t have a clear website or they’re not telling Google exactly what they do and where they do it,” said Traub. “If that’s unclear, it’s hard to rank.”

Traub explains that another major mistake is neglecting a Google Business Profile. Many businesses either don’t set it up properly or leave it inactive, which can limit their visibility on Google Maps and local search results.

He also points out that inconsistent information online, such as different addresses or phone numbers across platforms, can hurt trust with search engines. “Google wants to see consistency. If your information is all over the place, it can work against you,” he said.

Another common issue is a lack of reviews. “Reviews play a big role in local rankings and in whether someone chooses your business,” Traub added.

Traub works with service-based businesses across the New Orleans area and focuses on helping them fix these foundational issues so they can improve their visibility and generate more consistent leads.

“Most of the time, it’s not about doing more,” he said. “It’s about fixing what’s already there.”