Why Is My Business Ranking on the Third Page?

The short answer is that if you recently changed your business category, Google needs a few days to recognize the new main category. Once Google updates this, your ranking should improve. Additionally, getting your business location approved will further enhance your rankings.

Full Explanation

When you update your business category, it takes some time for Google to process and acknowledge this change as the primary classification for your business. During this adjustment period, your search ranking may temporarily dip or settle low, such as on the third page of search results. However, this is a normal part of the process. Once Google confirms the new main category, your visibility is expected to improve.

Moreover, the approval of your business location plays an important role. Having a verified location adds credibility and relevance in local search results. When your location gets approved, this directly impacts your ranking in a positive way, helping your business appear higher in local searches.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Change your business category: Update your category to better match your business.
2. Wait for Google to recognize the new category: Allow a few days for this update to reflect in search rankings.
3. Get your location approved: Submit and confirm your business location with Google.
4. Experience ranking improvements: Watch as your Google rankings improve after these updates are fully processed.

Real Examples

For example, if you changed your category from “Retail” to “Electronics,” Google needs time to understand this as your primary business category. During these few days, your ranking might drop or stay low, but eventually, it improves once recognized. Similarly, when your physical store or office location is verified and approved by Google, it enhances your local SEO, increasing your chances of ranking higher in relevant location-based searches.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting immediate ranking changes right after updating your business category.
• Not waiting for Google to process the category change and location approval.
• Neglecting to verify or approve your business location, missing out on local ranking benefits.

FAQs

How long does it take for Google to recognize my new business category?

It typically takes a few days for Google to update and recognize the new category as your main classification.

Will my ranking improve automatically after changing my category?

Once Google confirms the change, rankings should improve, but it may take some time alongside other factors like location approval.

Why does location approval affect my ranking?

Approving your location builds local search credibility and relevance, which positively influences your rankings in location-based searches.

Key Takeaways

• Changing your business category requires patience as Google processes the update.
• Allow several days for your new category to be recognized and your rankings to adjust accordingly.
• Approving your business location is essential for boosting local SEO rankings.
• Both category change and location approval together contribute to better search visibility.