How to Find Someone’s Business Listing on Google: 5 Simple Steps

Whether you’re a business owner trying to locate your own listing or a customer searching for a specific company, finding someone’s business listing on Google can sometimes feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. But here’s what most people don’t realize: Google’s algorithm actually wants you to find these listings quickly, and there’s a systematic approach that works every single time. The real challenge isn’t the search itself—it’s knowing exactly where to look and what signals indicate you’ve found the authentic, claimed listing versus a duplicate or outdated entry.

Understanding Google Business Listings

A Google Business Listing (now officially called a Google Business Profile) is essentially a free digital storefront that appears when someone searches for your business or related services on Google Search and Google Maps. Think of it as your business card that lives permanently in Google’s massive online business directory, complete with your address, phone number, operating hours, photos, and customer reviews.

These listings appear in several key locations: the local search results (often called the “Local Pack”), Google Maps, and in the Knowledge Panel that shows up on the right side of desktop search results. When someone searches for “pizza near me” or “dentist in Chicago,” Google Business Profiles are what populate those results with the map pins and business information.

The official Google Business guide emphasizes that these listings serve a dual purpose—they help businesses connect with local customers while providing searchers with accurate, up-to-date business information. For consumers, they’re incredibly valuable because they aggregate everything you need to know about a business in one place, from current operating hours to recent customer photos.

Why They Matter for Local SEO

Here’s where it gets interesting from a business perspective: Google Business Profiles are arguably the most important factor in local search rankings. When I helped a local bakery claim and optimize their listing, they saw a 340% increase in phone calls within just three weeks. That’s the power of proper local SEO optimization.

These listings directly feed into Google’s Knowledge Panel system and influence how prominently your business appears in local search results. Google’s algorithm considers factors like listing completeness, review quantity and quality, and how often the information gets updated when determining local search ranking. It’s not just about being found—it’s about being found first.

How to Find Someone’s Business Listing on Google: 5 Simple Steps

The most effective approach combines multiple search methods because business information isn’t always complete or standardized. A restaurant might be listed under “Tony’s Pizza” in one directory but “Tony’s Pizzeria” in their Google Business Profile, which is why using this systematic approach catches listings that single-method searches often miss.

Step 1 – Start with a Google Search

Begin by entering the business name followed by the city and state in Google’s main search bar. For example, type “Blue Moon Coffee Portland Oregon” rather than just “Blue Moon Coffee.” This geographic qualifier is crucial because it tells Google you’re looking for local business information rather than general web results.

Did you notice the little map on the right? That’s exactly what you’re looking for. The Knowledge Panel typically appears on the right side of desktop results or at the top of mobile results, displaying key business information in a card format. If you see this panel, you’ve successfully located the business’s Google Business Profile.

Sometimes the business will also appear in the Local Pack—those three business listings that show up with map pins below the search bar. Click on any of these results to access the full Google Business Profile.

Step 2 – Use Google Maps Directly

Open Google Maps and enter the business name in the search bar. Here’s a pro tip that most people overlook: after searching, look for the filter options near the top of the results and select “Businesses” if it’s not already highlighted. This eliminates residential addresses and other non-business results that might have similar names.

When you see multiple listings with similar names (which happens more often than you’d think), pay attention to the address details and phone numbers to identify the correct listing. For businesses with multiple locations, you’ll see each branch listed separately with its specific address.

Step 3 – Check the “About This Business” Section

Once you’ve located what appears to be the correct listing, click on it to expand the full business information. Look for the “About” section, which contains the core details: full address, phone number, website URL, and operating hours.

This is also where you’ll spot any “Suggest an edit” prompts, which indicate that Google has identified potential inaccuracies in the listing information. These prompts are valuable indicators—if you see them, take the suggested information with a grain of salt and verify through other sources.

Step 4 – Open the Google Business Profile

Click on the business name or “View larger map” to access the complete Google Business Profile page. This is where you’ll find the full picture: customer-uploaded photos, recent reviews, questions and answers from other visitors, and posts from the business owner (if they’re actively managing their listing).

The profile page also shows additional details like business attributes (wheelchair accessible, outdoor seating, etc.), popular visiting times, and sometimes even a virtual tour. If the business has multiple locations, you’ll see links to view other branches from this same profile.

Step 5 – Confirm Accuracy and Ownership Status

Here’s the critical final step that most people skip: determining whether the business actually owns and manages this listing. Look for a “Claim this business” button—if you see this, it means the business hasn’t verified their ownership with Google, which often leads to incomplete or outdated information.

If the information seems current and complete, the business likely has claimed their listing. However, you can always use the “Suggest an edit” feature if you notice discrepancies between what’s listed and what you know to be true about the business.

Verifying Listing Accuracy and Ownership

Determining whether a business listing is claimed and actively managed isn’t always straightforward, but there are clear indicators. Claimed listings typically have complete information, recent photos uploaded by the business owner, regular posts or updates, and prompt responses to customer reviews. Unclaimed listings often show sparse information, outdated photos, and the telltale “Claim this business” button.

When I discovered that my friend’s restaurant had an unclaimed listing with wrong hours and an old phone number, we went through Google’s verification process, which involved receiving a postcard at the business address with a verification code. Within 48 hours of claiming it, they had corrected all the information and started seeing more accurate customer traffic.

If you’re not the business owner but notice incorrect information, Google makes it easy to suggest edits. Click “Suggest an edit” and choose what needs to be corrected—address, phone number, hours, or other details. Google reviews these suggestions and updates the listing if the changes are verified. According to latest local SEO best practices, businesses that maintain accurate listing information see significantly better local search performance.

The verification process for business owners typically involves receiving a verification code by mail, phone, or email, depending on the business type and Google’s assessment of the listing’s risk level. Once verified, business owners gain access to Google Business Profile management tools, including the ability to post updates, respond to reviews, and view insights about how customers find their business.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

The most frequent problem I encounter is duplicate listings that split a business’s online visibility. This happens when a business gets listed multiple times with slight variations in the name or address. For example, “Mike’s Auto Repair” and “Mike’s Auto Repair Shop” might create separate listings, dividing customer reviews and confusing Google’s algorithm about which is the authoritative listing.

Incorrect addresses and phone numbers are equally problematic, especially for businesses that have relocated or changed contact information. These errors often persist because unclaimed listings don’t get updated, and previous directory submissions continue feeding wrong information into Google’s system.

Missing business categories and services represent another common oversight. A business might be listed simply as “Restaurant” when they should be categorized as “Italian Restaurant,” “Pizza Delivery,” and “Catering Service.” This specificity matters because it affects which search queries trigger the business listing to appear. Just like understanding how to find out if your business is listed on directories, knowing your category placement is crucial for visibility.

Optimizing the Listing for Better Visibility

Complete business profiles consistently outperform incomplete ones in local search rankings. This means filling out every available field: business description, attributes (like “wheelchair accessible” or “free Wi-Fi”), service areas, and uploading high-quality photos of your business, products, and team.

Customer reviews play a massive role in both search rankings and customer decision-making. Businesses should actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond professionally to all reviews, both positive and negative. Google’s algorithm interprets regular review activity as a sign of an active, legitimate business.

The business description field offers an opportunity to naturally include relevant keywords while describing what makes your business unique. Instead of writing “We are a restaurant,” try “Family-owned Italian restaurant serving authentic pasta and wood-fired pizza in downtown Springfield since 1985.” This approach provides useful information while incorporating search terms potential customers might use.

Regular posting through the Google Business Profile (updates, special offers, events) signals to Google that the business is active and engaged with customers. These posts appear in search results and can include call-to-action buttons that drive phone calls, website visits, or direction requests. Similar to how you might research how to find out which listing agent sold a home simple methods, potential customers appreciate current, detailed information when making business decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Google Business Listing?

A Google Business Listing, now called a Google Business Profile, is a free listing that businesses can create to appear in Google Search and Maps results. It displays essential business information including address, phone number, hours, photos, and customer reviews, helping local customers discover and connect with businesses.

How do I claim a business listing on Google?

To claim a business listing, search for your business on Google, find your listing, and click “Claim this business.” Google will verify your ownership through mail, phone, or email verification. Once verified, you can manage all aspects of your listing including information updates, photos, and customer interaction.

Why isn’t my business showing up in Google search?

Your business might not appear due to several factors: an unclaimed or incomplete listing, incorrect business information, lack of consistent online presence across directories, or insufficient local SEO optimization. Creating and fully optimizing a Google Business Profile is typically the first step to improving local search visibility.

How can I edit my Google Business information?

If you own the business, log into your Google Business Profile dashboard to edit information directly. If you don’t own the business but notice incorrect information, click “Suggest an edit” on the listing. Google reviews suggested changes and updates verified information.

Can I add multiple locations to one Google Business account?

Yes, Google Business Profile supports multiple business locations under one account. Each location gets its own separate listing with location-specific information, but they can be managed centrally. This is particularly useful for franchise businesses, retail chains, or service businesses with multiple offices.

Whether you’re trying to find your own business listing or locate information about another company, these systematic search methods ensure you’ll find accurate, current business information every time. The key is understanding that Google Business Profiles are the authoritative source for local business information, and knowing how to navigate Google’s search ecosystem efficiently. Take a moment to search for a business you frequent and practice these techniques—you’ll be surprised how much additional information you discover that wasn’t immediately obvious. For business owners reading this, now’s the perfect time to search for your own listing and ensure it accurately represents your business, because if you can’t find it easily, neither can your potential customers.