12 March 2026
Is Your Business Easy to Find Online? Here's How to Check in 10 Minutes
Most small business owners assume they're findable. Many aren't.
Last reviewed: 12 March 2026
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It's a question worth asking yourself honestly: if a stranger heard about your business today and searched for you online, what would they find?
Not what you hope they'd find — what they'd actually see. Thursday is a good day to check, while there's still time to fix anything before the weekend rush.
Here's a quick audit you can do right now, no technical knowledge required.
Step 1: Google Your Own Business Name
Open an incognito or private browser tab (so your own browsing history doesn't skew the results) and search for your business name.
Ask yourself:
- Does anything come up at all?
- Is the information accurate — correct address, phone number, opening hours?
- Does what appears give a good first impression?
If you're not showing up, or if the details are wrong, that's costing you customers.
Step 2: Search What Your Customers Would Search
Your customers don't always search by name — especially new ones who haven't heard of you yet. Try searching terms like "window cleaner Durham" or "accountant Middlesbrough" and see where you land.
If a competitor shows up and you don't, that's a gap worth closing.
Step 3: Check Your Google Business Profile
If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile, do it today — it's free and it significantly improves how you appear in local search results and on Google Maps.
If you have one, log in and check:
- Are your opening hours correct, including any bank holiday variations?
- Is your phone number and website up to date?
- Have you responded to any recent reviews?
A neglected profile can actually work against you, signalling to potential customers that the business isn't active.
Step 4: Look at Your Website on Your Phone
Most people searching for a local business are doing it on their mobile. Pull up your website on your phone and ask: does this load quickly? Is the text readable without zooming in? Can you tap the phone number to call directly?
If the answer to any of those is no, you're losing people at the last hurdle.
Step 5: Try to Contact Yourself
Go through your own contact form or click your own email link. Does it work? Does it go somewhere that's actually monitored?
It sounds obvious, but broken contact forms are more common than you'd think — and a potential customer who can't reach you will simply move on to someone who can.
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What to Do If You Find Problems
Don't panic — most of these issues are fixable quickly. Updating your Google Business Profile takes minutes. Fixing incorrect contact details is straightforward. Getting a proper mobile-friendly website built doesn't have to cost a fortune.
The important thing is knowing what's broken before your customers find out for you.
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Ross Business Systems helps small businesses across the North East get their technology working properly — including building clean, professional websites from £299. Get in touch if you'd like a hand.
Primary next step
Fix discoverability gaps with a practical website and contact journey review.