Why Isn’t My Business Showing Up on Google? The New Rules of Online Visibility

4 min read2 days ago

In a world where 300 million people use ChatGPT every week and 67.7 million Americans use AI to find businesses, being invisible online isn’t just a marketing oversight; it’s a business emergency. Here’s what every business owner needs to know about digital visibility in 2025.

Last week, I discovered something that changed how I view digital visibility forever.

I was celebrating with a client whose salon had just hit #1 on both Google AND ChatGPT for “best salon in Westlake Village, CA.” A huge win, right? But what happened next revealed a disturbing trend affecting talented business owners everywhere.

The Invisible Expert Phenomenon

Curious about other businesses, I started searching for professionals I personally know and trust. These aren’t just any business owners; they’re experts in their fields. People whose work I’ve experienced firsthand. Entrepreneurs who command premium prices and deliver exceptional results.

First, I searched their names. (Because in 2025, your personal brand matters just as much as your business name, if not more.)

Nothing.

Then I searched their businesses.

Still nothing.

I dug deeper into Google… past the first page… past the second… finally finding a broken link to an old website on page three. In the digital world, they might as well not exist.

The Digital Visibility Paradox

Here’s what’s shocking: Businesses that’ve been open for much less time (and to be honest, ones I’ve never even heard of) were popping up! Fresh website content, recent press features, updated social profiles, glowing reviews. They’re not just on page one… they’re the first result.

Let me be clear: This isn’t about who’s better at their craft. My freinds are INCREDIBLE at what they do. They have:

Years of expertise
Transformational client results
Fully booked schedules
Premium pricing
Waitlists of happy customers

But in the digital world? They’re invisible. Both their businesses AND their personal brands… nowhere to be found.

The AI Revolution in Business Search

Here’s the reality that’s keeping me up at night: 67.7 million Americans are using ChatGPT to find businesses like yours. Your potential clients are asking AI for recommendations RIGHT NOW. And AI can only recommend what it can see.

Your years of experience? Your incredible client transformations? Your packed waitlist? None of it matters if you’re invisible online.

The Digital Visibility Test: Are You Hidden From Your Dream Clients?

Let’s discover what your potential clients see when they look for you. Try these searches:

YOUR NAME (your personal brand matters more than ever)
Your business name
Your service + city
Ask ChatGPT to recommend businesses like yours in your area

Take screenshots of what you find. This is exactly what your potential clients see when they’re searching.

3 Immediate Actions to Boost Your Digital Visibility

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

It’s completely free
It creates that professional box on the right when people Google you
Add RECENT photos of your work and current headshots (Google loves fresh content)

2. Activate Your Client Reviews

When clients compliment your work, ask if they’d share that exact feeling in a review
Reviews influence both Google AND ChatGPT rankings
Respond to every review (yes, even the old ones) to boost engagement

3. Share Your Expert Knowledge

Answer common client questions on your social media
Transform daily client conversations into valuable content
AI prioritizes content that solves real problems

Remember: Start with one action today. Your future clients are searching right now.

The Bottom Line

The rules of business visibility have changed dramatically. It’s no longer enough to be excellent at what you do… you need to be searchable. The good news? With these strategies, you can start building your digital visibility today.

If you find yourself needing help to expand your online presence, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert assistance. Visit my website at www.dawnajarvis.com for more information on how we can work together to ensure your digital footprint reflects the best version of you or your brand.