Why Your Landscaping Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google (and How to Fix It)

You’ve worked hard to build your landscaping business. You’ve got the ute, the tools, a great team, and even a website. But when someone jumps on Google and types in “landscaper near me”… crickets.

Your phone doesn’t ring. Your competitors get the jobs. And you’re left wondering why you’re stuck quoting for mulch or mowing when others are landing big outdoor kitchens and luxury alfresco spaces.

The good news? It’s not that Google hates you. There are clear reasons why your landscaping business isn’t showing up online — and even better, there are simple ways to fix it.

Let’s break it down.

1. Your Google Business Profile Isn’t Optimised

Google gives every business a free listing called a Google Business Profile. This is what shows up in Google Maps and the “3-pack” (those top three businesses you often see on the first page).

The problem? Most landscapers set it up once and never touch it again.

Here’s what Google looks for:

• Correct business name, address, and phone number (make sure these match your website).

• Clear service areas (suburbs you actually work in).

• Photos — not stock ones, but real photos of your jobs.

• Regular updates (yes, you can post on Google just like Facebook).

• Lots of reviews from happy customers.

Quick fix: Log into your profile, add fresh job photos every week, and start asking your best clients to leave you a Google review.

2. Your Website Isn’t Targeting the Right Jobs

Here’s a big one. Many landscapers have a website that just says “We do landscaping.” That’s too vague. Google doesn’t know if you build decks, install fire pits, or just mow lawns.

If you want high-paying jobs, your website needs dedicated pages for each service. For example:

• Outdoor Kitchens in [Your Town]

• Retaining Walls and Stonework

• Fire Pits and Alfresco Spaces

• Complete Backyard Makeovers

When someone searches “retaining wall builder Bowral”, Google is more likely to show a page that specifically talks about retaining walls in Bowral — not a general “we do everything” page.

Quick fix: Make a page for each service you actually want more of. Fill it with photos, explain the process, and answer common questions about cost, timing, and materials.

3. You Don’t Have Enough Local SEO Signals

Google wants to know: are you a real, trusted local business?

If your competitors are showing up above you, it’s usually because they’ve built more local signals, like:

• Listings in local directories (think HiPages, Yellow Pages, Houzz).

• Mentions of your business name on other websites.

• More (and better) Google reviews.

• Using suburb names on their site (e.g. “Southern Highlands Landscaping” instead of just “Landscaping”).

Quick fix:

• Add your business to a few key directories.

• Mention the suburbs you serve on your website.

• Ask every happy client for a review (and reply to them too).

4. You’re Not Ready for AI Search

This one’s new. Google has started showing AI answers at the top of search results. Tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity also give recommendations when people ask, “Who’s the best landscaper near me?”

Here’s the catch: these AI tools only recommend businesses that have strong, clear content online. If your website is vague, or if you don’t have many reviews, you won’t even be mentioned.

Quick fix: Write short blog posts or FAQs that answer common questions, like:

• “How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen in [your town]?”

• “What’s the best stone for a retaining wall?”

• “How long does it take to redo a backyard?”

These answers help you rank on Google and also make sure AI tools see you as an authority.

The Bottom Line

If you’re not showing up on Google, it’s usually down to a few simple things:

• A neglected Google Business Profile.

• A website that’s too general.

• Weak local SEO signals.

• No strategy for the new world of AI search.

The good news is, once you fix these, you’ll stop wasting time quoting small jobs — and start landing the $30K, $50K, even $100K outdoor projects that change your business.

Ready to Get Found?

At Trade Up Digital, we help landscapers like you show up on Google, get found in AI search, and turn clicks into real jobs.