Why is my website not showing on Google? 7 common reasons

You built a website, searched for your business name, and nothing came up. Do not panic. This is very common, and the cause is usually simple. Here are the usual reasons, in the order we would check them.

1. Google has not found it yet

A brand-new site can take days or weeks to appear. Google needs to discover it first. You can speed this up by adding your site to Google Search Console, which is free, and submitting your sitemap. Ask whoever built your site to do this, or to give you access.

2. The site is telling Google to stay away

Sometimes a site is built with a setting that says "do not index this page", often left on from the testing stage. If someone has left it on, Google will politely ignore you. This is easy to fix once it is found.

3. You are searching for the wrong thing

Searching for your exact business name is the easiest test. Searching for something general like "web designer" is very competitive, and a new site will not be near the top. Test by name first, then by what you do plus your city.

4. Your pages do not say what you do

Google reads your text. If your pages are mostly images, or only say "Welcome", there is little for it to match to a search. Each page should clearly say what it is about, using the words your customers use.

5. No one links to you

Links from other websites tell Google that you are real and useful. Your Google Business Profile, your social media profiles, local directories and any partner or supplier websites are all good places to start.

6. The site is slow or hard to use on a phone

Most people search on their phones. A slow site, or one that is awkward to use on a small screen, is ranked lower. Test yours on your own phone.

7. It is just early

Ranking well takes time, even when everything is set up correctly. Think in months, not days. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a number one position. Nobody can promise that honestly.

What to do today

1. Search for your business name and see what appears.
2. Check that your site is in Google Search Console.
3. Claim your free Google Business Profile if you serve local customers.
4. Make sure every page clearly says what it offers and where.

If you would like us to look at your site, our SEO service covers exactly this, and our free guide explains the basics step by step.