Website not showing on Google? 10 causes and how to fix them
Website not showing on Google? The most common causes, from Google not knowing it exists to it not answering what people actually search for.
"I've had a website for a year and nobody calls me from Google." A website not showing on Google is one of the most common complaints. Fortunately, there is almost always a specific cause, and many are quick to fix. Go through them in this order.
Google does not know your website
Search Google for site:yourdomain.com. So if nothing appears, Google has not indexed your website. Sign up for Search Console and submit your sitemap; see Google Search Console explained.
The website blocks search engines
It often happens when a website goes live from staging: a "noindex" tag or a robots.txt blocking everything is left behind. Search Console flags it in URL inspection.
Your website is too new for Google
A newly published website takes days or weeks to be indexed and longer to gain positions. That is normal; what matters is that it is well built when the time comes.
You are searching for what you say, not what clients search
You may appear for your trading name but not for "physiotherapist in your area]". Review the words you use. Ideas in [how to choose keywords.
Your website has too little content for Google
A home page with a photo and a phone number does not tell Google what your business is about. Instead, you need to explain services, where you work, indicative prices, FAQs.
Everything is on one page
If you offer five services, each deserves its own page. By contrast, with one general page you compete worse for each specific search.
It is slow or looks bad on mobile
Google mainly indexes the mobile version and considers user experience. Check website speed and responsive websites.
You have no Google Business Profile
For local searches, the map comes before websites. Without a verified profile and reviews, it is very hard to appear. Step by step in how to get on Google Maps.
Nobody talks about you
Without reviews, directory mentions or links from other websites, Google has few clues that you are a real, recommendable business.
You changed website and lost what you had
If you redesigned and page addresses changed without redirects, Google lost your pages. More in redesign without losing Google rankings.
One more: it has been hacked
If strange pages or security warnings appear when searching for your website, that is the first problem to solve. More in why WordPress sites get hacked.
Where to start if your website is not showing on Google
- Check Google knows your website (site:).
- Sign up for Search Console and Bing.
- Create or complete your Business Profile.
- Then make sure each service has its own page with useful text.
- Ask clients for reviews.
If your website has deeper problems and you would rather start fresh, Nueva Página websites come ready for Google from day one. See prices in the cost calculator.
How to check in five minutes why your website is not showing on Google
You do not need to be technical for a first diagnosis. First, type `site:yourdomain.com` into Google: if no pages appear, Google does not have your website yet. Then search your exact business name; if your Instagram appears but not your website, it is usually a matter of time or a missing Search Console registration.
Next, search your service and your town, for example "physiotherapy in Leeds", and see who appears. If your website is on page three, the problem is not technical: it is content or reviews. In addition, Google's SEO starter guide explains how all of this works with examples. Those three searches already tell you where to start.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Google take to index a new page?
From a few days to a few weeks. Submitting the sitemap and requesting indexing in Search Console helps.
Do Google Ads improve organic rankings?
No. In fact, Google ads are independent of organic results.
Can anyone guarantee my website first place on Google?
No. Therefore, be wary of anyone who promises it: nobody controls Google's algorithm.
How much is a fresh start with a website built for Google?
At Nueva Página, from €349 + VAT where applicable as a one-off payment, with basic SEO and Google registration included. See the cost calculator.