Your website is live, but no one can find it on Google. If your business isn’t appearing in search results, you’re missing out on potential customers.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) plays an important role in visibility, but many factors can prevent your site from ranking. Here’s why your website isn’t showing up, and how to fix it.

1. Your Website Isn’t Indexed

Google can’t rank a site it doesn’t know exists. If your website hasn’t been indexed, it won’t appear in search results.

How to check:

• Search site:yourwebsite.com on Google. If no results appear, your site isn’t indexed.
• Use Google Search Console to see if your site has indexing issues.
• Submit your XML sitemap to Google to speed up the indexing process.

2. Your Content Lacks Relevant Keywords

Google matches search queries to relevant content. If your website doesn’t include the right keywords, it won’t rank for searches related to your business.

How to fix it:

• Research keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner.
• Optimise page titles, headings, and content with relevant terms.
• Avoid keyword stuffing – use natural, useful content that answers search intent.

3. Your Website is Too New

New websites take time to rank. Google prioritises established websites with a track record of useful content and backlinks.

What you can do:

• Keep publishing valuable content to build credibility.
• Get backlinks from reputable sources (industry blogs, directories, collaborations).
• Stay patient – SEO takes time, but consistent effort pays off.

4. Your Website Has Poor On-Page SEO

On-page SEO refers to elements within your website that impact rankings. If your site isn’t optimised correctly, Google may not prioritise it.

Check these SEO fundamentals:

• Unique title tags and meta descriptions for each page.
• Headings structured with H1, H2, H3 tags.
• Internal links that help Google understand site structure.
• Image alt text for accessibility and search visibility.

5. Your Site Has Technical SEO Issues

Google favours websites that offer a smooth user experience. If your site has technical problems, it could be harming your rankings.

Common technical SEO issues:

• Slow loading speed – Test with Google PageSpeed Insights and improve by optimising images and code.
• Mobile-unfriendly design – Ensure your site is responsive and works well on all devices.
• Broken links and errors – Use tools like Screaming Frog to detect and fix them.
• Duplicate content – Google penalises pages with identical or copied content.

6. Your Website Lacks Backlinks

Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) act as votes of confidence. If reputable sites link to your content, Google sees your site as more authoritative.

How to get backlinks:

• Write guest posts for industry websites.
• List your business in local directories (Google Business Profile, Yellow Pages, True Local).
• Create high-quality, shareable content that earns links naturally.

7. You’re Not Using Google Business Profile (For Local SEO)

For local businesses, a Google Business Profile is essential. Without it, you’ll struggle to appear in “near me” searches.

Fix this by:

• Claiming your Google Business Profile.
• Filling in all details (address, phone, services, photos).
• Encouraging happy customers to leave Google reviews.

8. Google Has Penalised Your Site

If your website violated Google’s guidelines, it may be penalised, reducing its visibility in search results.

Possible reasons for penalties:

• Spammy backlinks from low-quality sites.
• Duplicate or stolen content.
• Keyword stuffing and unnatural link-building tactics.

How to fix it:

• Check Google Search Console for penalties or manual actions.
• Remove low-quality backlinks using the disavow tool.
• Follow ethical SEO practices to avoid future penalties.

Get Found on Google

If your website isn’t ranking, it’s not working as a marketing tool. By fixing indexing issues, optimising content, and improving SEO, you’ll increase visibility and attract more visitors.

Need help improving your website’s search rankings? Contact Focus’d Media Studios for expert SEO and website optimisation.