You launched a website — but it doesn't show up on Google. Here are the 12 most common reasons, and what to do about each.
1–3: Google can't find or index it
- Not indexed: check
site:yourdomain.comand Search Console's Pages report. - Blocked by robots.txt or noindex — common after redesigns.
- No sitemap submitted.
4–6: Technical problems
- Slow loading, especially on mobile.
- Duplicate content without canonical tags.
- Broken mobile layout.
7–9: Content problems
- Targeting the wrong keywords — too broad or no search volume.
- Thin pages with little helpful information.
- No dedicated page per service or location.
10–12: Authority & competition
- No backlinks from trusted sites.
- New domain — trust takes time.
- Strong competitors who've invested in SEO for years.
The fix, in order
- Technical audit and indexing fixes
- Keyword map and dedicated pages
- Content improvements
- Local SEO and link building
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my website is on Google?
Search site:yourdomain.com on Google and review the Pages report in Google Search Console.
How long does it take a new website to rank?
New sites often take 3–6 months or more to rank for competitive keywords, depending on content, links and competition.
Can a website redesign hurt SEO?
Yes, if URLs, redirects and on-page SEO aren't handled carefully. Always plan an SEO migration.
