So, you’ve launched your business, built a website, and you’re ready to take on the world. But when you type your business name into Google, you’re met with… nothing. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many business owners face the same challenge. Let’s break down the common reasons why your business might be MIA on Google search and what you can do about it.
Your Website is Brand New (or Newly Updated)
Think of Google as a librarian. When a new book (your website) hits the shelves, it takes time for the librarian (Google) to catalog it. Google uses “crawlers” or “spiders” to explore the internet and index websites. If your site is new, Google simply might not have found it yet. Similarly, if you’ve made big changes to your website, it can take Google a while to re-index the updated version.
What to do:
- Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console: This is like giving the librarian a table of contents, making it easier for them to understand your site’s structure.
- Request indexing: In Google Search Console, you can specifically request Google to crawl and index individual pages.
- Be patient: Indexing can take time, from a few days to a couple of weeks.
You Haven’t Claimed Your Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is crucial for local businesses. It’s what shows up in the map pack and the right-hand sidebar when people search for your business or related services in your area. If you haven’t claimed and optimized your profile, you’re missing a huge opportunity to appear in local search results.
What to do:
- Claim or create your Google Business Profile: Go to Google Business Profile and follow the steps to claim your business.
- Optimize your profile: Fill out every section completely and accurately. Include your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, categories, and a compelling description.
- Add photos: High-quality photos of your business, products, and team can significantly improve your profile’s appeal.
- Encourage reviews: Positive reviews can boost your ranking and credibility. Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile.
Your Website Lacks SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search results. If your website isn’t properly optimized, Google may struggle to understand what your business is about and who it should show your site to.
What to do:
- Keyword research: Identify the keywords that your target audience is using to search for your products or services. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Semrush.
- On-page optimization: Incorporate your target keywords into your website’s titles, headings, meta descriptions, and content. Make sure your content is high-quality, informative, and engaging.
- Off-page optimization: Build high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites. This signals to Google that your website is trustworthy and authoritative.
- Technical SEO: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and has a clear and logical structure.
You’re Competing with Established Businesses
If you’re in a competitive industry, it can be tough to outrank established businesses with strong online presences. These businesses likely have years of SEO work under their belts, a large number of backlinks, and a recognizable brand.
What to do:
- Focus on niche keywords: Instead of trying to rank for broad, competitive keywords, target more specific, long-tail keywords that have less competition. For example, instead of “Italian restaurant,” try “authentic Italian pasta in [your city].”
- Local SEO: Optimize your Google Business Profile and website for local search. Target local keywords and build citations (mentions of your business name, address, and phone number) on local directories.
- Content marketing: Create valuable and informative content that addresses your target audience’s needs and interests. This can help you attract more organic traffic and build your authority.
Your Website Has Technical Issues
Technical issues can prevent Google from properly crawling and indexing your website. These issues can include:
- Robots.txt file blocking Google: This file tells search engines which pages on your site they can and cannot crawl. Make sure it’s not accidentally blocking Google from accessing important pages.
- Noindex tags: These tags tell search engines not to index specific pages. Ensure important pages aren’t accidentally marked as “noindex.”
- Broken links: Broken links can frustrate users and hurt your SEO. Use a tool like Broken Link Checker to find and fix them.
- Slow loading speed: A slow website can negatively impact your ranking. Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s speed and identify areas for improvement.
- Mobile-unfriendly design: With more people using mobile devices to search, it’s crucial to have a mobile-friendly website. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check your site.
Penalties from Google
In some cases, your website might not be showing up on Google because it’s been penalized for violating Google’s webmaster guidelines. Penalties can be manual (issued by a Google employee) or algorithmic (applied automatically by Google’s algorithms).
What to do:
- Check Google Search Console for manual actions: If you’ve received a manual penalty, you’ll see a notification in Google Search Console. Follow the instructions to address the issue and submit a reconsideration request.
- Identify and fix any violations of Google’s guidelines: This might include things like keyword stuffing, cloaking, or using manipulative link building techniques.
Getting your business to show up on Google search takes time, effort, and a bit of patience. By addressing these common issues and implementing a solid SEO strategy, you can improve your visibility and attract more customers online.
Need help getting your business found online? Contact us for a free SEO consultation!