You've launched your website, searched for it on Google, and nothing. Or your site appears when you type your exact business name, but never when customers search for what you sell. Both are common, and both are usually fixable.
First, a 30-second check
Go to Google and search site:yourdomain.com (with your own domain). Google notes this doesn't always show every indexed page, but it's a good first check.
- Nothing shows up? Google hasn't indexed your site. Start with reasons 1 to 5.
- Your pages show up, but not when you search for your services? Google knows your site but doesn't rank it yet. Jump to reasons 6 to 9.
For a proper answer, set up Google Search Console. It's free, and it tells you exactly which pages Google has indexed and why others weren't.
1. The site is too new
Google says it can take a few weeks to notice a new site. Small sites with no links pointing to them can take longer.
Fix it: add your site to Search Console, submit your sitemap, and use the URL Inspection tool to request indexing for your homepage and main service pages.
2. A "noindex" tag is telling Google to stay away
This is the most common cause after a new launch. Developers often hide a site from Google while it's being built, then forget to switch that off. On WordPress it's a single checkbox called "Discourage search engines from indexing this site".
Fix it: inspect your homepage in Search Console. If it reports "Excluded by 'noindex' tag", remove the tag or untick that setting, then request indexing again.
3. Your robots.txt file blocks Google
The robots.txt file tells search engines where they may go. One wrong line, often "Disallow: /", blocks your entire site.
Fix it: open yourdomain.com/robots.txt in a browser. If you see "Disallow: /" under "User-agent: *", that's blocking every search engine. Remove it and check the file in Search Console.
4. Google can't reach your pages
Pages behind a login, pages that only appear after a search or a click, broken links and server errors can all stop Google from finding your content.
Fix it: open your site in a private browser window to confirm it loads for strangers. Then check the Pages report in Search Console for errors, and make sure every important page is linked from your menu or footer.
5. Nothing links to your site
Google discovers new pages mostly by following links from pages it already knows. A brand-new site that no other website mentions is easy to miss.
Fix it: create a Google Business Profile, list your business in reputable directories for your industry, and ask partners, suppliers and associations to link to you. Never buy links. It breaks Google's spam rules and can get your site penalised.
6. You're searching for the wrong thing
Your site may well rank for your business name, but customers search for "wedding photographer in Jaipur", not "Sharma Studios". Also, your own Google results are personalised, so what you see isn't exactly what customers see.
Fix it: open the Performance report in Search Console. It shows the searches you actually appear for and your average position. If you're at position 30 for an important phrase, Google knows you're relevant. You just aren't on page one yet.
7. Your pages don't match what people search for
A single "Services" page with three bullet points can't rank for ten different services. Google ranks pages, not businesses, and each page needs to clearly answer one need.
Fix it: give each main service its own page, written in the words your customers use. Add useful detail such as who it's for, what's included, how long it takes and common questions. If you serve specific areas, say so.
8. The competition is stronger, for now
For popular searches you're competing with businesses that have years of reviews, content and links. A new site rarely beats them straight away.
Fix it: start with more specific searches you can win, like "kitchen renovation in Baner" rather than "interior designer". For local businesses, a complete and active Google Business Profile with genuine reviews is often the fastest way into the map results.
9. A technical or quality problem is holding you back
Very slow pages, sites that don't work well on phones, copied or duplicate content, and hacked pages can all keep you low. Occasionally Google takes manual action against a site that breaks its rules.
Fix it: check the Security & Manual Actions section in Search Console. Run your main pages through PageSpeed Insights (our guide to why websites are slow explains the scores). Make sure every page has its own title and original text.
Your 15-minute checklist
- Search site:yourdomain.com.
- Set up Google Search Console and verify your site.
- Submit your sitemap.
- Inspect your homepage and check for "noindex".
- Open yourdomain.com/robots.txt and look for "Disallow: /".
- Request indexing for your five most important pages.
- Create or update your Google Business Profile.
- Check the Performance report again in two to four weeks.
Once Google can see you, the next step is being chosen. If visitors arrive but don't enquire, read Website traffic but no leads?.
Questions people ask
How long does it take for a new website to show up on Google?
Google says it can take a few weeks to notice a new site. Ranking well for competitive searches usually takes several months.
Do I have to pay Google to show up in search results?
No. Normal search results are free. Google Ads are paid placements, and they're marked as sponsored.
Why does my website show up for my business name but not my services?
Google has indexed your site but doesn't rank it for those searches yet. Give each service its own detailed page, start with specific local searches, and build reviews and links.
Is Google Search Console free?
Yes. It's a free tool from Google that shows which pages are indexed, which searches you appear for, and any problems Google finds.