Your website may not show on Google because it is new, because it is blocked by a setting, or because other pages are ranking above it. To find out which, type site:yourdomain.com into Google. If your pages appear, Google knows the site and you have a ranking problem. If nothing appears, you have an indexing problem.
"Not indexed" and "not ranking" are different problems with different fixes. Test which one you have before you spend money.
The 30-second test
Google's own starter guide suggests this: search for your site with the site: operator. If you see your pages, you are in the index.
When Google has not indexed it
1. The site is new
Google needs time to find a new site. Connect Search Console, submit your sitemap, and link to the site from your Google Business Profile and social pages. Google says crawling can take from a few days to a few weeks, and that asking for a crawl does not guarantee inclusion.
2. A noindex tag is blocking the page
This is very common after launch, as test sites are often hidden from search and the setting stays on. In WordPress, check Settings, then Reading, then "Discourage search engines". Search Console's URL Inspection tool will tell you if a page has this tag.
3. robots.txt is blocking Google
Open yourdomain.com/robots.txt. A line saying Disallow: / under all user agents asks crawlers to stay away from the whole site. Remove it unless that is what you want.
4. Nothing links to the site
Google finds pages mostly through links. A site with no links from anywhere is harder to discover. Your profile, social pages and business directories are simple places to start.
5. The pages add little value, or are copies
Google does not index everything. Very short pages, near-duplicates, and text copied from suppliers or other websites may be left out. Search Console's page indexing report shows why particular pages were skipped.
When it is indexed but hard to find
6. You are searching for the wrong words
Search for what customers type, not your own business name or job title. Search Console shows the real searches where your site appears.
7. Your pages do not answer the search
If people want prices and your page only says "contact us", other pages will likely rank first. See our on-page SEO checklist.
8. Stronger competitors
Older sites with more useful content and more links are hard to pass quickly. Start with narrower searches, such as a specific service in a specific area.
9. A penalty or a hacked site
This is rare but serious. Check Search Console for manual actions and security issues. If your site shows spam pages you did not create, read our website security checklist.
Your fix-it checklist
What not to pay for
Be careful with paid "submission to 500 search engines" offers and anyone promising instant indexing. You do not need to pay Google to be included in normal search results.
Common questions
How long does it take for a new website to show on Google?
Often days to a few weeks for indexing. Ranking for useful searches usually takes much longer.
Why does my site show on my phone but not my friend's?
Results differ with location, past searches and device. Search Console gives a more reliable view than checking by hand.
Does paying for Google Ads help my normal ranking?
No. Ads and normal results are separate. Ads can get you seen while SEO work builds up.
Next step
Stuck after checking these? Send us your web address and we will tell you what we find. Our SEO service covers indexing fixes, technical work and content.