Why Your Website Isn’t Showing Up on Google

You’ve got a great-looking website. You’ve launched it. You’ve shared the link. But when you search for your business on Google… nothing. You’re buried past page five, or worse, you’re nowhere to be found.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Getting your website to show up on Google isn’t just about hitting “publish.” It takes strategy, structure, and a few behind-the-scenes essentials. Let’s break down why your website might not be ranking, and what you can do to fix it.

1. You’re Not Using the Right Keywords

Search engines work by matching what people are searching for (keywords) with the content on your website. If you’re not using the words and phrases your audience is actually typing into Google, your site won’t show up.

Fix it:
Do some basic keyword research. Think about what your customers search for, not just your business name, but terms like:

• “Affordable wedding venue near Wilmington”
• “Veterinarian in Wrightsville Beach”
• “Best website design company for nonprofits”

Use those phrases naturally throughout your website, especially in your headlines, page titles, and key content.

2. Your Page Titles and Descriptions Need Work

Every page on your site should have a unique title tag and meta description, the snippets that show up in Google results. If these are missing, generic, or duplicated, Google has a harder time indexing your content correctly.

Fix it:
Make sure each page has a short, clear title (with your keyword) and a compelling description that encourages clicks. Think of them like a headline and teaser.

3. Your Website Loads Too Slowly

Page speed is a ranking factor. If your site takes forever to load, visitors will bounce, and Google will notice. Common culprits include oversized images, unnecessary plugins, and bloated code.

Fix it:
Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights. Compress large images, remove anything that’s not essential. The goal is to streamline your site’s performance.

4. You’re Missing Local SEO Signals

If you’re a local business, Google needs to know where you are. Without local SEO in place, your site won’t show up in “near me” searches or local map results.

Fix it:

• Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are clearly listed on your site.
• Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile.
• Use city or region-specific keywords throughout your content (but naturally).

5. Your Website Isn’t Mobile-Friendly

Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means it ranks your site based on the mobile version. If your site doesn’t look good or function well on a phone, that could tank your visibility.

Fix it:
Visit your website on a phone. Is the text readable? Is the menu easy to use? Are the buttons clickable? If not, it’s time for a responsive redesign.

6. You’re Not Creating Fresh, Relevant Content

Websites that never change or grow can slowly slip in rankings. Google loves sites that stay active and relevant.

Fix it:
Consider adding a blog, updating your services regularly, or posting new projects. Even small updates help keep your site in Google’s good graces.

7. You Haven’t Given It Time (or Asked for Help)

SEO isn’t instant. Even if you do everything right, it can take weeks or even months to see movement, especially for newer sites or competitive search terms.

But if your site’s been live for a while and still isn’t showing up, it might be time to bring in a professional.

That’s where we come in.

At GM Web Services, we help small businesses, nonprofits, and service providers build websites that not only look great, they actually get found. From optimizing your keywords to updating your site content, we make sure your website is built to perform.

Let’s Get Your Website Ranking

Want to find out what’s holding your website back?
Contact us to schedule a free consultation or audit.