Why is my website not showing up on Google?

Why your website might not appear in Google searches

Answering the questions below can help you understand how to get your website found by Google.

When did you first publish your site?
Even if you have followed all the advice here and elsewhere, it can still take several days, or as long as 2 weeks, for your site to start appearing in Google searches.

Have you completed the Optimization Assistant?
The Assistant analyzes your site before you publish. It can help you to include many of the important details that a website needs to be successful.

What are you typing into Google to find your website?
Even the most well known websites can’t appear in search results for every phrase typed into Google. For example, a tapas bar in Barcelona will have a lot of competition. If you simply type ‘tapas Barcelona’ there will be hundreds of restaurants in the search results. You may have to specify the neighborhood, or even the street. You can also try typing something more specific, if it is relevant, for example ‘vegetarian tapas Barcelona’.

Have you put your keywords into your Titles?
When you have defined the phrase you want to compete for, a phrase that is relevant to what you do, make sure that the words in this phrase are in your ‘Page Title’ and ‘Title for Search Engines’. The ‘Title for Search Engines’ is edited by clicking on the ‘G’ icon.

Have you written a good amount of text for your pages?
At least 300 words per page?
Or do your pages contain mainly photos and graphics?

Google will often ignore pages that have little or no text. The absolute minimum you should have on one page is 300 words.

If your site is Smart or Pro, have you enabled the SimDif SEO Directory?
Adding your site to the Directory will give it a quality backlink, which Google will appreciate. You can do this in 'Site Settings' (yellow button, top right).
The FAQ, 'SEO #9', has detailed instructions, with a video, on how to do this.

Have you verified your site and submitted your sitemap in Google Search Console?
The FAQ, 'SEO #10', has detailed instructions, with a video.

I have done all of the above and my website is still not on Google
If you have covered all the points above, and after 2 weeks your website is still not on Google, even when you type the exact same phrase that is in the "Title for Search Engines" of your homepage, please contact us in the app.