Why Your Website Isn’t Showing Up on Google (And What I Did to Fix That for a Client)

Is Your Website Online But Invisible?

This past Monday, I decided to dedicate some time to my main client’s website. We’ve been working together for about a month, mostly focusing on social media so far. It wasn’t my first time working on their site, and to be fair, it looked polished, professional, and perfectly functional. The design was clean, the links worked, and everything felt on-brand.

Clients could book their appointments with no problem (I added a very cool scheduling tool, we’ll talk about that in another article). But when I opened a new tab and Googled them crickets. Nada. Not even on page five. That’s when it hit me: wasn’t the page visible?. The site was only being accessed through direct links or by typing the exact URL. And if your website only shows up when people already know it exists? You're not building reach, you're maintaining a secret club.

why your website isn’t showing up on Google — *Canva Stock Image*

Here’s the thing: websites don’t just magically appear on Google. For a website to show up in search results, it needs to be indexed, which means Google has to know it exists, understand what it's about, and believe it’s worth showing to others. That process depends on having content that matches real search terms that your ideal client would use, pages that are structured with the right tags, images labeled with alt text, and a website that's connected to tools like Google Search Console.

If your website hasn’t been optimized or submitted for indexing, Google is basically ignoring it, no matter how pretty it looks. And if your website isn’t showing up when people search for your services using a phrase like: “empanadas near me”, you’re not just missing clicks, you’re missing opportunities. Whether you're a coach, freelancer, or run a small business, your online presence needs more than a homepage and an about page. It needs strategy.

What’s the Real Reason Your Website Isn’t Ranking?

Google uses a long list of things to decide which websites deserve to show up in its search results. If your website isn’t showing up, it’s usually not about how long you’ve been online, it’s about how relevant, active, and useful your content is. You may have launched your website last year, but if you haven’t touched it since, Google will be treating it like a ghost town.

Some common reasons include no keyword strategy, no indexed content, images without alt text, and no blog or content updates. All of these things tell search engines your website isn’t alive. And if the algorithm isn’t convinced that your business provides value to customers searching for you, then you’re not going to rank, no matter how great your logo looks.

Design Isn’t the Problem. Backend Strategy Is.

Most business owners focus on design when building a website, some others just love to spam with sign-up buttons…and that’s not a bad thing. But beautiful websites that aren't properly optimized are like stores in the middle of a desert. You might have an amazing offer, the best branding, and a killer pitch…but if people can't find you, what’s the point?

The backend of your website is what makes it discoverable. I’m talking about alt text on your images, optimized meta descriptions, keyword-aligned headlines, and content that speaks to your audience’s needs. This isn’t just techy stuff for developers, these are the essentials that help Google understand what you offer and who you serve.

Nice Website. Now Let’s Make It Findable.

So on Monday, I reviewed my client’s website that had been online for a while but the backend had never been touched. I had done a few blogs and wondered about their performance. But there was: No backend optimization. No signs of life. Therefore, within a few hours, I hurried to add relevant keywords, updated titles and metadata, wrote a fresh blog post, and submitted the website to Google Search Console.

Same night, that client’s website started appearing in search results. And not only that they were ranking above a competitor’s website that had been online longer. That competitor? Someone I used to work for. No shade, just proof: time alone doesn’t earn you traffic. Strategy does.

You Don’t Need to Be an SEO Expert. You Need a Plan

Look, I don’t expect every business owner or entrepreneur to become a full-blown SEO copywriter. But if you’re trying to grow a brand online, you do need to have a plan. That plan should include regularly updated content, basic keyword research, and someone keeping an eye on your website.

The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. That’s literally what I do. I assist business owners go from silent websites to search-ready platforms that actually get traffic. With the right strategy in place, you can stop shouting into the void and start showing up where your people already are: Google.

Here’s What You Should Be Doing (But Aren’t)

If your website hasn’t been updated in months, or worse, since it launched, here’s what you're likely missing out on:

Visibility for the services you currently offer
Opportunities to rank for low-competition, high-intent keywords
Blog content that brings you traffic for free
A structured website that tells Google you’re legit

Content isn’t optional anymore. Whether it's blogs, updated service pages, or new portfolio entries, it’s your proof of life. And if you’re not giving Google content, it’s not going to give you traffic in return. Period.

If you’re ready for your website to work as hard as you do, I’m here to help. I offer SEO copywriting, blog strategy, and content planning services for business owners who want to rank without sounding robotic.