Why Your Website Isn’t Ranking on Google (And How to Fix It)

Struggling with your website not showing up on Google? You are not alone. In 2024, with over 1.13 billion websites competing for attention, cracking the SEO code is more critical than ever. If your website feels invisible, there’s a high chance it’s not optimized for what Google truly values—relevance, authority, and user experience. This guide explores what could be going wrong and how to fix it step by step.

1. Your Website Isn’t Indexed

If your website is not showing up on Google, the first thing to check is whether it’s even in Google’s index. 

Fix:

• Use the site:yourdomain.com search on Google

• Submit your sitemap through Google Search Console

• Check the robots.txt file and <meta> tags to ensure you’re not blocking crawlers

2. Poor Content Quality or Thin Pages

Google prioritizes helpful, in-depth, and original content. If your site is filled with low-value or duplicate content, it won’t rank. Fix:

• Focus on user-first, keyword-rich content that solves real problems

• Avoid copying or spinning content

• Refresh outdated blog posts with current statistics and insights

3. You're Targeting the Wrong Keywords

You might have great content, but if it’s not aligned with the keywords your audience is searching for, your rankings will suffer. 

Fix:

• Perform keyword research using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs

• Target long-tail, low-competition keywords relevant to your niche

• Analyze competitor content and fill in the gaps they miss

4. You Have Technical SEO Issues

Some common SEO mistakes to avoid include slow-loading pages, mobile-unfriendly design, broken links, and missing metadata. 

Fix:

• Run an audit with tools like Google Lighthouse or Screaming Frog

• Improve loading speed using image compression and efficient coding

• Make sure your site is mobile-responsive and structured well for users

5. You Lack Authority and Backlinks

Backlinks are one of Google’s top ranking factors. If no credible websites are linking to yours, your visibility will stay low. 

Fix:

• Create shareable, high-value content (infographics, blogs, guides)

• Reach out to niche websites and blogs for guest posts

• List your business on reputable directories

6. You're Not Using Local SEO (If Applicable)

If you're a business serving Michigan, not optimizing for local search is a lost opportunity. 

Fix:

• Create or update your Google Business Profile

• Get listed on local directories

• Use geo-specific keywords like "SEO Agency in Michigan" in your content

Final Thoughts

Fixing a website not showing up on Google is rarely about a single solution. It’s a combination of optimizing technical elements, writing valuable content, improving site authority, and avoiding common SEO mistakes. The good news is, it’s fixable—with the right guidance and consistency.

Struggling to Rank? We’ve Got Your SEO Covere

Still wondering why your website isn’t visible on Google? At Great Lakes DP, we help businesses in Michigan dominate their digital presence. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a strategic SEO overhaul, our team will work with you to craft a custom plan that gets results. Let’s make your website unmissable. 

FAQs

1. How do I know if Google has indexed my website?

Type site:yourdomain.com into Google. If no pages show up, your site isn’t indexed. Check your sitemap, robots.txt file, and make sure you haven’t accidentally blocked Google from crawling.

2. Can duplicate content really stop my website from ranking?

Yes. Google penalizes duplicate or scraped content. Focus on creating unique, insightful content for each page. Even slight duplication across pages can impact rankings.

3. How long does it take to rank on Google after making changes?

It can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the competitiveness of the keywords, the quality of changes made, and how often Google crawls your site.

4. Do I need to hire an SEO agency to fix my website?

Not necessarily, but working with an expert like a SEO Agency in Michigan helps you avoid costly trial and error. Agencies bring expertise, tools, and experience to accelerate results.

5. What’s the most important SEO factor in 2024?

User experience is key. Google wants to show content that is not only relevant but also easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading. Combine that with valuable content and strong backlinks, and you’re set to rank.