How to tell Google you exist (and why it's not as complicated as you think)

You've built a shiny new website, poured your heart into every word and photo, hit publish… and then crickets.

You search your business name on Google and zilch, nada, nothing. Not even on page 10.

I get it. It's one of the most frustrating things about running a small business online. But here's the good news: Google does actually want to find you.

In fact, it's in Google's interest to find you, as it wants to connect its searchers to the right websites for them. You just have to give Google a nudge.

Let's talk about how to make that happen without turning into a tech robot or spending your evenings wanting to throw your laptop out the window.

Step 1: Make sure Google knows your website exists

Think of Google like the world's nosiest librarian. It's constantly scanning ("crawling") the internet for new and updated pages to add to its enormous library (that's the "index").

If your website isn't being crawled or indexed, it simply doesn't exist in Google's eyes, which means no-one can find you.

Here's what to do:

• Create a Google Search Console account (it's free).

• Add your website and verify ownership.

• Submit your sitemap (this tells Google what pages exist on your website).

• Then, check if your pages are being indexed under "Pages" then "Not Indexed".

If you spot missing pages, that's your first win – you've just figured out where Google's lost the plot.

Step 2: Set up the free tools that do the heavy lifting

If Search Console is the nosy librarian, then Google Analytics is the note-taker who tells you what visitors actually do when they arrive.

Together, these two free tools are your visibility dream team. Here's what they can tell you:

• Google Search Console tells you what keywords people are using to find you.

• Google Analytics tells you what they do once they land on your site (and how long they stick around).

Even if you never check these dashboards again (please don't tell me that), setting them up gives Google a big green light that says: "I'm a real, legitimate business".

VIDEO: How to get your business visible on Google

Want to know more? Watch my Lunch and Learn workshop:

Step 3: Keep your website alive

Just like humans, Google hates ghosting. It loves websites that are updated regularly, even small tweaks tell it you're still active and relevant.

That doesn't mean you have to post a new blog every day (please don't – it's not sustainable as a small business). It means showing signs of life, like this:

• Adding new blogs regularly. Can't commit to a regular schedule? Don't let that hold you back from blogging at all. Any new addition to your workload takes time to bed in.

• Updating your pages with your latest information.

• Making sure your contact form is working and your contact details, opening hours and offers are accurate.

Keeping things fresh means Google believes you're paying attention and when you pay attention, Google wants to reward you for that time.

Bonus tip: Use your words wisely

SEO isn't about stuffing your website with keywords like it's a game of Scrabble. It's about understanding what your audience is already searching for – and matching your content to that.

• Read more in my blog, "What would you like your business to be found for on Google?"

Conclusion

SEO isn't a mystery, it's actually methodical. When you tell Google who you are, where you are and what you do (and keep your website updated), it rewards you with visibility.

And if you want someone to handle all that behind-the-scenes work for you, well, that's literally what I do! So, get in touch and let's see if we're a good fit to work together.

People also read

• How does search engine optimisation (SEO) work?

• What is SEO? How can you use it to improve your business?

• How to use visual search optimisation in your marketing

About the author:

Maddy Shine is an SEO expert and website consultant who helps women and non-binary-owned businesses get found on Google without selling their soul. She's taught thousands through workshops, podcasts, and SEO done for you. Find her on Instagram @maddy.shine at sassyandsoft.co.uk.