Getting your site indexed by Google is usually automatic — just publish your site and Google will find it. But sometimes sites get missed. Here’s what to do:
1. Check if Your Site Is Indexed #
- Search on Google using:
site:yourdomain.com
This shows which pages Google has indexed for your site. - Note: This might not show all indexed pages, but it gives a good overview.
2. Common Reasons Your Site Might Not Be Indexed #
- No links from other sites: Google finds pages by following links. Try to get natural links from relevant sites (don’t pay for links — that’s against Google’s rules).
- New site: Google may take a few weeks to crawl and index new websites.
- Technical issues: If your site uses unusual tech (like heavy JavaScript or non-HTML formats), Google may have trouble crawling it.
- Blocked access: Your site may block Googlebot via robots.txt or require login, making crawling impossible.
- Google missed it: It happens sometimes, especially for small or niche sites. Be patient and work on getting links.
3. Use Google Search Console #
- Add and verify your site in Google Search Console to:
- See crawling errors or issues
- Submit important URLs for indexing
- Monitor your site’s search performance
- See crawling errors or issues
4. Follow Google’s Search Essentials #
- Create high-quality, unique content that adds value and is helpful to users.
- Think about what makes your site unique and useful compared to others.
- Follow Google’s guidelines on creating content that’s people-first and reliable.
5. Optimize for Local Business (If Applicable) #
- Claim your Google Business Profile to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Maps.
6. Make Sure Your Site Is Fast, Mobile-Friendly, and Secure #
- Use tools like Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights to check mobile-friendliness and speed.
- Secure your site with HTTPS for user trust and better ranking.
7. Consider Hiring an SEO If Needed #
- If you want expert help, professionals called SEOs can improve your site’s visibility.
- Always research and choose SEOs carefully to avoid spammy practices.
8. Specialized Content? #
Google provides dedicated ways to get different content types visible, such as:
| Content Type | How to Get Listed |
| Products (Retail) | Submit product catalogs via Google Merchant Center |
| Books & eBooks | Promote via Google Books and eBook store |
| News | Submit to Google News and create News sitemaps |
| Scholarly Articles | Include in Google Scholar |
| Videos | Upload to YouTube and optimize for Google Search |
| Local Info & Maps | Use Google Business Profile, Street View, Maps APIs |