You’ve got a website, but when you search for your business or services, it’s nowhere to be found. Frustrating, but very common. In this article we go through the 8 most common reasons a website isn’t showing on Google, and what you can do about each one.
First, a quick check: type site:yourdomain.nl into Google. If you see pages from your website, Google knows about it and the problem is ranking. If you see nothing, Google hasn’t indexed your site yet.
1. Your website is too new
Google needs time to discover and index a new website. This can take days to a few weeks. Speed it up by adding your site to Google Search Console and submitting your sitemap.
2. Search engines are being blocked
In WordPress, check Settings > Reading that “Discourage search engines from indexing this site” is not ticked. This box is often left on after a site goes live. Also check that important pages aren’t set to “noindex” in your SEO plugin.
3. You’re not using Google Search Console
Search Console is Google’s free tool that tells you which pages are indexed, which searches you appear for and which errors it found. Without it, you’re guessing. Set it up and submit your XML sitemap.
4. You’re targeting the wrong keywords
Are you using the words your customers search for? A common issue in the Netherlands: a website written in English while customers search in Dutch. Or a homepage that says “creative solutions” when people search for “logo laten maken”.
5. Your content is too thin
A page with three lines of text gives Google little reason to rank it. Each service deserves its own page that clearly explains what you offer, for whom and where, and answers the questions customers have.
6. Your website is slow or not mobile-friendly
Google looks at the mobile version of your website first. Large images, cheap hosting and too many plugins can make a site slow. Test your site with Google PageSpeed Insights and fix the biggest issues.
7. Nobody links to your website
Links from other trustworthy websites are like recommendations. A brand-new site with no links has little authority. Start with your suppliers, partners, local business association and relevant directories.
8. You’re missing out on local search
For local searches, Google often shows a map with businesses before the normal results. Without a Google Business Profile, you won’t appear there. Our Google Business Profile guide explains how to set one up, and our 10 local SEO tips help you climb higher.
Be patient, but don’t wait passively
SEO isn’t instant. After fixing the basics, it usually takes a few months to see real progress. Keep adding useful content and check Search Console regularly to see what’s improving.
Want us to take a look?
We’ll check your website for technical issues, content and local SEO, and give you a clear list of what to fix, or fix it for you. Learn more about our SEO service or get in touch. We help businesses in Zandvoort, Haarlem, Amsterdam and across the Netherlands.
