Why Your Website Isn’t Ranking on Google (And How to Fix It)
You’ve invested in a shiny new website, maybe even written some blog posts, added product pages, or updated your About section. But when you Google your business? Crickets.
You’re nowhere to be found… or buried so deep that no one’s going to click that far.
If you’ve been wondering why my website isn’t ranking, you’re not alone, and the good news is, there are usually some clear reasons (and fixes). Let’s break it down in plain English, so you know what to do next.
1. Your Website Isn’t Properly Optimised for SEO
One of the most common reasons your website isn’t showing up on Google is that it’s missing some basic SEO fundamentals.
Missing or Weak Keywords
Google relies on keywords, the words your potential customers type into search, to figure out what your page is about. If your content doesn’t include the right terms in the right places (like page titles, headers, and body copy), Google won’t know to rank you.
Tip: Use tools like Ubersuggest or even Google Autocomplete to see what your audience is searching for, then naturally include those terms on relevant pages.
Poor Page Titles & Meta Descriptions
Your page title is one of the first things both users and Google see. If it’s missing, vague, or generic (e.g. “Home”), you’re missing out on clicks and visibility.
Fix it: Make sure every page has a clear, keyword-rich title and meta description. Tools like Rank Math can help you check and update these easily in WordPress.
2. Google Can’t Crawl or Index Your Site Properly
Even if you’ve nailed your keywords, Google still needs to be able to find and understand your pages.
Technical SEO Issues
Issues like broken links, messy site structure, or incorrect settings (like noindex tags) can stop Google from crawling your site properly. These aren’t always visible to the naked eye, but they can seriously hurt your rankings.
Solution: Run a free SEO audit or ask your developer to check your site’s crawlability.
Not Mobile-Friendly or Too Slow
Google prioritises mobile-first, so if your site doesn’t load well on phones or takes ages to open, you’ll drop in rankings.
Try this: Test your site on PageSpeed Insights to see how it performs and get actionable tips.
3. Your Content Isn’t Relevant or Valuable
Content is still king, but only if it’s useful, up to date, and matches what people are searching for.
Thin or Outdated Content
If your website has vague or minimal copy, or blog posts that haven’t been touched in years, Google sees it as low-value. Aim to create helpful, well-written pages that answer your customers’ questions.
No Clear Search Intent Match
Think about why someone is searching. Are they looking to learn? Compare? Buy?
If someone types “how to get more Google reviews,” they’re after a guide, not a sales pitch. Make sure your content matches the intent behind the search.
4. You Don’t Have Enough Backlinks or Authority
Backlinks, links from other websites to yours, are one of the strongest signals Google uses to decide who to rank.
Why Backlinks Matter
Google sees backlinks as a “vote of confidence.” If other credible sites link to you, it signals that your content is trustworthy and valuable.
How to Build Authority
Start with easy wins:
- List your business in local directories
- Ask clients or partners to link to your site
- Share content others want to reference (like useful guides or tools)
5. Your Competition Is Doing Better SEO
Sometimes the issue isn’t what you’re not doing, it’s what others are doing better.
Spy (Nicely) on the Competition
Use free tools like Ubersuggest to check what keywords your competitors are ranking for, and where they’re getting links. You don’t have to copy, but you can learn and improve.
What to Do Next (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start small:
✅ Review your page titles and meta descriptions
✅ Check that your site works smoothly on mobile
✅ Update any old or underperforming content
✅ Add internal links between related pages
Then, if you’re still wondering “why my website isn’t ranking,” it might be time to bring in expert help.
Need Help Fixing Your Rankings?
You don’t have to guess your way through SEO. At The Search Republic, we help small businesses figure out exactly what’s holding them back, and how to fix it.
Book a free SEO audit or get in touch for a tailored SEO plan.