How to Get Your Website on Google (Indexing and Ranking Basics)

You do not need to pay to appear on Google. Google discovers new sites automatically over time, but you can speed things up and make sure nothing is blocking you. Here is how to get your website on Google and start ranking.

Step 1: Check whether you are already indexed

Search site:yourdomain.com in Google. If pages appear, Google has indexed your site. If nothing shows up, keep going.

Step 2: Make sure nothing blocks Google

  • In WordPress, go to Settings, Reading and make sure Discourage search engines is unchecked.
  • Check that pages are not set to noindex in your SEO plugin.
  • Check your robots.txt is not blocking everything.

Step 3: Set up Search Console and submit your sitemap

Follow how to set up Google Search Console. Submit your sitemap and use URL Inspection to request indexing of your home page and key pages.

Step 4: Create a Google Business Profile (for local businesses)

This gets you into Maps and local results. See the Google Business Profile guide.

Step 5: Help Google find your pages

  • Link new pages from existing ones.
  • Keep a clear navigation.
  • Get links from other reputable sites, such as local directories and partners.

Step 6: Publish content that deserves to rank

Indexing only gets you in the library. To rank, you need pages that answer what people search for, better than competitors. Use our on-page SEO checklist, and for local services see the local SEO guide.

Step 7: Make the site fast and mobile friendly

See Core Web Vitals and how to speed up WordPress.

How long does it take?

Indexing can happen in days to a few weeks. Ranking for competitive searches takes longer and depends on competition, content and links.

Why a page might not be indexed

  • Google has not crawled it yet because it is new
  • It has thin or duplicate content
  • Robots.txt or noindex blocks it
  • It has no links pointing to it

Website on Google FAQ

Do I have to submit my site to Google?

No, but submitting a sitemap and requesting indexing helps.

Can I pay to rank on Google?

You can buy ads, but organic rankings cannot be bought.

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