Why can’t people find my website on Google? Do-it-yourself SEO Tips

Your website is nowhere to be found on Google, and even when it shows up, no one seems to be clicking on it. What’s going on?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We hear this a lot from new customers, and the good news is that improving your website’s search visibility isn’t rocket science.

With a bit of know-how and regular TLC, you can drastically improve your site’s search performance without the need for external help from an expensive SEO agency.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the key areas that might be holding your website back, and what you can do to fix them.

1. It’s not just about having a website – it’s about the right website

A lot of businesses treat their website like a job on their 'to-do list' – a few pages with some basic information, a contact form, and maybe a “meet the team” section and we're done - I can now tick that off and move on. This won't work. Instead of thinking of your website as a singular task, you need to think of it as a digital service for your customers. It's not about you, it's about them and what you can help them with.

Google rewards websites that offer real value and align with user intent. A barebones “brochure site” won’t cut it in a crowded search space.

Your website needs to tell Google, “Hey! I’m not just a site, I’m the right site for people searching about X, Y, and Z!” And this is where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) comes into play.

2. Keywords matter (but you’ve got to get specific)

If your website isn’t showing up on Google, chances are you’re not using the right keywords – or you’re not using them effectively. Google’s job is to match users with the most relevant results, and if your content isn’t speaking the same language as your audience, it’ll stay buried.

Quick keyword fixes:

• Do your research: Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you figure out what your audience is actually searching for.

• Go niche: Instead of trying to rank for broad terms like “interior design”, target something specific like “sustainable office interior design in Bristol”.

• Scatter your keywords naturally throughout your content – in headings, paragraphs and even image descriptions – but don’t overdo it. Google can sniff out keyword stuffing from a mile away, not only that but your content will become less authentic and more difficult to read.

3. Google loves a snappy website (and so do your visitors)

Ever clicked a link and waited... and waited... only to click away in frustration? Yeah, so does everyone else. Site speed is a ranking factor, and if your website loads like a snail, Google will drop it lower in the results.

Performance tune-ups:

• Optimise your images: Compress your photos and graphics so they don’t slow things down.

• Mobile-first design: Your site needs to look and perform just as well on mobile as it does on a desktop. Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites.

• Meet Google’s Core Web Vitals: This is a set of metrics Google uses to measure things like load speed, interactivity, and layout stability. Aim to score well here.

If you need help with performance analysis, fortunately we created a guide to DIY website performance enhancement - alternatively get in touch and our team will have you covered.

4. Fresh, regular content = Google gold

Google’s crawlers love fresh content. A website that sits unchanged for months signals to Google that there’s nothing new or valuable happening. On the other hand, up-to-date content and regular updates tell search engines (and visitors) that you’re actively engaged.

What You Can Do:

• Start a blog: It’s a great way to create new content around specific topics your audience cares about.

• Create hidden landing pages that target niche keywords. These pages might not be visible in your main navigation, but they’re optimised to draw in searchers looking for something very specific.

• Iterate your pages: Regularly check for outdated info – things like old service descriptions or broken links can hurt your rankings.

5. Get better 'meta'

You could have the best content in the world, but if your meta titles and descriptions aren’t enticing, no one’s clicking. This is the text that shows up in Google search results, so it needs to be clear, relevant and engaging.

Meta Best Practices:

• Use your target keywords in both the title and description.

• Make it compelling: Give people a reason to click! Think of it like a mini sales pitch.

• Keep it short and sweet: Google usually cuts off titles at around 60 characters and descriptions at 160.

6. Build your authority

Google also considers how trustworthy and authoritative your website is. If your site is new or doesn’t have much content, Google needs some convincing before it sends searchers your way.

Ways to Build Authority:

• Internal linking: Link between relevant pages on your site to help Google understand the structure of your content.

• External backlinks: When other reputable websites link to you, it’s like a vote of confidence in your content.

• Focus on niche subjects: If you can’t compete on broad topics, go deep into a specific area. Become the go-to site for something highly focused.

7. SEO is an ongoing game, not a one-time fix

SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. It’s more like a garden that needs regular tending. Websites that consistently rank well keep an eye on their performance, tweak content and stay up to date with SEO best practices.

The good news: you don’t need an expensive SEO agency

The truth is, SEO isn’t black magic – it’s a series of good habits applied over time. If you create solid content, stay on top of your website’s performance, and follow the basics of SEO, you’ll be well on your way to better visibility.

The key? Patience and consistency. SEO takes time to show results - (in fact, research suggests that the average page in the top 10 is 2+ years old) so the work you put in today will pay off down the road.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Improving your website’s visibility on Google might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s entirely doable with the right approach.

Start by focusing on good content, smart keywords and regular updates. Keep an eye on your site’s speed and mobile performance and don’t forget those all-important meta details.

We get it – running a business keeps you busy and managing a website can feel like just another chore. That’s where we come in, so if you need a helping hand along the way Root Studio is here to support you with everything from website design to SEO strategy.

Whether you want a full performance analysis or just need help creating niche landing pages, get in touch - we’ve got your back.