I’ve just launched my website, but it’s not ranking.

What you should know

• Google may not index every page: It’s common for Google to selectively index some pages and leave others unindexed, especially if the content is too similar across the site.
• Pages are prioritised: Google prioritises pages it deems most relevant, like the home page, main service pages, or unique content that adds value. This is part of its effort to show the best results to users.
• Ongoing monitoring: Monitoring the indexing process is key, as the status of pages can change over time. Once the homepage and a few key pages are indexed, that’s a good start, and you can begin working on other SEO tasks to boost performance.

What you can do

1. Ensure your web designer submits the sitemap: Your web designer or agency should set up Google Search Console and submit a sitemap. This tells Google which pages exist on your website and helps kick-start the indexing process. Confirm that this step has been completed.
2. Understand that not all pages will be indexed immediately: It’s common for Google to delay or skip indexing some pages, especially if the content is too similar to other pages on your site. Google may see no need to index duplicate or near-duplicate content. For example, if multiple pages discuss the same service with only minor differences, Google may prioritise one page over the others.
3. Monitor the indexing progress: Use Google Search Console to monitor which pages have been indexed. The “Coverage” section will show you which pages are indexed and highlight any issues with pages that remain unindexed. If key pages aren’t being indexed, you may need to adjust their content to make them more unique and valuable to users.
4. Focus on key pages first: Once your homepage and key service or product pages are indexed, you can start focusing on improving their SEO. This might involve optimising content, building links, or sharing the pages on social media. Over time, as your site gains more authority, Google may revisit and index additional pages.
5. Work on other SEO tasks while waiting: While waiting for more pages to be indexed, you can work on other SEO tasks (as outlined in points 2-9) to improve your site’s authority and ranking potential. This will help strengthen your site’s presence once more pages are indexed.

What you can do

Set up a Google Business Profile for your business and ensure its fully optimised. This includes providing accurate information, uploading photos, and posting regular updates that match the keywords on your website.

How to do it

1. Create or claim your google business profile: Visit Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account. If your business is already listed, claim it by verifying ownership. If not, create a new profile. Enter all required business information such as your name, address, phone number, website URL, and business category.
2. Complete your profile: Add a business description Write a brief description of what your business does. Use relevant keywords here that align with your website, such as your services and location (e.g., “Adelaide mobile vet services”). Business hours: Ensure your hours are accurate, and don’t forget to update them for holidays or special events. Google prioritises profiles that are regularly maintained. Services & products: List all your services or products with descriptions, making sure they match what’s listed on your website.
3. Upload photos and videos: Add real, high-quality images of your business, staff, or services. Photos help build trust and show customers what to expect. For service-based businesses, upload images related to the work you do. Ensure these images are also used on your website to maintain consistency.
4. Post regular updates: Post news, offers, or updates at least once a week. Include relevant keywords in your posts, link to specific pages on your website, and make sure your content aligns with your social media posts. Google rewards active profiles, so consistent updates help with visibility.
5. Use matching keywords: Ensure the keywords used in your Google Business Profile (in the description, services, and updates) match the main keywords on your website. This sends consistent signals to Google and improves ranking.
6. Respond to reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to reviews. Positive interaction helps boost credibility and can influence ranking in local searches.

How to do it

1. Find local business directories: Look for well-known local directories like True Local, Yellow Pages, Hotfrog, or StartLocal. Also, search for niche directories relevant to your industry (e.g., hospitality, health, trade services). Some useful directories include: True Local: com.au, Yellow Pages: yellowpages.com.au, Hotfrog: hotfrog.com.au
2. Add your business information: Ensure that the Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) you provide matches exactly what’s on your website and Google Business Profile. Consistency across platforms is crucial for local SEO. Include your website URL, business hours, and a description of your services that matches what you have on your Google Business Profile.
3. Complete all fields: Fill out as many fields as possible, including business categories, services, images, and social media links. The more complete your listing, the more likely it is to be trusted by Google.
4. Submit to multiple directories: Register on at least 5–10 reputable local and industry-specific directories. This increases your chances of ranking well for local searches. Don’t forget about local community websites or directories specific to your city or region.
5. Monitor and update listings: Keep your listings up to date, especially if your business details (like hours or contact information) change. Outdated or incorrect information can hurt your ranking.
6. Claim your listings: If your business is already listed on a directory, claim the listing by verifying ownership. This allows you to take control and make sure all information is accurate.

How to do it

1. Identify reputable national directories: Search for well-known national directories that align with your business category. For example, businesses in trades can look at hipages or Service Seeking, while health-related businesses might target Health Engine or Yellow Pages Australia. Some useful national directories include: Yellow Pages: com.au, ServiceSeeking: serviceseeking.com.au, Hipages: hipages.com.au
2. Look for industry-specific associations: Many industries have their own associations where you can register your business. For example, the Master Builders Association, Australian Veterinary Association, or Australian Tourism Export Council. Being a member of an industry association provides not just SEO benefits but also authority and trust signals. Search for associations that are well-recognised in your industry.
3. Complete your listings: Just like with local directories, ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) match your website, Google Business Profile, and all other listings. Provide a detailed description of your services, including relevant keywords to ensure consistency with your other profiles. Include your website URL and social media links where possible.
4. Submit to at least 5 national directories: Aim to register in at least 5 national directories or associations that are relevant to your business. This improves your online authority and helps with nationwide searches.
5. Join relevant associations: Membership in an industry association can also provide networking opportunities and give your business additional visibility through events, newsletters, and member directories.
6. Monitor and update information: Regularly check your listings in national directories and associations to ensure all information is up to date. This is especially important if your business moves, changes its services, or has new contact information.

How to do it

1. Search for your business or keywords: Ask friends or colleagues to perform a search for your business name or specific keywords that are relevant to your services (e.g., “Adelaide mobile vet services”). They should use different devices and IP addresses to avoid search patterns that look unnatural to Google.
2. Find your website in the search results: Encourage them to scroll through the search results to find your website—even if it’s on page 10 or beyond at first. The important part is to find and click on your website link. This interaction shows Google that users are willing to search through pages to find your business, which can be a strong engagement signal.
3. Click and stay on the website: Ask them to stay on your website for several minutes, exploring different pages. This reduces the “bounce rate” and shows Google that visitors find value in your site. Encourage them to read through your content, check out service pages, or browse your blog to create meaningful engagement with the site.
4. Engage across multiple pages: Have them click on at least 2-3 different pages within your website, such as the Home, About Us, or Services This helps increase time on site and shows Google that users are interested in more than just one page.
5. Repeat periodically: You don’t need to do this just once. Encourage friends and family to engage with your website periodically—perhaps once a week for the first few months. The more engagement signals, the better for building trust with Google.
6. Search for relevant keywords: Have them also search for keyword phrases related to your services, such as “emergency vet Adelaide” or “Adelaide home vet care.” The goal is to mimic real-world searches and user behavior.

How to do it

1. Set up relevant social media accounts: Create business accounts on platforms relevant to your industry (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.). Ensure the business name matches your website and Google Business Profile for consistency.
2. Check your profile links: Make sure the URL in the bio or profile sections of your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) is correct and up to date. If you’ve rebranded or launched a new website, update the links across all platforms immediately. Ensure consistency in business information across all profiles (name, address, and phone number) to avoid mixed signals to Google.
3. Share links to website pages: When posting on social media, include links to relevant pages on your website. For example, if you’re talking about a specific service, link directly to that service page rather than the homepage. Avoid using the same link repeatedly; instead, mix it up by sharing links to your blog, service pages, contact page, etc.
4. Use matching keywords in your posts: Incorporate the same keywords in your social media posts that you’re targeting on your website. For example, if you’re a mobile vet service, use phrases like “Adelaide mobile vet” in your social media content. Consistency in keywords helps reinforce what your business is about to both Google and potential customers.
5. Include calls to action: Encourage your followers to click the links by including clear calls to action (CTAs) in your posts. For example, “Learn more about our vet services in Adelaide” or “Book an appointment through our website today.” This helps drive more traffic from social media to your website, creating engagement that benefits both your SEO and conversions.
6. Share regularly: Create a consistent schedule for posting across social media platforms. Even if engagement is low at first, regular posting is key to building a presence. Aim for at least 2-3 posts per week, focusing on different aspects of your business. Share updates, blog posts, promotions, or new services. Link back to your website each time to drive traffic.
7. Engage with followers: Social media platforms value engagement, so respond to comments, answer questions, and like or share relevant posts from others. This activity strengthens your presence and can drive more traffic to your website. Link back to your site when appropriate during conversations or replies (e.g., “Check out our service page for more details”).
8. Cross-share on google business profile: Whenever you post on social media, remember to share the same update on your Google Business Profile. Google prioritises businesses that stay active and engaged with their audience. Use the same keywords and links from your social media posts in your Google Business updates to maintain consistency

How to do it

1. Choose topics relevant to your audience: Write about topics that your target audience is interested in. Think about common questions your customers ask, industry trends, or tips and advice related to your services. For example, if you’re an electrician, you could write blog posts like “5 Common Electrical Issues in Homes and How to Fix Them” or “When Should You Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical Panel?”
2. Incorporate keywords: Use keywords naturally throughout your blog post. Focus on a main keyword (e.g., “local electrician”) and related keywords (e.g., “electrical panel upgrades,” “emergency electrician”) to help search engines understand the topic of the post. Place the main keyword in the title, headings, and a few times in the body of the blog.
3. Create engaging and useful content: Write blog posts that provide value to your audience. Make them informative, engaging, and easy to read. The content should answer questions, solve problems, or offer useful insights. Aim for blog posts of around 800–1,200 words to provide enough depth and detail for your readers.
4. Link to other pages on your website: Include internal links within your blog post to direct readers to other pages on your website. For example, if you mention a specific service, link to that service page. This helps keep visitors on your site longer and improves the overall SEO by connecting different parts of your website.
5. Add images or videos: Visual content like images and videos can enhance your blog post and make it more engaging. If you have real images from your business, use them to build trust with your readers. Make sure to add alt text to images, using relevant keywords, to further improve SEO.
6. Share your blog on social media and google business profile: After publishing your blog post, share it on your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and on your Google Business Profile. This helps you drive more traffic to your website and increase visibility. Use the same keywords in your social media captions to reinforce consistency.
7. Post regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Aim to post new blogs regularly—ideally once or twice a month. This keeps your content fresh and shows search engines that your website is active. Over time, your blog posts will attract more visitors and help build your online authority

How to do it

1. Identify potential link sources: Look for reputable websites in your industry or local area that might link to your website. This could include local businesses, industry blogs, online publications, or community organisations. Think about partners, vendors, or customers who might be willing to include a link to your site on theirs.
2. Network with local businesses: Build relationships with local businesses or partners who can link to your website in return for you linking to theirs. For example, if you run a mobile vet service, a local pet grooming business or pet supply store might be a great candidate for a mutual link. You can also offer to write guest blog posts or feature articles for their website, which gives you the chance to include a backlink to your site.
3. Submit guest posts: Many blogs and industry websites accept guest posts from professionals. Write a useful article related to your field and include a link back to your website. For example, if you’re in the veterinary field, you could submit articles to pet care blogs or local lifestyle websites that focus on family pets.
4. Get listed in directories: Apart from local and national business directories, you can also submit your business to niche industry directories or specialised websites related to your field. For instance, if you run a trade service, you might look for online platforms where trade professionals are listed, which usually includes a link to your website.
5. Engage in online communities: Participate in online communities such as industry forums, local Facebook groups, or Q&A platforms like Reddit or Quora. By providing helpful answers and sharing valuable insights, you can include a link to your website where relevant. Be careful not to spam these platforms—only share your link if it adds genuine value to the conversation.
6. Partner with associations or organisations: If you’re a member of an industry association or local chamber of commerce, request that they link to your website on their member directory or related pages. Partnerships with local charities, sponsorships of community events, or collaborations with non-profit organisations can also provide opportunities for external links.
7. Monitor and track backlinks: Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or Google Search Console to track your existing backlinks and find new opportunities. These tools will show you who is linking to your website and help you identify additional link-building prospects.
8. Avoid low-quality links: Be cautious of offers to buy backlinks or engage in link schemes. Google penalises websites that acquire low-quality or spammy links. Always focus on earning links from reputable, relevant websites.

How to do it

1. Keep business information accurate: Regularly review your business details, such as hours of operation, address, and phone number. If your hours change for holidays or special events, make sure they are updated. Make sure your services are clearly listed and match what’s on your website. If you add a new service or product, update your profile accordingly.
2. Post regular updates: Use the “Posts” feature to share updates, promotions, new blog posts, or special offers. Google likes to see that your business is active and posting regularly (at least once a week) helps with visibility. Posts can include text, images, and links to specific pages on your website. This is a great opportunity to drive traffic to your site and improve SEO.
3. Use matching keywords: When writing posts or updating your profile, use keywords that match your website’s SEO strategy. For example, if you’re a mobile vet service, include phrases like “mobile vet in Adelaide” in your posts and descriptions. Consistency in keywords between your website and Google Business Profile helps Google understand what your business is about.
4. Add photos and videos: Regularly upload real, high-quality images of your business, products, or services. Photos help build trust with potential customers and make your profile more engaging. For example, if you’re a mobile vet service, you could upload photos of your team in action or images of the services you provide. Don’t forget to add descriptive alt text to your images using relevant keywords (e.g., “mobile vet service in Adelaide”).
5. Respond to reviews: Respond to customer reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. Google values businesses that engage with their customers, and this interaction can positively influence your ranking in local search results. Acknowledge positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews professionally. This helps build your reputation and shows Google that you are responsive.
6. Update regularly: Any time there is a change to your business—whether it’s a new service, change in business hours, or new product launch—make sure your Google Business Profile reflects those updates immediately. Regular updates keep your business profile fresh, which improves engagement with potential customers and boosts local SEO.
7. Cross-post updates from social media: Whenever you post something on your social media accounts, post the same update on your Google Business Profile. This keeps your profile active and ensures that customers on Google see the same updates as your social media followers. Include links back to specific pages on your website to drive traffic and improve SEO

How to do it

1. Take high-quality photos of your business: Capture images of your team, your workspace, products, or services in action. These images should showcase what makes your business unique. If you’re an electrician, show your team working on wiring, installing panels, or interacting with customers on-site.
2. Use images on your website: Replace stock photos with real images on key pages like your home page, service pages, and about page. Real photos help build trust and make your site feel more personal and genuine. Ensure each image is optimised with alt text that includes relevant keywords for better SEO.
3. Upload photos and videos to google business profile: Regularly update your google business profile with new photos and videos of your business. This not only keeps your profile fresh but also boosts engagement with potential customers. Videos are particularly engaging—if possible, upload short clips showing your team or your work.
4. Consider creating video content: If applicable, create simple videos that explain your services or show behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. For example, a video explaining “how to identify electrical problems in your home” could engage potential clients. Video content is highly engaging and can help keep visitors on your website longer.