How to get your website listed in Google search engine. Useful tips for any aged website to get found in Google.

A client asked a really good question the other day, which went something like this: "My website went live the other day - why can't I find it in Google yet - I searched using a key phrase?"

Google Search Engine

There are probably over hundreds of thousands of algorithms that Google uses to decide if and when to list a website for a particular users search criteria at the time and location of that users search. This is something website designers have no control over. No one, except Google knows all the algorithms and they are constantly changing to keep Googles search service as accurate for it's users as possible. There are billions of websites online and Google will probably get to all of them to index them on it's servers at some point in time but Google doesn't guarantee to list any website - unless you pay them.

Google AdWords

So you could, of course, pay Google to place your website link in a particular position in SERPS (Search Engine Results Pages) and we'd recommend you employ a specialist Google AdWords campaign manager that you trust, but be aware that sometimes this doesn't work as you think it might and it will cost you money. A lot goes in to getting a good Google AdWords campaign going and Google can help you too (it's in their interest as you're going to be paying them lots of money).

Natural listings in Google SERPS

Ideally you want your website to be listed in the 'natural listings' in Google SERPS for the keywords you have in your website, rather than relying on paying for the privilege. Never under-estimate how much work goes in to a website to get it listed in SERPS for particular key words or key phrases. There is no magic wand.

It can take time and lots of effort to get a website listed in Google SERPS. Which means you will need to work on your website content regularly to get your website listed in the natural listings because there a billions of websites all wanting the same position of first, second or third page in Google. Remember that we offer to research and create your content for you, if you don't have the time or staff available. See our fully managed websites for more info. But whoever works on your website content (you, us, a 3rd party) each day/week/month it takes effort, lots of concentration and the requirement of unique, well informed, accurate search engine friendly, keyword-rich content. Well, today it does - it might change tomorrow - that's the beauty of the Google search engine.

When will my website get listed in Google?

A new website can take up to 6 months or more (or less) before it can appear in the Google index. However  - and this is really important - there is no guarantee Google will list a particular website because Google takes in to account many factors in deciding whether to index a site or not. Some  - and not all - of these factors include:

  • Age deflation – the age of the domain name. Google takes less notice of domains less than 6 months’ old
  • Content - relevancy of your content to the users search criteria
  • Content - unique and accurate text
  • Content - age of when text was added  - adding fresh content will help users too
  • Appropriate SEO of that content (see 'SEO for websites' for more info)
  • Up to date information (there's a theme going on here isn't there? See Website Copywriters because "Content is King")
  • Blog usage, high quality content and appropriate links relevant to users search criteria
  • Social networking usage (i.e. Twitter, Google pages)
  • Google maps
  • Number of competitors online who have a website that is bigger/older/with fresher content/great SEO, etc
  • Links from good sources to your website (not random directory listings!)
  • How clean your website code is  (i.e. if you're using a WordPress website you'll probably have bloated - unwanted - code that needs stripping out)
  • Speed of site (see above point about 'bloated code')
  • Use of SSL (see 'SSL Certificates' for more info)
  • Mobile responsive websites (see 'Why do I need a responsive website' for more info)

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Your website, from aprompt, will have the structure of the website optimised for search engine recognition and ranking and the admin area includes sections for you to edit of significant importance to search engines on a ‘per page’ basis. You can edit the following:

  • Page title
  • Meta keywords
  • Meta description
  • Menu links
  • SEO friendly URL
  • And most importantly the actual content of the web page

Site map and Google XML site map

The aprompt CMS websites incorporate a dynamic site map allowing visitors to quickly find specific pages in the same way an index does for a book. Site maps are also very useful in Search Engine Optimisation as you are able to present a page which contains links to all your pages ensuring that the search engines don’t miss any of your content.

As an extra service we also include a dynamic Google XML Site Map. This is a sitemap constructed for use by Google. It informs Google on your site pages and is updated whenever you add, edit or delete pages. The page is written in a raw, text only format designed to be read by Google. When we launch your website we notify Google of the location of your site map and Google then schedules a time to retrieve the data (usually every 2 to 3 weeks). Google sitemaps can improve your Google ranking by ensuring Google knows all about the content of your site.

Help with website content

If you'd like help with your website content, please let our website designers in Wiltshire know and we will request that you provide us with the key words or phrases for which you'd like your website to appear in Google natural listings. (Please be patient though - it can take time for Google to visit all websites)...

Written by Kirsty Paget

 

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