Launched your flash new website and can't find it in Google? Bloody frustrating, right? Relax - there’s usually a straightforward explanation. Let’s dive into why your website might be ghosting you on Google and exactly how to sort it out
1. Google Takes Its Sweet Time
First, chill. Google doesn’t instantly know your shiny new site exists. It needs to send automated bots (think of these as Google's tradie apprentices, just less messy) to crawl through your website, understand your content, and then figure out where to rank you.
For a typical brand-new website - say a Hamilton concreter or a Waikato fencing business - it usually takes around 2-4 weeks for Google to crawl, understand, and index your website pages.
Recommendation: Wait it out initially, but speed things up by submitting your sitemap through Google Search Console (more coming in next post on this).
2. DIY Websites: Google’s Nightmare
So you built your own site? Good on ya for giving it a go. But here’s the cold truth: DIY websites often confuse the hell out of Google. If your site structure or content is unclear, Google's bots struggle to understand exactly what services you offer, where you offer them, and why anyone should care.
Example: If your homepage vaguely says "We do everything outdoors," Google's bots scratch their heads. But if your homepage clearly says "Retaining Walls, Decks & Fences in Hamilton," you're crystal clear.
Recommendation: Review every page on your site. Be specific and direct. Clearly mention your exact services and local area in headings (H1, H2 tags) and paragraphs.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR WEBSITE?
3. You're in a Competitive Market - Tough Luck?
Here’s the hard truth: If you’re in civil construction, earthworks, plumbing, or electrical trades in NZ, your industry is bloody competitive online. Google prefers established businesses with plenty of credibility and solid websites. If you just launched a drainage company in Auckland, you're competing against 20+ well-established outfits already ranking well.
Recommendation: Find your niche. Instead of targeting highly competitive terms like "Plumber Auckland," get specific: "Emergency Hot Water Repairs South Auckland" or "Post and Rail Fencing Morrinsville." Fewer people search these terms, but those who do are highly likely to become customers.
HOW WE WORK IN COMPETITIVE MARKETS
Practical Example
(to make this super clear):
"Earthworks" - very competitive.
"Retaining Walls Cambridge" - less competitive, highly specific, better chance to rank quickly.
Google rewards specificity. Clearly define your niche services, and Google will rank you quicker.
4. Speeding Things Up (Without Cheating)
There's no magic trick for instant Google rankings, but there are shortcuts:
Google Ads: Want immediate results? Ads get you to the top straight away, no waiting.
Google Business Profile: Quick and easy to set up. Helps local customers find you instantly.
These tactics help you "jump the queue," and we'll cover them in detail in the next blog.
FAQs (Quick-fire Summary)
How long does it take Google to index a new website?
Typically, 2-4 weeks. Be patient, or speed things up with Google Search Console.
Why isn’t my DIY website showing up in Google?
Probably unclear or vague content. Google needs specific, clearly defined pages about your exact services and locations.
How can I beat established competitors on Google?
Be super specific. Choose niche keywords and phrases relevant to your services and locality. "Fencing Hamilton" beats "Builder Waikato."
Can I rank quicker?
Yep - Google Ads gets immediate visibility. Also, optimise your Google Business Profile right away.
