Website Not Ranking on Google? Step-by-Step Guide
Not Getting the Google Rankings You Want? Here's Why.
Your website’s stuck in Google limbo - buried so deep even Indiana Jones couldn’t find it. You’ve invested in gorgeous branding, a stunning website, and maybe even a teeny bit of SEO - but your competitors (with their soulless, AI-generated content) are still sitting above you in search results. It’s a right kick in the teeth!
I hear this all the time when chatting with potential clients. They’ve spent thousands, but their website is stuck on page 27. And nine times out of ten, it comes down to a few key mistakes:
Lack of pages / content
Targetting the wrong keywords
Not understanding search intent
Prioritising aesthetics over technical SEO
I’m gonna address all of those things in this blog (and more). I’m literally giving you everything you need to get your website ranking hiring on Google in 2025.
I advised you to grab yourself a cuppa - you’ll need one by the end of this beast!
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Step-by-Step Guide for Better Google Ranking
Understand why you're not ranking and how to improve your site's position.
Step-by-step approaches to the key areas of SEO.
Learn how keyword research, SEO efforts, and backlinks can improve your Google rankings.
Step 1: Conduct Keyword Research
When we first start working with clients on SEO, they usually tell me that they’ve done some keyword research already. What they actually mean is… they guessed.
If you want to rank on Google, proper keyword research isn’t optional. Keywords are how Google connects your content to what people are actually searching for. No keywords = no chance of showing up.
Personally, I use SE Ranking for all my SEO needs. But if you’ve got a limited budget Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest (3 free searches p/day) will do the job.
These tools show search volume, competition, and even how many backlinks you’ll need to climb the ranks. Basically, they help you figure out which keywords to target first instead of just guessing.
If you’re completely new to keyword research the HubSpot method is a solid way to start - they even have a free template you can download.
Understanding Keyword Intent
While we’re on the subject of keywords, lets address search intent - because this is where I see soooo many people go wrong.
It’s all well and good finding the perfect keyword (low difficulty and high search volume) - but you need to understand why people are searching for it in the first place.
Here’s the deal. Keywords fall into four categories - informational, navigational, transactional, and commercial. And if your content doesn’t match what the user actually want, Google isn’t going to push it up the ranks
For example:
Bad intent match: Trying to rank for “best email marketing platforms” with a blog post about why email marketing is important. People searching for this want recommendations, not a lecture.
Good intent match: A list-style blog comparing top email platforms, breaking down pros, cons, and pricing. This actually answers their question and aligns with their intent.
The easiest way to figure out search intent is literally just to Google the keyword and look at the top three results. Is it a blog? Is it a service page? What are they talking about? What questions are they answering? Then do create something better.
Step 2: Optimise On-Page SEO Elements
On-page SEO is basically optimising the page or blog for SEO. This isn’t about stuffing keywords everywhere - it’s about making your site easy for both Google and real humans to love.
Here’s the basics:
Optimise Your Titles, Meta Descriptions & Headers
Your titles, meta descriptions, and header tags should include your target keywords and be written in a way that actually makes people want to click.
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Make it engaging, accurate, and to the point - no overthinking needed.
Make Sure Your Site is Mobile-Friendly
More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile, and Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites. If your site looks like an eyesore on a phone, you’re losing rankings (and visitors). Run Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check if your site passes.
Fix Your Site Speed
Slow websites don’t just frustrate users—they tank your rankings. Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to diagnose speed issues and start fixing them.
How to Boost Your Loading Speed:
✔ Upgrade your hosting – Cheap, overcrowded servers = sluggish performance. If your site is crawling, your hosting could be the issue.
✔ Compress your images – Massive images slow down load times. Shrink them with TinyPNG or ShortPixel.
✔ Use browser caching – This helps returning visitors load your site faster by storing key data locally.
✔ Use Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) to strip out unnecessary code to make pages load lightning-fast.
Step 3: Build Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are basically Google’s way of deciding if your content is legit - kind of like when your biz bestie vouches for you. They’re putting their neck on the line and saying, “I trust this person to provide a good service”
The more high-quality sites linking to you, the more authority you gain. But it’s all about quality over quantity - a handful of solid backlinks from respected websites will do way more for you than 100 spammy links from random directories.
But getting backlinks isn’t that easy when you only have a small site. So you have to work (or pay) for them.
Here’s the options:
1. Guest posting on industry-related blogs – Find reputable sites in your niche and pitch valuable content. If you land a spot, you’re not just getting a backlink - you’re getting in front of a whole new audience. Win-win.
2. Cold outreach – This one takes time (and a thick skin), but it works. Reach out to sites in your industry, offer expert insights, or suggest a relevant link to your content that genuinely adds value to their audience.
3. Pay for them – Some businesses go down the paid route with services like RhinoRank, where you can buy links from reputable sources. Just be careful—Google frowns on dodgy link schemes, so make sure they’re high-quality and relevant.
Another thing you could do is ask your clients or people in your networks to give you a backlink. Plus you can return the favour and link back to them.
Finally, don’t forget to track your progress using Google Search Console. This lets you see who’s linking to you and which backlinks are actually helping your SEO. More high-quality backlinks = better rankings, more credibility, and more traffic.
Common Website SEO Mistakes
Before you rush off to go implement the above steps. Keep in mind these mistakes that could stop you from ranking on Google.
Keyword Stuffing
SEO has evolved - Google isn’t just matching keywords anymore. It’s analysing intent and context. Semantic search focuses on meaning, not just words, so stuffing your page with keywords won’t get you far.
To rank, your content needs to be topic-driven, not just keyword-heavy. Using semantically related terms and structuring content around broader themes makes it easier for Google to understand relevance.
Internal linking is another power move. Linking related pages helps search engines connect the dots, reinforcing context and improving rankings. Think topics, not just terms, and your SEO will thank you.
[Action Items]
✔️ Review your content for keyword stuffing.
✔️ Rewrite awkward sections for better flow.
✔️ Use tools like Semrush to track keyword health and avoid overuse.
✔️ Add in internal links where possible.
Duplicate Content Issues
Copy-pasting content across pages (or worse, across sites) won’t get you ranking faster - it’ll just confuse Google.
While Google rarely “penalises” duplicate content outright—it just picks one version to rank and ignores the rest. But if you want full visibility, don’t leave that decision to an algorithm.
[Action Items]
✔️ Audit your site using Copyscape to find duplicate content.
✔️ Consolidate similar pages to avoid keyword cannibalisation.
✔️ Regularly refresh old content to keep it relevant and ranking.
Clean, original content = better rankings, more traffic, and fewer headaches.
Improving Website Visibility Online
Local SEO is crucial for businesses. It's effective in attracting local customers and boosting online visibility.
Social media can be a game changer for your SEO efforts, increasing traffic and brand presence.
Master local SEO and social media tactics to improve your site's ranking and visibility.
Local SEO Best Practices
Local SEO focuses on optimising your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. Roughly 46% of all Google searches are local, emphasising the need for strong local SEO strategies.
Include Your City and Region in Keywords
Conduct Keyword Research -Use Google Keyword Planner to see what people in your area are searching for. Type in your business + location (e.g., “marketing agency London”) to see popular local search terms.
Integrate into Content - Sprinkle these local keywords into your website's content, including in headers, footers, and meta descriptions. Make sure they naturally fit within the text. Keyword stuffing can lead to negative impacts on readability and SEO.
Use Location-Based Pages - If your business operates in multiple locations, create distinct landing pages for each. This helps localise content and improve user experience.
Establish Consistent NAP Details
Define Your NAP Information - Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are correct and identical across your website, Google Business Profile, Yelp, and any other listings.
Maintain Consistency Across Platforms - Search for your business online and manually correct any mismatched details—even small discrepancies (like “Street” vs. “St.”) can confuse search engines.
Use Local Directories -Submit your business to reputable local directories (e.g., Yelp, Bing Places, TripAdvisor), keeping your NAP 100% consistent to boost credibility and local rankings.
Focus on relevancy and location before anything else. You’ll save a ton of time and you’ll be better off in the long run.
Leveraging Social Media for SEO
Social media isn’t just about brand promotion—it directly impacts SEO by amplifying your content, increasing visibility, and driving traffic to your site. The more engagement and shares your content gets, the more likely it is to attract backlinks and signal to Google that it’s valuable.
Utilise Social Media to Drive Traffic and Backlinks
Select Platforms - Focus on where your audience actually hangs out. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube all have massive reach, but not every platform fits every business. Choose wisely.
Create Engaging Content - post engaging, visual, and valuable content. Share updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments—then actually talk to your audience by responding to comments and DMs.
Encourage Sharing - Add social share buttons to your blog posts and key pages. The easier it is to share, the more eyes (and backlinks) your content will get.
Engage with Relevant Communities
Identify Niche Communities - join online communities related to your niche. Places like Reddit or industry-specific forums are great starting points.
Provide Valuable Insights - Share insights, answer questions, and contribute meaningfully. People (and Google) notice when you actually help, not just drop links.
Monitor and Adapt - Use Google Analytics to see if community engagement is driving traffic. Double down on what’s working, tweak what’s not.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Identify and fix SEO roadblocks.
Enhancing site speed and fixing broken links boosts rankings.
Learn to use Google's tools for an in-depth diagnosis.
Dealing with Technical SEO Problems
If you want your site to rank (and stay there), technical SEO isn’t a one-and-done job—it needs constant attention. Slow load times and broken links? Google hates them. And with 95% of search traffic going to page one, you can’t afford to slack.
Let’s break down how to fix common SEO issues fast using the right tools.
Fixing Site Speed
A slow site = frustrated visitors + lower rankings.
Here’s how to fix it fast using Google PageSpeed Insights:
Run a Speed Test – Head to Google PageSpeed Insights, enter your URL, and hit ‘Analyse.’
Check Your Scores – Look at both desktop and mobile results. Red or orange? That’s bad.
Fix Key Issues – Start with Google’s recommendations, like:
Optimising images (compress them, don’t upload massive files)
Leveraging browser caching (so repeat visitors load faster)
Minimising CSS & JavaScript (less clutter = faster load times)Keep Checking – Speed isn’t a one-time fix. Monitor load times regularly and use extra tools like GTmetrix if needed.
Fixing Broken Links
Dead links = bad user experience + SEO damage.
Here’s how to clean them up:
Find Broken Links – Use Google Search Console, head to the “Coverage” section, and check for error URLs.
Download the List – Export a CSV file to track and fix links efficiently.
Fix or Remove – Either redirect to the correct page, update the link, or remove it if the page no longer exists.
Double-Check Fixes – Use Google’s URL Inspection Tool to confirm everything’s working and request a re-crawl.
It’s also worth installing a broken link checker extension on your browser.
Utilising Google's Search Console
Google Search Console gives you real-time insights into how your site is performing in search. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Set It Up – If you haven’t already, create a Google Search Console account and verify your site following Google’s steps.
Check for Errors – Head to the “Coverage” section to spot 404s, server issues, and indexing problems.
Fix URL Errors – Click on an error to see the affected URLs. Google usually provides fix recommendations (e.g., redirects or server tweaks).
Inspect URLs – Use the “URL Inspection Tool” to check for crawling errors and indexing problems.
Request a Re-Crawl – Once you’ve fixed an issue, ask Google to re-crawl the page for faster updates.
Technical SEO is your site’s backbone—ignore it, and your rankings will collapse faster than a bad Tinder date. Keep an eye on Search Console and fix issues before they cost you traffic.
Why Improving Ranking Matters
More visibility = more clicks. 75% of people never scroll past page one, so if you’re not ranking high, you’re basically invisible.
But it’s not just about traffic—higher rankings = more trust. People assume the top results are the most legit. If Google keeps serving up the same sites, users start to trust them. That should be you.
[Action Items]
✔ Boost Credibility – Keep your content fresh and aligned with Google’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) guidelines.
✔ Track What Works – Use Google Analytics to see which pages pull in traffic and tweak your strategy accordingly.
✔ Leverage Reviews – Happy customers? Get them to leave reviews—Google loves them, and so do potential buyers.
Final thoughts
If your site isn’t ranking, fixing it starts now. We’ve covered the essentials—keyword research, technical SEO, backlinks, and user-first content. The goal? Make your site valuable for real people while playing by Google’s rules.
Start simple. Pick one fix and tackle it today—whether it’s speeding up your site, improving meta descriptions, or tightening up your content structure. Small, consistent improvements = big results over time.
And remember—SEO isn’t just about algorithms. It’s about helping people. When you solve real problems, Google rewards you. Stay on top of updates, experiment with new strategies, and track progress in Google Search Console.
Still not ranking? Don’t stress. Every site starts from zero. Keep putting out valuable content, refining your strategy, and building genuine connections. The fundamentals haven’t changed since Google’s early days, and they won’t in 2025.
Your audience is searching right now—make sure they can find you.
