A new website doesn't show up on Google just because it exists. Google has to find it, read it, understand what it's about and decide it's worth showing. Most of that is in your control, and most of it is simpler than it sounds.
This checklist is what we go through for every site we launch.
Before launch: make it readable
One clear title for every page. The page title is the blue link in Google's results. Each page needs its own, saying what the page is about and where you are: "Commercial Cleaning Auckland | Your Business" is better than "Home". Keep it to around 60 characters so it isn't cut off.
A description for every page. The line or two under the link. Google doesn't always use it, but when it does, it's your pitch. Say what you offer and why someone should click.
One main heading per page. Each page should have a single main heading that matches what the page is about, with smaller headings for its sections. It helps Google, and it helps people skimming on a phone.
Words, not just pictures. Google reads text. A page that's mostly images with a few words on them gives it very little to go on. Describe your services in plain language, in the words customers use.
Describe your images. Every image should have alt text, a short description of what it shows. It helps people using screen readers, and it tells Google what the image is.
Fast on a phone. Google ranks sites based on how they work on mobile. Compress images, avoid heavy pop-ups, and test with PageSpeed Insights.
At launch: tell Google you exist
Set up Google Search Console. It's free, and it's how Google talks to you about your site. Verify that you own your domain, then you can see which searches you appear for, which pages are indexed and anything that's broken.
Submit your sitemap. A sitemap is a list of every page on your site. Most modern sites generate one automatically, usually at /sitemap.xml. Submit it in Search Console so Google finds every page quickly instead of stumbling across them.
Redirect your old pages. If you're replacing an old site, every old address that's in Google or in someone's bookmarks should redirect to its new equivalent. Without redirects, those links break and you lose whatever standing the old pages had built up.
Pick one address. Your site should load at one address, with or without "www", and the other should redirect to it. Otherwise Google can treat them as two copies of the same site.
In the first month: build trust
Set up your Google Business Profile. For a local business, this is often worth more than anything on the site itself. It's what shows on Google Maps and in the box on the right of search results. Fill in every field, add real photos, choose the right categories and link to your site.
Ask for reviews. Reviews on your Business Profile help you show up in local results and help people choose you once you do. Ask happy customers straight after a job, and make it easy with a direct link.
Get listed where your customers look. Industry directories, local business associations, suppliers and partners who list the businesses they work with. Each genuine link to your site is a signal that you're real and relevant.
Keep your details consistent. Your business name, address and phone number should be written the same way on your site, your Business Profile and every directory listing.
After that: keep adding useful pages
Google rewards sites that answer the questions people are asking. That doesn't mean posting for the sake of it. It means:
- A page for each service you offer, rather than one page listing everything
- Case studies of real work, with results where you have them
- Answers to the questions customers ask you on the phone
Every one of those is another way for someone to find you, and another reason for Google to trust that you know what you're talking about.
How long does it take?
Google usually finds a new site within days once the sitemap is submitted, but ranking well for competitive searches takes longer, often a few months. Search for your business name first: that should appear quickly. Broader searches like "web design Auckland" take sustained work.
If you need enquiries sooner, Google Ads can put you at the top of results while your organic rankings build.
Every site we build ships with the basics in this list done from day one: titles, descriptions, sitemap, redirects, structured data and speed. See how we approach website design, or book a free 15-minute call and we'll look at where your site stands.