Type your business name into Google. If your site is not first, something specific is wrong — and it is findable.
site:yourdomain.com. Zero results = not indexed (submit the sitemap in Search Console, check for a noindex tag or a blocked robots.txt). Results but low rank = titles and Google Business Profile. New domain = wait 2–4 weeks after submitting.1. Not indexed at all
Open Google Search Console (free), add the property, submit /sitemap.xml, then use URL Inspection → Request Indexing on the homepage.
2. A noindex tag or blocked robots.txt
Common after a developer forgets to switch off "Discourage search engines" in WordPress. Check Settings → Reading, and view-source for noindex.
3. No title tags
Every page needs a title like "Bakery in Mandeville — Cakes & Pastries | Name". "Home" is not a title.
4. Duplicate pages
http and https, www and non-www, /index.html and / — Google splits your rank between them. Pick one canonical and 301 the rest.
5. No Google Business Profile
For local searches the map pack is the result. Claim the profile, add photos, hours, the website link, and ask for reviews.
6. Brand-new domain
New sites take 2–6 weeks. Submit the sitemap, post one article, get one link (your Facebook page, a directory).
7. A hacked or penalised site
Search Console → Security issues. Clean the site, request review.
- Search Console setup, sitemap, indexing — from J$5,000
- Google Business Profile — J$10,000
- Canonical/duplicate fixes on WordPress — from J$5,000
Frequently asked
How long until Google shows my site?
Days for an established domain once indexed; 2–6 weeks for a new one.
Is Search Console free?
Yes.
Do I need to pay Google?
No — ads are separate from appearing in search.