NTG STUDIO WEBShort answer
If your site doesn’t show up on Google, first check it’s indexed (type site:yourdomain.com), that it isn’t blocked by a "noindex" setting, that it’s registered in Google Search Console with a sitemap, that every page has a specific title, and that you target realistic searches. A new site usually takes a few days to a few weeks to be indexed.
Key takeaways
- Type site:yourdomain.com to see whether Google knows your site
- A forgotten "discourage search engines" box blocks everything
- Being indexed doesn’t mean ranking well
- A Google Maps profile is often the fastest path to local clients
"My site has been live for six months, but nobody finds it on Google." Before spending anything, run this nine-point check. Most causes are easy to fix.
1. Is the site indexed?
Type into Google: site:yourdomain.com. If no results appear, Google doesn’t know your site. If only a few pages show, part of it isn’t indexed.
2. Is a setting blocking Google?
On WordPress, the box "Discourage search engines from indexing this site" is often ticked during the build and forgotten. Also check the robots.txt file and any "noindex" tag.
3. Is the site in Google Search Console?
It’s Google’s free tool for site owners. Add your site, submit your sitemap and read the reports: indexed pages, errors, searches that show you.
4. Does every page have a specific title?
A title like "Home" tells Google nothing. "Dental clinic in Bonapriso, Douala | Name" tells it everything. Every page needs a unique title and description.
5. Do you have one page per service?
If all your services are summed up on one page, Google can’t rank you for each. A dedicated page per service, with real content, changes everything.
NTG Studio Web does it for you (Technical & local SEO, AEO). Free 30-minute audit, reply within 24 hours, payment by Orange Money or MTN MoMo.
6. Does the content answer clients’ questions?
Three lines per page isn’t enough. Google ranks the pages that best answer the search: explanations, prices, timelines, FAQs, examples.
7. Is the site fast and mobile-friendly?
Google evaluates the mobile version first. A slow or badly displayed site on phones is penalised. See Slow website: 10 causes and fixes to speed it up.
8. Are you targeting realistic searches?
Ranking first for "website" or "lawyer" is very hard. Ranking first for "business lawyer Douala" is achievable. Choose specific keywords: Keywords: finding what your clients really search for.
9. Do you have a Google Business Profile?
For local searches ("pharmacy near me", "garage Bonabéri"), Google shows the map first. Without a verified profile, you’re missing from that block. Full guide: Getting on Google Maps in Cameroon: create and verify your profile.
What next?
If points 1 to 3 are the problem, the fix takes a few hours. If it’s points 4 to 9, it’s real SEO work over several weeks. Our free SEO, AEO and GEO check gives you a first score in two minutes: free diagnostic tool.
Frequently asked questions
How long until a new site appears on Google?
Indexing usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Ranking well for competitive searches takes several months of work.
My site shows when I type its name but not for my services, why?
Your site is indexed but not relevant or strong enough for those searches. You need dedicated service pages, useful content and links.
Do I have to pay Google to appear?
Not for organic results. Google Ads lets you appear immediately in the ads, paying per click.
Founder of NTG Studio Web in Douala. Master’s in international public law, IBM Data Analytics and Anthropic AI Fluency certified. He designs websites and visibility strategies for African businesses. Learn more →