Get Google To Index Your Website ASAP!
So, you've started poking around Google Search Console (formally Webmaster Tools) and realized that Google isn't indexing your website. I've been there and it's a bummer. The good news is we're about to change that in a few easy steps but first, let's make sure we're on the same page with some terms you've probably already seen.
Googlebot - Easily put, it's software the Google dispatches to scout out and collect information on the web to store in Google's searchable index.
Crawling - Crawling is what a Googlebot does. Jumping from website to website using links to update and find new data for Google to store in it's searchable index.
Indexing - process where gathered information is made searchable if Google determines that it's quality content.
Now, here's the "meat and potatoes" of why you're reading this: Steps to get your website noticed by Google!
Google Analytics - This will be a big help regardless but in the context of our lesson today, installing Analytics will tip Google off to your website. Usually within a day or two, Google will start reporting the who/what/where/why/how on your website's traffic. It shouldn't be too long before you start to see it being indexed in the Search Console.
Submit Website URL - All of the major search engines have an option to do this. For Google (because you're already using the search console, right?) it's super easy. Simply Search "Google Search Console" and there ya go!
Create and Submit a Sitemap - Road map of your website. It lets search engines know how many pages your site has, what's on them, and how often new information is posted. If your website is built on WordPress, just install Google XML Sitemaps Plugin and it will automatically take care of the creating, updating, and submitting for you.
Social Media - This one is my personal favorite. Social signals are fast becoming the determining factor when populating search results so it's only natural to make sure this part of the plan is completed. Make sure all of your social media accounts are linked to your website.
Share Your Stuff - Having links shared across Facebook and especially Google+ will create paths back to your website and alert search engine of your site's existence. It also lets people know what's new with you (2 birds, 1 stone).
After you get all of this done, you'll start to see more and more traffic to your website from Google, get more phone calls and emails, and people will generally like you more (I'm just kidding; I have no idea if people will like you).
Alright, this is a bunch of information and as always, if you have any questions or problems, please comment below!
Cheers!
