You’ve got a great website, your services are solid, and yet… you’re nowhere to be found on Google. It’s one of the most frustrating things for small business owners, and we hear it all the time.
The truth is, getting found online isn’t just about having a website. It’s about making sure Google can understand your website, and that takes the right setup, structure, and consistency behind the scenes.
At Barefoot Build, we specialize in building WordPress websites for small businesses that actually get seen. Here’s why your site doesn’t show up on Google, and what you can do about it.
1. Your Site Isn’t Properly Indexed
Before your site can appear in search results, it has to be indexed by Google. If Google can’t crawl your pages or understand their structure, it’s like you don’t exist.
Common causes:
A “noindex” tag accidentally left on pages.
Poor site structure or broken links.
Pages that aren’t connected to your main navigation.
Fix:
Use Google Search Console to check indexing status. At Barefoot Build, we ensure every site we build is crawlable and structured so search engines can easily understand it.
2. You’re Using a Platform That Limits SEO Control
This one’s big — and it’s the reason we use WordPress instead of closed platforms like Wix or Squarespace.
We’ve seen it firsthand. One of our recent clients had a beautiful Wix site but couldn’t rank on Google no matter what she tried. The issue wasn’t her content or her keywords — it was the platform.
Many website builders (like Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy’s site creator) don’t give full access to SEO settings, URL structures, or backend optimization. That means you’re relying on the platform’s algorithms — and sometimes, it’s simply not doing what you need it to.
That’s why we build on WordPress.
WordPress gives complete control over every SEO element. From metadata and page speed to mobile responsiveness and schema markup. There’s no guessing what the platform is doing (or not doing). We can fine-tune everything to make sure your site is built on a foundation that search engines can trust.
Learn more about our WordPress websites
3. You Don’t Have Foundational SEO
A website might look great but still miss the basics of search engine optimization (SEO). Every page should include:
Keyword-focused titles and headings
Meta descriptions and alt text
Optimized images and fast loading times
Mobile-friendly design
Without these essentials, Google has no context for what your site is about, and it won’t know when to show you in search results.
At Barefoot Build, every website includes foundational SEO during development (your site launches with all the key elements in place). From there, we offer ongoing ways to help you grow, like blog writing, fresh copy updates, and maintenance plans that keep your content current.
If you’re looking for long-term or advanced SEO campaigns, we’re happy to recommend trusted local providers who specialize in ongoing SEO and ad management.
4. You Haven’t Claimed or Optimized Your Google Business Profile
If you run a local business, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is crucial for local SEO. It helps you appear in map results and “near me” searches.
Fix:
Claim your business profile.
Add accurate contact info, hours, and location.
Upload photos and get customer reviews.
Link your website to it.
Barefoot Build can help direct clients if needed.
5. Your Site Is New (and Needs Time)
Google doesn’t instantly index new sites. It can take a few weeks or sometimes even months before you start seeing traffic. During this time, it’s important to make regular updates, add fresh content, and build credibility through consistency.
Our care plans make this easy. We handle content updates, blogs, and technical upkeep to help your site gain momentum over time.
6. You’re Missing Regular Updates and Maintenance
Even if your site ranked well in the past, it won’t stay that way forever without maintenance. Broken links, outdated plugins, and slow page speed can all hurt your search rankings.
Barefoot Build’s monthly maintenance plans keep your website fast, secure, and SEO-friendly so you never have to wonder why your site disappeared from Google again.
Why WordPress + Barefoot Build = Better Visibility
With WordPress, we have full control over:
Titles, meta descriptions, and alt text
Schema markup for better indexing
URL structure and redirects
Site speed optimization
SEO tools like Yoast or RankMath for fine-tuning
This level of control simply isn’t possible with closed platforms like Wix or Squarespace. And when it comes to your business visibility, control matters.
By building on WordPress, we remove the guesswork giving your site a strong SEO foundation from day one. From there, our content services, blogs, and updates help you stay active online, while our trusted partners can take over if you’re ready for advanced SEO strategy.
Final Thoughts
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, it doesn’t mean your brand isn’t strong, it just means your website needs a better foundation.
That’s what we do at Barefoot Build. We create websites that don’t just look good, but also give you the best possible start for SEO success. And if you’re ready to grow beyond the basics, we’ll connect you with people we trust who can help take it further.
Book your free consultation to find out how we can help your website finally get the visibility it deserves.
