Can People Find Your Website on Google? Here’s How to Check (Free Google Tool)
If you’ve launched a new website (or had one for a while), you might be wondering:
“Can people actually find me on Google?”
It’s a fair question - especially for local businesses that rely on being seen online. The good news? There’s a free tool from Google that can tell you exactly that.
It’s called Google Search Console, and it’s like a report card for how your website appears in Google Search.
What Is Google Search Console?
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that helps you understand how your website shows up on Google. Once your site is connected, you can:
See what search terms (keywords) bring people to your site
Check which pages are being shown in search results - and which aren’t
Spot issues that are stopping Google from indexing (listing) your site
Track clicks and impressions over time to see how your visibility is improving
Think of it like a behind-the-scenes view of your Google presence. If Google can’t read your site properly, this is where you’ll find out.
Why It Matters for Local Businesses
If you run a small business in the SO area, showing up in search is half the battle.
You want people to find you when they search for things like:
“Plumber near me”
“Hairdresser in Southampton”
“Best coffee shop in SO18”
Even if you’re doing everything else right - good website, great reviews, active social media - it won’t matter if Google can’t actually see your pages.
If your pages aren’t being indexed or aren’t performing well, you’ll miss out on local traffic and customers. GSC helps you see where things stand - and what to fix.
How to Set It Up (In Plain English)
Go to Google Search Console
Click ‘Start now’ and sign in with your Google account.
Add your website domain (or URL prefix).
Verify ownership - this might involve adding a small file to your site, or connecting through your domain provider.
Tip: If you’re using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress.com, they often have built-in methods to verify quickly. Check their support docs.
Once verified, you’ll start seeing data within a few days.
What to Check First
When your data starts coming in, head to these three areas:
Performance Report
Shows how many people are seeing and clicking your pages in search.
Look for your most popular pages, common search terms, and how many people see you but don’t click.
Coverage Report
Tells you which pages are indexed (listed on Google) and flags any issues.
If your key service pages aren’t indexed, that’s something to fix right away.
Mobile Usability
Checks if your site works well on phones.
Most local visitors are searching on mobile, so this really matters.
Bonus tip: Also check the “Pages” tab under Performance to spot pages that get 0 clicks, since they might need a refresh.
I also have a slightly more lengthy and in-depth guide to using Google Search Console if you want to learn more.
When Does Google Search Console Update?
Google doesn’t update in real-time - but it’s not far off. Here's what to know:
Performance data (clicks, impressions, rankings) is usually updated every day, with a 1–2 day delay.
(So, on a Friday, you’re probably seeing data from Wednesday.)Most updates happen between 8 AM and 12 PM (UK time).
Other reports (like Coverage or Mobile Usability) may update every few days.
If there’s ever a delay, GSC will usually flag it at the top of your dashboard.
So if you're checking your stats and wondering, “Why hasn’t this changed yet?” - give it a little time.
What If My Site Isn’t Showing Up?
This could mean:
Your site is too new (give it a week or two)
Google can’t access some of your pages (check the Coverage tab)
You need to submit a sitemap
You haven’t added enough helpful content yet
If you're unsure what any of that means - that's where I come in.
Here’s how…
Google Search Console is one of the most valuable (and underrated) tools for small businesses wanting to improve their SEO.
It’s free.
It’s powerful.
And it gives you a clearer view of how well your website is actually working.
Want help making sure your site shows up on Google?
Get in touch - I’ll make sure you’re not invisible online.
What is Google Search Console?
It’s a free tool from Google that shows how your website appears in search results and highlights any issues affecting your visibility.
How do I know if my site is on Google?
Google Search Console shows you which of your pages are indexed (listed) on Google, and whether there are problems stopping them from appearing.
Can I use Search Console if I don’t know much about SEO?
The basic features are beginner-friendly — and even just checking the performance and coverage reports gives you helpful insight.
