Why Isn’t Your Website Ranking? 7 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

If your website isn’t showing up on Google, don’t worry. Many businesses struggle with this. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is what helps websites appear in search results. But small mistakes can keep your website from ranking well. Let’s look at seven common SEO mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Not Using Long-Tail Keywords

Keywords are the words people type into Google when searching. Many websites target short, popular keywords like "shoes" or "fitness tips." But these are highly competitive.

Instead, use long-tail keywords. These are longer phrases like "best running shoes for flat feet" or "easy fitness tips for beginners." They are specific and less competitive, making it easier for your website to rank.

How to Fix It:

• Think about what people might search for in detail.
• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find long-tail keywords.
• Include these keywords naturally in your content.

2. Weak or Unoptimized Titles

Your title is the first thing people see on Google. If it’s not interesting or lacks keywords, people won’t click on your link. Google also won’t understand what your page is about.

How to Fix It:

• Use engaging titles with keywords. Example: Instead of "SEO Tips," use "7 SEO Tips to Boost Your Website Ranking."
• Keep titles short, around 50-60 characters.
• Make sure the title is relevant to your content.

3. Outdated or Low-Quality Content

If your content is old, inaccurate, or doesn’t provide value, Google won’t rank it. Search engines love fresh, updated content.

How to Fix It:

• Update old articles with new information.
• Remove or improve low-quality content.
• Write blogs that answer common user questions.

4. No Internal Linking

Internal links connect different pages on your website. They help Google understand your website structure and keep visitors engaged longer.

How to Fix It:

• Add links to related pages within your content.
• Use descriptive anchor text (the clickable words). Example: Instead of "click here," say "learn more about SEO mistakes."
• Don’t overdo it. Keep it natural.

5. Ignoring E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)

Google ranks websites that show expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. If your website looks unreliable, you won’t rank well.

How to Fix It:

• Show your expertise by providing well-researched content.
• Use credible sources and link to them.
• Include author bios to build trust.
• Display customer reviews and testimonials.

6. Not Having a Mobile-Friendly Website

More than half of web searches come from mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, Google will rank it lower.

How to Fix It:

• Use a responsive design so your site works on all devices.
• Check your site on different screen sizes.
• Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool.

7. No Call to Action (CTA)

A call to action tells visitors what to do next. Without a clear CTA, users might leave your site without taking action.

How to Fix It:

• Add CTAs like "Sign up for our newsletter," "Get a free consultation," or "Read more about SEO tips."
• Place CTAs in multiple locations on your page.
• Make them stand out using buttons or bold text.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my website not ranking on Google?

Your website may not be ranking due to common SEO mistakes like using the wrong keywords, weak titles, outdated content, or not being mobile-friendly. Search engines need clear, valuable, and well-structured information to rank your site.

2. What are long-tail keywords and why do they matter?

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases people search for—like "best shoes for flat feet." They're easier to rank for because there's less competition. They help search engines understand exactly what your content is about.

3. How do I write better titles for SEO?

Create titles that include relevant keywords and are interesting to your audience. Keep them short (50–60 characters) and make sure they clearly describe the content. For example, use "7 SEO Tips to Boost Your Website Ranking" instead of just "SEO Tips."

4. How often should I update my website content?

Regularly. Google prefers fresh and accurate content. Update old blog posts with new info, remove outdated sections, and write new posts that answer users’ questions to stay relevant.

5. Why are internal links important for SEO?

Internal links help connect your website’s pages, making it easier for both users and Google to navigate. They also help share link value across your site, improving your overall SEO.

6. What is E-A-T in SEO?

E-A-T stands for Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness. Google ranks websites higher if they show they are reliable, knowledgeable, and trusted by users. This includes using expert-written content, citing credible sources, and showing reviews/testimonials.

7. How do I check if my website is mobile-friendly?

You can use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test tool. A mobile-friendly website adjusts to different screen sizes and works well on smartphones and tablets.

8. What is a call-to-action (CTA) and why do I need one?

A CTA guides visitors on what to do next—like signing up, contacting you, or reading more. Without it, people might leave your site without taking action, which can reduce conversions and engagement.

Final Thoughts

Fixing these SEO mistakes can help your website rank higher on Google. Start by using long-tail keywords, optimizing your titles, and updating old content. Internal links, mobile-friendliness, and strong E-A-T signals will also improve rankings.

Need help with SEO? Contact us today and let us boost your website ranking!