After close to a decade of building websites, I've seen firsthand the challenges facing business leaders who are launching a new website -- especially when they haven't had a website before.
Today we’re talking about one of these challenges.
It’s something I address at the beginning of every website project: understanding the time it takes for a new site to show up in Google Search results (called ranking).
Most business leaders understand that engaging content and eye-catching visuals are important (actually, they’re essential but that’s a different email 😉 ). However, there’s a lot of misunderstanding around the time it takes to rank your new site on Google Search.
Most people expect their new site to show up on Google Search right away.
Makes sense, right? You launch a website and BAM!-- it should show up everywhere.
Well…. That’s not how it works anymore.
In 2025 there are tons of factors that influence your site ranking and the time it takes to show up in search results.
You’ve probably heard buzzwordy talk about “SEO” – the common term for the process of improving your sites ranking in search engines (usually Google Search).
But that’s the part that gets missed: it’s a process that takes time.
Unless you understand that ranking takes time, you’re set up for a ton of frustration and disappointment (which, let’s be honest, is the exact opposite of what you want to feel with your shiny new website).
So.
Since you’re already busy running your business (and you don’t need another full time job getting a PhD in the black magic of ‘Google Search’), I’ve put together a quick list of things you need to know before starting your website.
Disclaimer: this list may be a hard pill to swallow, but I’m not here to set you up with false expectations. I want you to have a clear understanding of the process so that you’re prepared right from the start. Ranking on Google is absolutely do-able but reality is, it takes a lot of time and effort.
The reality of ranking on Google: it's a marathon, not a sprint
Launching a new website is a major milestone for your business, but ranking on Google Search doesn’t happen overnight.
Here’s what you need to know before you start this journey:
✅ Google Needs Time to Find and Read Your Site (called ‘Indexing’)
Search engines don’t list new websites instantly. There are millions of websites in the processing queue every day, and unfortunately since neither you or I control Google, there isn’t anything we can do to make indexing go faster. While I take steps to keep this time to a minimum, indexing can take days, weeks, or longer in some cases.
✅ Ranking High Takes Effort
Most top-ranking websites have invested a ton of time, money, and strategy into SEO. It’s not automatic or organic—but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable. If you currently have a website, here’s a list of ways you can continue to build your website authority and improve your ranking.
✅ New Domains Take Longer to Earn Trust
If you’ve recently purchased your domain, Google may take time to recognize it as trustworthy, which can impact your rankings early on.
Tip: buy your domain as soon as you have a business name, even if you don’t plan to build a website right away. I always recommend GoDaddy since they have great tools for working with designers while also keeping your account secure.
✅ Great SEO Results Don’t Happen Overnight
Even with proper optimization, it can take months to see the full impact. SEO is an ongoing effort, not a quick fix. It requires constant attention to rank where you want and to stay there.
✅ Ranking is Different for Everyone
The factors related to ranking your website are unique, so you can’t compare your journey to someone else's. Depending on your industry, keyword competition, and SEO strategy, it can take months or even years to get to the top spot on Google Search. Nobody can tell you exactly how long it’s going to take – and if they do, they’re lying.
The Bottom Line?
A great website is a valuable long-term asset, but results require consistency and strategy. Just like anything else that’s really worth it, there’s no magic solution or quick fix. Getting your site where you want to be is possible but it’s an ongoing process that takes time and attention.
If you’re ready to build a strong foundation for your online presence – or if you just have questions about the process, reach out anytime. I’m always happy to give away all the free advice that I can!
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