Guide · Updated October 2026

How Do I Submit My Website to Google?

Step by step guide to submitting your website to Google using Search Console, adding a sitemap, requesting indexing and checking if your pages appear.

How Do I Submit My Website to Google?

Short answer: Add your site to Google Search Console, verify that you own it, then submit your XML sitemap. You can also use the URL Inspection tool to request indexing of key pages. Google often finds sites on its own, but this speeds things up and lets you spot problems.

Do you even need to submit?

Google discovers most websites by following links. If another site links to yours, or you have a Google Business Profile with your website on it, Google may find you without help. Submitting is still worth doing because Search Console tells you whether pages are indexed and why some are not.

Step 1: Open Google Search Console

Go to Search Console and sign in with a Google account you will keep long term, ideally a business account rather than a personal one you might lose.

Step 2: Add a property

You will be offered two choices:

  • Domain property: covers every version of your site (with and without www, http and https). It needs a DNS record added at your domain registrar.
  • URL prefix property: covers one exact address, such as https://www.example.com. It offers more verification options, like an HTML file or meta tag.

Domain property is the better choice if you can access your DNS settings.

Step 3: Verify ownership

Follow the instructions for your chosen method. DNS changes can take a little while to take effect, so if verification fails at first, wait and try again.

Prefer to skip the technical setup? SiteDrum handles Google setup on every plan.

SiteDrum builds fast, mobile-first websites from $99 setup and $15 a month, with hosting, security, Google setup and support included. Already have a site that is slow or broken? Try Website Rescue or run our free speed test.

Step 4: Submit your sitemap

In the Sitemaps section, enter your sitemap address. It is often sitemap.xml or sitemap_index.xml at the root of your domain. Click submit. Google will show whether it could read the file and how many pages it found.

Step 5: Request indexing for key pages

Paste your homepage address into the URL Inspection bar at the top. If it says the page is not on Google, click Request Indexing. Repeat for your most important service pages. There is a daily limit, so do not paste in every page.

Step 6: Check back

Indexing can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Return to the Pages report to see what is indexed and what is excluded, with reasons such as duplicate content or a noindex tag.

Do not forget Bing

Bing Webmaster Tools lets you import your Search Console setup in a few clicks. Bing powers several other search tools too, so it is worth the five minutes.

If your site still does not appear

  • Check your site is not blocking search engines in its settings or robots.txt file.
  • Make sure pages do not carry a noindex tag.
  • Confirm the site loads properly and quickly. Try our free speed test.

The bottom line

Submitting your site is free and takes under an hour: set up Search Console, verify, add your sitemap and request indexing for key pages. Then use the reports to keep an eye on things.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to submit my website to Google?

Yes. Search Console is free and Google never charges to be indexed in organic results.

How long until my site shows on Google?

It varies from days to weeks. New sites with few links usually take longer.

Do I need to resubmit after changes?

No. Google recrawls your site regularly. You can request indexing for major new pages if you want them picked up faster.

Should I pay a submission service?

No. Services that promise to submit you to hundreds of search engines add nothing useful.

Want a website that brings you customers?

Tell us what you do on WhatsApp and we will send a fixed quote and a free mockup.

Get my free mockup

Related guides

What Is an XML Sitemap and Do I Need One?Read guide →What Is Robots.txt and Do I Need One?Read guide →How Do I Do Keyword Research for Free?Read guide →Why Did My Google Rankings Drop?Read guide →

Our products

Starter website$99 setup, $15 a monthBusiness website$249 setup, $29 a monthPremium website$499 setup, $59 a monthWebsite RescueFix a slow, broken or hacked siteFree speed testCheck your site in secondsSample websitesSee designs for your industry

Website design near you

Website design in LondonWebsite design in New YorkWebsite design in TorontoWebsite design in BelfastWebsite design in San FranciscoWebsite design in MumbaiWebsite design in BaselWebsite design in AucklandWebsite design in MalmöWebsite design in HoustonAll cities →

SiteDrum home · All guides · Sitemap · Contact us

All guides

Contact us

Tell us about your business

Send a message and we reply within one working day with a fixed quote. Prefer to chat? WhatsApp us or book a free 15-minute call.

We only use your details to reply to you. See our privacy policy.
Chat on WhatsAppBook a free call