Search engine optimisation (SEO)

When setting up a new website, make sure search engines can discover, crawl and index it. You can help by publishing clear internal links, creating an XML sitemap and using search engine webmaster tools.

Registering new sites

You may not need to submit an established site, because search engines often discover pages through links. For a new site, use Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools to submit sitemaps and check indexing issues.

Webmaster tools, such as Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools, let you submit sitemaps, check indexing, review search performance and identify technical issues. See what is a search engine and how do they work?

Discovery and indexing can take time. Use webmaster tools and internal links to help search engines find important pages.

You will probably not need to do this for websites that are already established, because existing links from other sites will have already led search engine crawlers to your site.

Submit sites manually

Avoid automated submission tools that promise quick indexing. They can be poor quality and may cause problems. Use official tools and make sure other reputable sites can link to your content.

There is no guaranteed timescale for a new page or site to appear in search results. The quickest route is usually good crawl access, useful content, an XML sitemap and relevant links from pages that search engines already crawl.