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Key highlights 

  • Transform your website from an overlooked creation to an online standout by ensuring it’s recognized and indexed. 
  • Set your site up for winning with a mobile-friendly design, robust security, fast load times and high-quality content. 
  • Get step-by-step directions for submitting your site to Bing, Yahoo and even Yandex, broadening your digital footprint. 
  • Keep your site fresh with regular sitemap updates, smart internal linking and the power of data-driven SEO tools
  • Bluehost hosting boosts your site’s performance. It includes powerful tools like Yoast SEO and the Bluehost SEO Checker. 

Introduction 

Website created successfully! But wait—no clicks, no visitors, no clients! Sounds frustrating, right? 

This is where search engine submission plays a huge role. Submitting your website to search engines is significant for every site to grow, attract traffic and rank better on search engine result pages (SERPs). 

In today’s bustling online world, even the most brilliantly designed site can end up hidden in plain sight if search engines aren’t in the loop. That’s why it’s vital to submit website to search engines and stay visible. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to manually submit your website to top search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo and even Yandex, ensuring that your website URL is captured by major search engines. Whether you’re a seasoned webmaster or just launching your first site, get started with our comprehensive approach to effective website submission. 

What is search engine submission & why does it matter? 

Search engine submission is how you inform search engines of your site’s presence. This can be done by submitting an XML sitemap, using webmaster tools or adding individual URLs to search engine databases.  

While search engines are capable of discovering new websites, manual submission via a URL inspection tool ensures quicker indexing and better control over how your site appears in google search results. 

Why should you submit website to search engines? 

To make your website discoverable and reach your target audience, website submission is essential. Here’s how submitting your site benefits you: 

  • Speed up the indexing process, allowing your pages to appear in search results sooner. 
  • Ensure all pages, including new or updated content, are recognized by search engines. Keeping your content updated in xml format helps maintain accuracy. 
  • Structured submission through sitemaps and metadata helps search engines understand your site’s layout and content. 
  • Enhance visibility across different search platforms beyond Google, including Bing and Yahoo. 

Preparing your website for search engine submission 

Before you submit your website to search engines, it’s crucial to optimize it to meet search engine standards. By taking initiative, you’re not just aiming for immediate visibility; you’re laying the groundwork for lasting SEO results: 

  • Follow webmaster guidelines: Each search engine has its own set of rules. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines helps you avoid issues like de-indexing or ranking penalties and ensuring smooth website submission to search engines. Compliance is key to maintaining a healthy, search-friendly website. 
  • Mobile-friendly and responsive design: You want people to have a good time on your website, no matter what device they’re using. So, make sure it’s mobile-friendly, which basically means it adjusts to fit any screen. That way, everyone has a smooth experience. 
  • Robust security measures: A website that is secure is one that is reliable. An SSL certificate is like a strong lock on your door, letting visitors know they can trust you. And guess what? Search engines are like that too. 
  • Optimized loading speed: Speed is crucial. Nobody likes waiting for a website to load, right? A speedy site keeps people happy and sticking around and it’s a huge plus with search engines. Techniques such as image optimization, caching and streamlined coding can make a significant difference.   
  • High-quality, unique content: Ultimately, content is king. Creating valuable, original content is at the heart of good SEO. High-quality content attracts visitors and encourages search engines to rank your site higher, ensuring your information stands out in a crowded online space. 

Step-by-step guide to submitting your website to Google 

Google is the most important search engine, covering over 90% of global searches. Submitting website to search engines, especially Google, ensures faster indexing and better rankings in Google search results. This first step is critical to making your website URL known. 

Add your website to Google Search Console 

Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that allows website owners to track indexing, search performance and fix technical issues. 

To add your site: 

  1. Check Google Search Console website and click on the button, ‘Start now’.   
Click on start now
  1. Select the property type: 

Domain: Enter your domain name to retrieve data from all URLs. DNS verification is required for this option.  
URL prefix: it has several verification techniques and is for a particular page. 

We will first start with the Domain option.  

  1. Type the ‘URL’ and click on ‘Continue’. 
Select property type
  1. To verify ownership, copy the ‘TXT record’ and enter it into your ‘DNS settings’. Then return to Search Console to ‘Verify’. 
google search console verify
  1. Next, is to login to your Domain name provider. For this guide, we are using Bluehost dashboard.  
Bluehost dasboard
  1. Click on ‘Hosting’ and then click on ‘CPANEL’ in quick links. 
Check quick links
  1. This is cPanel page, scroll down and click on ‘Zone editor’. 
Click on zone editor
  1. Click on ‘Manage’ and a window with list of zone records will be open. 
Click on manage
  1. Now, click on ‘Add Record’ and fill the row by entering the code you copied from google in the text column and click on ‘Save Record’. 
Add and save records
  1. Return to the search console website and click on ‘Verify’. 
Click on verify
  1. Once verified, Google will confirm your ownership. 
Ownership verified

Too many steps? Don’t worry, we have an alternative for this. Let’s take a seamless way that involves a few steps and it is easy to do. 

Verifying your site in Google Search Console with Yoast SEO 

Yoast SEO is one of the most trusted WordPress plugins for simplifying and enhancing your site’s optimization process. It provides an intuitive dashboard that offers in-depth content analysis, strategic keyword recommendations and readability scoring, ensuring that every piece of content is fine-tuned for both users and search engines. With actionable insights, Yoast SEO helps you optimize meta tags, headlines and images, effectively guiding you toward improved rankings and increased organic traffic. 

What makes Yoast SEO even more indispensable is its seamless integration with Google Search Console. This streamlined procedure reduces the hassle of manual coding by allowing you to verify your website ownership directly within the plugin. The integration ensures that your site’s performance data is captured accurately, offering you a clear picture of your website’s health and search visibility. 

At Bluehost, we understand the importance of having a powerful yet user-friendly optimization tool at your fingertips. That’s why we include Yoast SEO for free with Bluehost hosting plans. Our hosting platform is designed to empower you—whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned webmaster—by simplifying website management and enhancing your overall SEO strategy

  1. Repeat the above two steps and this time we will use URL prefix option. Write URL and then click on ‘Continue’. 
Select property type
  1. Copy the meta tag 
Copy html tag
  1. Now, log into WordPress dashboard.  
WordPress dashboard
  1. Then, go to ‘Yoast SEO’ which appears in the left menu bar, click on ‘Settings’ and then ‘Site connections’. Then a window will appear that has different site connections. Paste the verification code in Google field. In last, click on ‘Save Changes’. 
Write verification code
  1. Return to Google Search Console and click on ‘Verify’. 
Click on verify

How to check your verification tag in Search Console 

After you’ve completed the verification process, you can easily review your meta tag. The steps are shown below: 

  1. Visit Google Search Console and open the ‘Settings’ 
Click settings
  1. Click ‘Ownership Verification’ and click ‘HTML tag’ to check the verification tag 
 check the verification tag

How to submit your website to Bing, Yahoo and Yandex 

Beyond Google, submitting website to search engines like Bing expands your reach since Yahoo search results are powered by Bing. Additionally, verifying your site with Yandex ensures that privacy-conscious users can easily find your content. 

Utilizing Bing Webmaster Tools 

  1. Go to Bing Webmaster Tools and ‘Sign In’ with your Microsoft account. 
sign in with your Microsoft account. 
  1. Add your site details manually. If you sign in using a Google account and have already verified your website on Google Search Console, click the ‘Import’ button.  
Add URL manually
  1. Click on the ‘Sitemaps’ from the left menu and type your URL in the add a new sitemap field. Then click ‘Submit’. 
Submit sitemap
  1. Once Google successfully completes and verifies the sitemap then the status will turn into ‘Success’. 
Status success

Yahoo through Bing: Understanding the partnership 

Yahoo’s search engine results are powered by Bing. By submitting your website to Bing, it automatically appears in Yahoo search results as well. 

Also, the steps done to verify Google Search Console with Yoast SEO can be used. You can use Yoast SEO to verify your website to different search engines.  

Respectfully, visit every search engine on which you want to submit your website and add site, copy the verification code in Yoast SEO specific field for particular search engine and click on Save Changes. 

Write verification code

Submitting your website to other search engines (Yandex) 

Most search engines, including Google, Bing and Yandex, follow similar sitemap submission standards. However, targeting Yandex is worthwhile if your audience is in Eastern Europe, as its ranking algorithms differ .  

Sign into Yandex
  • Click on ‘Add site’ and then write your URL 
Add site
  • You will receive a verification code in the meta tag, copy that code.  
Copy verification code

Understanding regional search engine algorithms 

Each search engine has unique ranking algorithms. Optimizing for different platforms ensures better indexing and search visibility in global markets while also considering competitive pricing. 

Custom-fit SEO strategy: 

Instead of one-size-fits-all, tailor your SEO strategy by researching local keyword trends and conducting keyword research to tweak your content for regional tastes. It’s like dressing your website in the perfect outfit for every local runway. 

Building local authority: 

Factors such as local backlinks, regional domain authority and social signals build your site’s reputation within the community. 

Mobile-optimized design: 

In regions where smartphones dominate, search engines reward websites with mobile-friendly layouts and swift load times. 

Best practices for ongoing website indexing 

Follow these best practices to keep your website optimized. Once you submit website to search engines, it stays ready for users and search engines. 

Updating and resubmitting your sitemap 

Keeping your sitemap up to date is like giving search engines a fresh roadmap to every new road (or page) on your website. Every time you add new content, it’s crucial to update your sitemap so that search engines can quickly find and index your latest updates. Bluehost WordPress hosting seamlessly integrates with popular plugins that automatically update and resubmit your sitemap, ensuring that no new content is left behind. 

Using internal linking strategies to boost crawlability 

Interlinking relevant pages improves the user experience and helps search engines crawl and index pages more efficiently. This strategic approach helps in efficiently indexing every page, ensuring that all your valuable content is easily discoverable. 

Tracking performance with Bluehost SEO Checker tool 

Staying on top of your website’s SEO health is key to long-term success. Our Bluehost SEO Checker tool gives you detailed insights into your site’s indexing performance, keyword rankings and areas for SEO improvement. With these data-driven insights, you can fine-tune your strategy and consistently optimize your website for adequate visibility, making sure you’re always one step ahead in the SEO game. 

Sharing your content on social media platforms increases its exposure and sends strong signals to search engines about its relevance and credibility. Moreover, earning high-quality backlinks from reputable sites acts like a vote of confidence, further accelerating the indexing process and boosting your site’s authority. 

Search engine submission errors & how to fix them 

One common challenge website owners face is indexing issues. These can hinder performance even after you submit website to search engines. Here’s how to address some of common reasons in a descriptive and actionable manner: 

404 errors & redirect issues 

When pages return 404 errors, it means that visitors and search engines are encountering broken links. This not only disrupts the user experience but can also negatively impact your site’s SEO.  The best practice here is to set up proper 301 redirects. A 301 redirect permanently points an outdated or removed URL to the correct, updated page. Additionally, if outdated pages still appear in Google search results, you can use Google’s URL Removal Tool to request faster de-indexing. 

Tools and techniques for tracking indexation 

There are several robust tools available to help you monitor your site’s indexing status: 

  • Google Search Console: Provides detailed reports on crawl errors, index coverage and potential issues that may affect your site’s visibility. 
  • Bing Webmaster Tools: Offers similar insights for sites appearing in Bing’s search results, helping you identify and fix any issues using the site explorer feature. 
  • Bluehost SEO Checker: This tool offers a comprehensive overview of your website’s indexing performance, keyword rankings and other SEO metrics, making it easier to pinpoint and resolve technical issues. 

Final thoughts 

You’ve now discovered the strategies to make your website stand out in the digital world! With the step-by-step guidance on how to submit website to search engines, updating sitemaps, leveraging Yoast SEO and fine-tuning every detail, you’re well on your way to turning your digital creation into a must-see masterpiece. 

But here’s the kicker: even the best strategies need the right stage to shine. That’s where Bluehost steps in. With a user-friendly dashboard, free Yoast SEO integration and rock-solid hosting, Bluehost is like the ultimate backstage pass that ensures your website gets the spotlight it deserves. 

Ready to transform your website? Discover Bluehost WordPress hosting now and take the next bold step in your online success story! 

FAQs 

How do I submit my website to search engines for free? 

Use Google Search Console, Bing Webmaster Tools and manual URL submission for free indexing. 

Why isn’t my website appearing on Google? 

Possible reasons: No sitemap, no backlinks indexing delay or a “noindex” tag. 

Do I need to resubmit my website after updates?

Yes! Resubmit your XML sitemap and use the URL inspection tool in Google Search Console.

How long does it take for Google to index my website?  

Indexing can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on your website’s structure, content updates and submission method associated with your blog. 

How does Bluehost help with search engine submission?

Bluehost provides SEO-friendly WordPress hosting with tools like Yoast SEO and SEO Checker, which simplify sitemap creation, submission and performance tracking. 

  • I'm Priyanka Jain, a content writer at Bluehost with four years of experience across various topics. I am passionate about turning complex ideas into simple, engaging content. Friendly and curious, I enjoy exploring new things and connecting with others.

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