5 Common SEO Mistakes New Websites Make Solved!

Many new businesses and creators often approach me as a freelance digital marketing analyst in Kochi, asking why their websites aren’t ranking. So in this blog, I’ve broken down the top 5 SEO mistakes new sites make and how to fix them fast.

1. Not Submitting Your Website to Google Search Console

This might sound basic, but many new site owners skip this. If you don’t tell Google your site exists, how will it show up in search results?

Why it matters: Google Search Console (GSC) helps you get indexed faster, fix crawl errors, submit sitemaps, and monitor keyword performance.

Fix: • Go to https://search.google.com/search-console/ • Add your website and verify ownership (use DNS or HTML methods) • Submit your sitemap (usually yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml)

📌 Pro Tip: Keep checking GSC weekly for crawl issues and index status.

2. Targeting the Wrong Keywords

A lot of new websites try to rank for high-volume, short-tail keywords like “weight loss” or “marketing.” These are too competitive. The smart approach is to go after long-tail keywords — specific phrases people actually search.

Why it matters: Long-tail keywords have lower competition and higher intent. Example: Instead of “SEO,” go for “SEO tips for new websites in 2025.”

Fix: • Use free tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest • Focus on keywords with 100–1000 monthly volume but low SEO difficulty • Naturally include them in your titles, URLs, meta descriptions, and H1s

3. Ignoring On-Page SEO Basics

You’d be surprised how many new websites don’t set title tags, forget meta descriptions, or use H1s incorrectly. This confuses Google and affects your rankings.

Why it matters: On-page SEO tells Google what each page is about. Done right, it improves your visibility without needing backlinks.

Fix: Here’s what to check for every blog or page: • Title tag (include your main keyword) • Meta description (enticing + keyword-rich) • One H1 tag (not multiple!) • Image alt texts • Short, SEO-friendly URLs (e.g., /seo-mistakes-new-websites)

✅ Bonus Tip: Use tools like RankMath (WordPress) or Ahrefs’ On-Page Checker for audits.

4. Publishing Thin or AI-Generated Content Without Human Touch

Content is king but only if it’s helpful, trustworthy, and unique. Google’s algorithms can now detect low-quality or over-optimized AI content. A common SEO mistake new websites make is publishing too many articles too quickly without offering real value.

Why it matters: Google prioritizes E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust. Content written with first-hand knowledge always wins.

Fix: • Add personal examples or case studies • Use a conversational tone (like this post!) • Avoid keyword stuffing • Include outbound links to trusted sources (like Moz, Google, etc.)

🎯 Pro Tip: Add author bios, FAQs, and updated timestamps to build trust.

5. No Site Speed or Mobile Optimization

Many beginners choose beautiful themes or drag-and-drop builders but ignore performance. A slow-loading or unresponsive website drives users (and rankings) down.

Why it matters: Google ranks mobile-first, and site speed directly affects bounce rates and conversions.

Fix:

• Use PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test performance

• Compress images using TinyPNG

• Use lazy loading and remove unused plugins or scripts

• Choose a lightweight theme (like Astra or GeneratePress)

📱 Mobile Fix: Make sure all buttons are tappable and text is readable on small screens.

Final Thoughts: Focus on What Google & Users Love

As a freelance digital marketing analyst in Kochi, I’ve seen many brands struggle because of small but critical SEO mistakes. Fixing just a few of these can transform your traffic and visibility. SEO doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. If you’re just getting started, don’t worry about backlinks or technical tricks right away. Instead, focus on creating trustworthy, helpful content that solves real problems just like this post aimed to.

By avoiding these 5 common SEO mistakes new websites make, you set a strong foundation for long-term growth and visibility.Need help fixing your SEO? I’m available for freelance projects especially if you’re in Kochi or anywhere in India. Let’s connect!