Learn here how to identify and Fix Blog Ranking Issues Using Google Search Console
So you’ve poured your heart into your blog — late nights, messy drafts, countless cups of coffee — and you finally hit “publish.” It feels amazing… until crickets. No traffic. No rankings. You Google your blog post, and it’s nowhere in sight. You start asking yourself, “Why isn’t my blog ranking?” or “How do I even know if my post is showing on Google?” Yep, I’ve been there too.
Honestly, when I first started blogging, I was completely confused. I had no clue why some of my posts got a bit of love from Google, while others just vanished into thin air. I kept thinking maybe something was broken, or worse, maybe I just wasn’t good enough. But you know what changed everything? Google Search Console — or GSC, as we SEO nerds call it.
If you’re new to blogging, it’s totally normal to feel lost when your blog isn’t ranking. I remember scrolling through Google blog search, refreshing Google Analytics, and even checking Google Trends, hoping for a miracle. But here’s the thing: GSC is the real MVP. It literally shows you what’s wrong, what’s working, and where you need to fix things. Like a personal coach whispering, “Hey, your title’s off… that keyword’s too weak… your blog isn’t even indexed!”
You don’t need to guess anymore. Just open your Google Search Console login, explore the “Performance” tab, and you’ll discover all the juicy details—how many clicks you’re getting, what keywords people are using to find you (or not find you), and exactly where your blog post lands in search results.
Every day, check in with GSC like it’s your blog’s pulse. That’s how you’ll find the root causes of ranking issues—and slowly, steadily, you’ll get better. Not overnight, but step by step.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and figure out how to know your blog ranking issues using Google Search Console — no fluff, just real talk.
2. Understanding Google Ranking Issues
So, picture this. You’ve poured your heart into a blog post, hit publish, shared it on social media, and… crickets. No traffic. No clicks. You even Googled the title and — nothing. That moment? Yep, I’ve been there. It’s frustrating. But hey, let’s break this down together and figure out what’s really going on.
Why are my blog posts not visible?
It all starts with two little words: indexing and ranking. Most people think they’re the same thing — but they’re not. Let me explain…
Indexing is like Google adding your blog post to its giant library. If your post isn’t indexed, it doesn’t even exist in Google’s eyes. So no matter how amazing it is, no one’s gonna find it. On the other hand, ranking is where Google decides how high up your post should appear in search results — aka those search engine results pages (SERPs).
Now here’s where things get tricky. Even if your post is indexed, it might still be buried on page 10 of Google. Why? Because of things like poor keyword targeting, low-quality content (ouch, I know), or even technical stuff like crawl errors or no-index tags accidentally added to your page.
That’s why it helps to check with Google Search Console. It’s your best friend when figuring out these things. You can literally inspect any URL and see whether it’s indexed or not, if there are crawl issues, and how it’s performing. I remember discovering that one of my best posts wasn’t ranking at all… because it had a silly “noindex” tag I forgot to remove. Rookie move.
Sometimes it’s not even your fault. If your blog is new, Google might just be taking its sweet time. It’s called the sandbox effect. Yeah, I know — annoying. But that’s real.
Other times, your Google ranking dropped dramatically after an algorithm update. You’re not alone — many bloggers get hit, especially if their content doesn’t match the most important Google ranking factors like E-E-A-T (expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness).
So if you’re wondering how I know if Google indexed my blog or why you’re just… invisible, don’t panic. Tools like a Free Google Ranking Checker or a Google Rank Checker can help too. And once you understand the Google ranking algorithm, things start to make a lot more sense.
Bottom line? If your blog’s not showing up, there’s always a reason. And the good news? Every reason has a fix. You’ve got this.
3. How to Check Blog Ranking with Google Search Console
So, let me be real with you for a sec. When I started blogging, I used to just Google my own blog posts and scroll through pages like, “Okay… am I on page 5? 10? Wait—why am I not here at all?” 😂 Total rookie move. But then I discovered Google Search Console, and wow… It’s like having X-ray vision for your blog.
If you’re wondering how to check blog rank in Google, this is your tool. Seriously. You don’t need to guess or spend on a Free Google ranking checker. GSC’s already got your back.
Here’s how I do it:
🛠 Step-by-Step: How I Check My Blog’s Ranking
- Log into Google Search Console (yep, the free one).
- Head over to “Performance” in the left menu.
- You’ll see a bunch of data—click on “Full report” or just the default screen.
- From here, switch the tab to “Queries.”
- These are the exact search terms people are using to find your blog.
- It also shows your average position, impressions, and CTR (click-through rate).
👉 For example, one of my posts was showing up for “how to write SEO titles,” but the position was like 37. That’s page 4 or 5. No one clicks that far. So I optimized the title, added some internal links, and BOOM—moved to position 9.
🔍 Want to see which page of Google your blog is on?
Just look at the “Average Position” number in the Queries tab.
- Position 1–10? First page.
- 11–20? Second page.
- Anything after that? We gotta work on that 😅
I like to sort the queries by impressions—that tells me what people are seeing but not clicking. That’s my cue to work on better meta descriptions or more compelling titles.
Sometimes, I notice a keyword ranking has dropped dramatically. That’s when I go into Pages (next tab) and see if Google devalued a post, maybe because of outdated info or slow loading. The Google ranking algorithm is a bit moody like that. But knowing the most important Google ranking factors helps me stay ahead.
📌 Personal Tip:
Keep a doc (mine’s called Understanding Google Ranking Issues PDF) where you track changes and what worked. It’s like your personal SEO diary.
Final Thought:
GSC isn’t magic, but it’s pretty darn close. When used right, it shows you exactly why your blog posts aren’t ranking and how to fix it. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress.
And hey, we’re all figuring this out together. One query at a time. 💻
4. Diagnosing Ranking Problems
Let me be honest — nothing’s more frustrating than pouring your heart into a blog post, hitting publish, and then… crickets. Like, hello Google? Can you hear me? Been there. And if you’ve found yourself refreshing your stats ten times a day, wondering, “Why isn’t my blog ranking?” — you’re not alone.
Let’s break it down and figure out what’s actually holding your blog back. I’m talking real talk — no SEO wizardry, just solid stuff that works.
4.1 Indexing & Crawl Errors
First off, you gotta make sure Google even sees your content.
If your post isn’t indexed, it’s basically invisible — like shouting into the void.
Here’s a quick trick: Go to Google and type this — site:yourblog.com/post-url.
If it doesn’t show up? Yeah, that’s a red flag.
Why might this happen?
- Noindex tags – Maybe you accidentally told Google not to index your post. It happens.
- Missing sitemap – Think of your sitemap like a map you give to Google to help it explore your site. No map = lost robot.
- Robots.txt blocking your content – Sounds fancy, but it’s just a file that says, “don’t look here.” If it’s misconfigured, Google will skip important pages.
👉 Fix it by heading to Google Search Console → URL Inspection → Request Indexing.
Also, double-check your settings in WordPress or whatever platform you use. That little checkbox saying “discourage search engines” can be your silent enemy.
4.2 Keyword Intent & Competitiveness
Ever feel like you did everything right but still aren’t showing up? The problem might not be what you wrote, but why you wrote it.
Google’s like a super smart librarian. It only recommends content that matches the reader’s intent. So if someone types “best yoga poses for back pain,” but your post is titled “Top 10 Yoga Moves,” and talks generally about yoga? That’s a mismatch.
👉 Always check the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) for your target keyword.
Ask yourself:
- Are the top results informational, commercial, or listicles?
- Are they super detailed or short and sweet?
- Can you niche down and be more specific?
For example, instead of “SEO tips,” try “SEO tips for new food bloggers.” Less competition, better targeting.
I learned this the hard way after trying to rank for “healthy recipes” with a post about oatmeal cookies. Yeah… that didn’t go well.
4.3 Content Quality & Uniqueness
Now let’s talk about how you write.
Google isn’t just ranking any content. It’s ranking useful, original, and trustworthy content. That’s what they call E-A-T: Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness.
When I first started blogging, I’d reword top-ranking articles and hope for the best. But the truth? That’s not enough anymore.
You need to go deeper than what’s already out there. Ask yourself:
- Am I saying something new?
- Am I backing it up with experience, examples, or data?
- Would I stay on this page if I landed here from Google?
If not, update it, expand it, make it you. That’s the magic.
4.4 On-Page SEO & UX
Okay, let’s get nerdy for a second — but don’t worry, I’ll keep it chill.
On-page SEO is about making your content easy to understand for both people and Google.
That means:
- Meta titles that include your main keyword (e.g., “Diagnosing Blog Ranking Problems with Google Search Console”)
- Headings (H2, H3) that guide your reader like chapter titles
- Alt text for images (for accessibility and SEO)
- Internal links to your other posts
- Fast loading speed and a clean, mobile-friendly layout
I remember once my blog looked great on desktop but was a mess on mobile. Rankings tanked. Once I fixed that? Boom — back on the map.
Don’t ignore the user experience (UX). A cluttered page full of pop-ups will drive people away faster than you can say “SEO.”
4.5 Backlinks & Authority
Now, let’s talk about the secret sauce: Backlinks.
They’re basically votes of confidence from other websites. The more quality sites that link to your blog, the more Google thinks, “Hmm, this must be worth something.”
But — don’t go chasing sketchy links. No link farms, no buying backlinks. That’s old-school spammy stuff that can hurt you.
Here’s what works:
- Write guest posts on blogs in your niche
- Answer questions on Quora or Reddit and link back
- Create content so good that people want to link to it
One time, I made a free downloadable checklist — nothing fancy — and a few bloggers linked to it in their own posts. That little PDF did more for my ranking than weeks of keyword tweaking.
4.6 Site Age & Sandbox Effect
Let’s be real for a sec.
If your site is brand new — like under 6 months old — you might just be in Google’s “sandbox.”
What’s that?
Basically, Google puts new sites in a sort of observation mode. It’s worth watching to see if your content is reliable before pushing you up the ranks.
I know it sucks. You feel invisible. You start doubting everything.
But don’t give up.
Keep publishing quality content. Stay consistent. Promote it on social. Link internally. Slowly, Google starts to trust you.
For me, it took 3 months before my blog posts started showing up on Page 2… then Page 1. I promise — it does happen.
In short, diagnosing ranking problems is like solving a puzzle. And now? You’ve got the map.
Check indexing. Match intent. Write better. Optimize smart. Build links. Be patient.
You’re not broken — you’re just learning. And that’s exactly where the best growth starts. 💪
5. Keyword Research & Semantic Strategy
Have you ever sit there staring at your blog and think, “I wrote something good—so why the heck is nobody finding it?”
Yeah… I’ve been there too. Trust me, it’s not just about writing anymore. It’s about what words you use and how they connect to what people are actually searching for.
That’s where keyword research & semantic strategy come in. And no, it’s not as scary as it sounds.
Let’s break it down.
So, imagine someone Googling: “Why is my blog not ranking?”
If your post has that exact phrase—or something close like “blog not ranking on Google”—you’re way more likely to show up. But it’s not just about keywords anymore. Google’s smarter now. It wants context. That’s where semantic keywords sneak in.
For example, if you’re writing about “how to rank a blog,” Google also looks for related terms like search visibility, crawl errors, organic traffic, Google Search Console tips, etc. That’s semantic strategy in action. It’s kinda like seasoning food—it makes your content richer, fuller, more flavorful. 🍲
Personally, I love using Google Search Console itself to find what people are already typing in to land on my blog. Free. Easy. Real data. Then I pop open MozBar or use a semantic keyword generator (there are a ton of free ones) to get ideas like:
- How to use semantic keywords
- Semantic search in SEO
- Google Keyword Planner tricks
You don’t need a fancy tool. Just curiosity. I usually jot down a bunch of related keyword research phrases and sprinkle them naturally into my content. No stuffing. Just real talk.
That’s how you stop writing for the void and start writing for humans and search engines.
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6. On-Page SEO Checklist
You know what? I used to think SEO was just about stuffing a few keywords and hoping for the best. Big mistake. Over time (and plenty of late-night trial-and-error sessions), I realized something crucial: on-page SEO is your blog’s first impression to Google and readers alike.
So let me walk you through a checklist I swear by — no jargon, no fluff, just the real stuff that works:
- ✅ Meta title that includes your main keyword and makes people want to click.
- ✅ Use H2s and H3s to break down your content. Think of them like mini headlines.
- ✅ Add alt text to images — not just for SEO but for accessibility. Win-win!
- ✅ Sprinkle in internal links (link to your own blog posts) and external links (to helpful, relevant sources).
- ✅ Make sure your site looks great and works on mobile devices. Most readers scroll on phones now.
- ✅ Keep your site lightning fast. Nobody’s waiting 10 seconds for your page to load.
I follow this list every time. You can even create your own On-page SEO checklist template or download an on-page SEO checklist PDF to stay organized.
I know it can feel like a lot, but once you get the hang of these on-page SEO activities, it becomes second nature. For example, I created an on-page SEO checklist Excel file that I open every time I publish. It’s saved me hours… and helped my blog posts land on page 1 more than once.
So yeah, don’t overlook this step. It’s not “just SEO.” It’s how you show up — and stand out.
7. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
You know what’s funny? For the longest time, I thought publishing a blog post was the finish line. Like, boom, I hit “publish,” sit back, and wait for the magic. But nope. That was just the starting whistle.
Tracking your blog’s SEO performance isn’t about obsessing over numbers every day—it’s more about noticing the story behind those numbers. And trust me, Google Search Console is your best buddy for this.
Every week, I pop in and check the Performance tab. I look at the impressions, clicks, average position, and CTR. If something’s moving—good or bad—I dig in. Did the title need tweaking? Was the post even matching the search intent anymore? Sometimes I find gold just sitting there, one keyword away from the top 10. That’s when small changes make a huge difference.
Here’s the thing: monitoring SEO isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a habit. Like brushing your teeth but for your blog’s health. I set little benchmarks—like, “Let’s get this post from position 23 to 12 in 30 days.” It keeps things exciting. It’s less about perfection, more about progress.
And don’t overthink it. Use SEO tracking tools, even SEO tracking free ones, to help. Whether it’s Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or something simple like a spreadsheet, just keep checking in. That’s how you grow.
So yeah, if you’re wondering “What is SEO performance?”—it’s this. It’s the grind, the wins, the learning, and the quiet moments when you realize you’re actually getting somewhere. And that’s a pretty damn good feeling.
8. Case Study or Example
So, let me tell you something real. A few months ago, I was super frustrated. One of my best blog posts—something I put my heart into—wasn’t ranking anywhere. Like, not even on page five of Google. I searched the title, the main keyword… nothing. Nada.
I felt stuck. You know that feeling, right? You spend days writing, editing, formatting, picking the perfect image… and Google just acts like your blog doesn’t exist. That’s when I knew something had to change. I had to figure out what went wrong. So, I opened up Google Search Console, hoping to get some answers.
First stop? The Performance tab. I filtered by the last 28 days and clicked on Pages, then found the exact blog post. Here’s where it got interesting…
The post was getting impressions—like 1,200+ in a month—but the click-through rate (CTR) was just 0.3%. That’s tiny. I thought, “Wait a second… people are seeing my post, but they’re not clicking it?”
That’s when it hit me: maybe it’s not the post content that’s the issue—it’s the title.
I went back, looked at what I had written:
“10 Life-Changing Lessons You’ll Learn from Failing at Blogging.”
Sure, it was deep… but it wasn’t clear. It didn’t scream “solution.” It didn’t match what people were searching for.
So, I changed it to something way more targeted and simple:
“Why Your Blog Isn’t Ranking — and 10 Fixes You Can Try Today.”
Boom. Within 2 weeks, that post jumped from page 5 to the bottom of page 1 for a few mid-volume keywords like “blog isn’t ranking” and “fix blog ranking issues.”
And here’s the cool part: CTR jumped from 0.3% to 3.4%. That might not sound huge, but it tripled my clicks.
All because I used Google Search Console to listen to the data. Not guess. Not hope. Just read what was already there.
Moral of the story? If you’re wondering how to know your blog ranking issues using Google Search Console, this tool literally hands you the clues. You just gotta open it and look.
Trust me, once you learn how to spot the problem, fixing it becomes way less scary.
And hey—if I can do it, sitting in my pajamas at 2 AM with coffee and self-doubt—you definitely can too.
9. Conclusion & Next Steps
Alright, let’s wrap this up — no fancy fluff, just the real talk.
If your blog isn’t showing up on Google, I’ve been there too. It’s frustrating. You put in all that work, hit publish… and crickets. But here’s the thing — most ranking issues can be tracked down and fixed. Seriously.
Start by checking if your blog is even being indexed. No index = no chance. Then, ask yourself — am I writing for real humans or just stuffing keywords? Because intent matters. Google knows if your post is actually useful or just SEO fluff.
Next up? Your content. Make it better than what’s already ranking. More helpful. More honest. More you. Add value like you’re solving a friend’s problem — because that’s exactly what you’re doing.
Then fix the on-page stuff — title tags, headings, internal links. Make it clean. Easy to read. Fast to load. And yep, backlinks still matter. Build trust slowly. Share your blog with others. Ask for links the right way.
But don’t stop there. Audit your blog regularly. What’s working? What’s flopping? Learn, tweak, grow. Ranking on Google isn’t a one-time win — it’s a journey.
So breathe. Stay curious. And keep showing up — because this blog of yours? It deserves to be seen.
🧠 Pro tip: Use Google Search Console like your blog’s health tracker. It doesn’t lie.