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Do I Need to Submit Site to Search Engines?

August 1, 2025
Do I Need to Submit Site to Search Engines?

Let’s cut to the chase: you’ve just launched your shiny new website, and now you’re wondering, “Do I need to submit my site to search engines, or will they just stumble upon it like a lost tourist with a map?” It’s a classic question, right up there with “Did I remember to lock the door?” and “Is it too early for lunch?” At Blogging Machine, we get it — your time is precious, and you’d rather not spend it deciphering the mysterious rituals of Google and Bing.

So, let’s break down what really happens when you launch a site, whether you need to submit it, and how you can make sure your digital masterpiece doesn’t get lost in the internet’s infinite haystack.

How Search Engines Actually Find Your Site

First, a little background (don’t worry, there’s no pop quiz at the end). Search engines like Google and Bing are basically tireless, slightly nosy robots that crawl the web 24/7, following links from one page to another. As of 2020, there were about 1.7 billion websites out there — so yes, the bots are busy, and no, they don’t take coffee breaks.

Here’s how they typically discover new sites:

  • Following Links: If another website links to yours, search engines can follow that trail and find you. It’s like being invited to the cool kids’ table — except the cool kids are algorithms.
  • XML Sitemaps: These are like blueprints for your site, helping search engines understand what’s where. Submitting a sitemap is a bit like handing Google a neatly organized menu instead of making them guess what’s in your fridge.
  • Re-crawling Old URLs: Search engines revisit sites they already know, looking for updates or new links.
  • Manual Submission: You can directly submit your site or sitemap to search engines. More on this in a minute.

Do You Really Need to Submit Site to Search Engines?

Here’s the punchline: you don’t have to submit your site to search engines — but it doesn’t hurt. According to SEO experts and even Google itself, their bots are pretty good at finding new sites on their own, especially if you’ve got links pointing your way. But if you’re the “belt and suspenders” type (no judgment), submitting your site is a quick, painless step that can give you peace of mind.

As one SEO pro put it: "You actually don't need to submit your site, but it wouldn't hurt to take that step. Google and other search engines will most likely find your website on their own, as they are constantly crawling the web to find and follow new links." (source)

The Benefits of Manual Submission

Let’s be honest: sometimes, you just want to make sure things get done. Here’s why submitting your site can be a smart move:

  • Peace of Mind: It’s like double-checking your work. You know the bots have your URL.
  • Faster Discovery: Manual submission can speed up the process, especially for brand-new sites with zero backlinks.
  • Direct Communication: Submitting your sitemap lets you tell search engines about important updates or changes.
  • Access to Tools: Platforms like Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools offer insights, error reports, and more once you’ve submitted your site.
  • Notification of Changes: When you update your site, resubmitting your sitemap ensures search engines are in the loop.

Crawling vs. Indexing: Not the Same Thing

Here’s where things get a little tricky. Just because a search engine crawls your site doesn’t mean it will index it. As SEO legend Rand Fishkin says, “Crawling is not a guarantee you’re indexed.” (source)

Search engines have standards (unlike your last roommate). If your site is technically sound, loads quickly, and offers quality content, you’re more likely to get indexed. If it’s a mess of broken links and “lorem ipsum,” well… don’t hold your breath.

How to Help Search Engines Find (and Love) Your Site

If you want to roll out the red carpet for Google’s bots, here’s what you can do:

  • Get Linked: Ask partners, directories, or friends to link to your site. Even one quality backlink can make a difference.
  • Submit Your Sitemap: Use Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools to submit your sitemap. It’s free, fast, and gives you access to valuable data.
  • Optimize for Crawlability: Make sure your robots.txt file isn’t accidentally blocking important pages, and that your site structure is logical.
  • Create Quality Content: Search engines love fresh, relevant, and well-organized content. (Hint: That’s what we automate at Blogging Machine.)
  • Stay Updated: If you make big changes, resubmit your sitemap to keep search engines in the loop.

What the Experts and Guidelines Say

  • Google’s official stance: “You don’t need to submit your site to Google to be included in search results. Google automatically finds sites through links from other sites.” (Google Search Central)
  • Bing echoes this, but also provides a handy URL submission tool.
  • Government guidelines for digital accessibility and SEO best practices can be found at Digital.gov.

Why Consistent, Quality Content Matters (and How We Help)

Here’s the twist: submitting your site is just the beginning. What really moves the needle is consistent, high-quality, SEO-optimized content. That’s where we come in. At Blogging Machine, our AI agent handles the heavy lifting — generating engaging, keyword-optimized articles that attract both readers and search engines. You get more organic traffic, less stress, and more time for, well, lunch.

We automate:

  • Content creation (no more blank-page panic)
  • Keyword optimization (without awkward stuffing)
  • Topic research (so you’re always relevant)

All you have to do is sit back and watch your rankings climb. Or, you know, focus on running your business.

FAQ: Submit Site to Search Engines

Q: Do I have to submit my site to Google or Bing? A: No, but it can help speed up discovery and give you access to useful webmaster tools.

Q: How do I submit my site to search engines? A: For Google, use Search Console. For Bing, use Bing Webmaster Tools.

Q: How long does it take for my site to appear in search results? A: It varies! Sometimes a few days, sometimes a few weeks. Submitting your sitemap can help, but quality backlinks and content are key.

Q: What if my site isn’t showing up? A: Check for technical issues (robots.txt, noindex tags), submit your sitemap, and make sure you have quality content and some backlinks.

Q: Does Blogging Machine help with SEO? A: Absolutely. We automate SEO-optimized content creation, keyword research, and topic selection — so your site is always fresh and search-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Submitting your site to search engines isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s a quick win — especially for new sites. The real magic happens when you combine that with engaging, SEO-friendly content that keeps both bots and humans coming back for more. If you’re ready to scale your organic traffic without the headache, let us handle your blog with Blogging Machine.

Further Reading:

  • Google Search Central: Submit URLs
  • Bing Webmaster Tools: Submit a Sitemap
  • Search Engine Journal: How to Submit Your Website to Search Engines
  • Digital.gov: SEO Best Practices

And remember: if you want to skip the guesswork and get straight to results, we’re here to help.