Getting on page one of Google Search Results requires a consistent effort on your part. Websites at the top of Google search results will always get more clicks.
How often do you venture to the second page of Google search results? Not often, I bet.
One exception for page placement is on mobile. Google uses infinite scrolling so more results are automatically loaded as you continue to scroll to the bottom.
If you’re not going to pay for exposure, you have to earn your place.
Organic Google search results are based on five main factors (SEMrush):
- Meaning: The intent behind the user’s search
- Relevance: How well the content satisfies the user’s intent
- Quality: The helpfulness of the content
- Usability: The functionality and accessibility of the page
- Context: The user’s search settings and history
I have eight simple improvements you can make to increase your chances of landing on page one of Google search results (or in the top search results on mobile).
1. Optimize for Your Target Audience and Keywords
- Keyword Research: Identify the specific terms and phrases your potential customers use. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest can help.
- Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on longer, more specific keywords with less competition, especially for local searches (e.g., “affordable web design Northern Michigan”).
- User Intent: Match your content to the intent behind the search (informational, navigational, transactional).
2. Focus on Local SEO (if you’re a local business)
- Google Business Profile (GBP): Claim, verify, and optimize your profile with accurate details, photos, and regular updates.
- Local Directories: Ensure consistent Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) information across directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and Facebook.
- Reviews: Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews on your GBP profile, as reviews impact local rankings.
3. Create Exceptional Content
- Answer Common Questions: Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s “People Also Ask” section to find relevant questions to address.
- Blog Regularly: Publish high-quality, SEO-friendly blog posts that educate, inform, or entertain your audience.
- Use Multimedia: Include images, videos, infographics, or podcasts to enhance user engagement.
4. Optimize On-Page SEO
- Use Keywords Strategically: Place target keywords in title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and body content without overstuffing.
- Internal Linking: Link to other pages on your site to keep users engaged and guide them through your content.
- URL Structure: Use clean, descriptive URLs (e.g., yourdomain.com/business-service-northern-michigan).
- Alt Text for Images: Ensure every image has alt text that describes its content and includes relevant keywords.
5. Build High-Quality Backlinks
- Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses to exchange backlinks.
- Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for reputable websites in your industry.
- Content Marketing: Create shareable, link-worthy content like guides, case studies, or research.
6. Enhance User Experience (UX)
- Responsive Design: Ensure your site works seamlessly on all devices, especially mobile.
- Page Speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check and improve load times.
- Clear Navigation: Use intuitive menus and CTAs (calls to action) to guide visitors.
- Engaging Visuals: Use high-quality images and engaging design to keep visitors interested.
7. Monitor and Adjust Using Tools
- Google Analytics: Track traffic, user behavior, and page performance.
- Google Search Console: Monitor search performance, fix indexing issues, and discover new ranking opportunities.
- SEO Plugins: If you use WordPress, plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help optimize your site.
8. Be Consistent and Patient
SEO takes time. Building authority and ranking higher is a gradual process, often requiring months of consistent effort.
Update your website regularly and respond to changes in search trends or user needs.
You should see an improvement in how you rank in Google search results.
Pro Tip: Stand Out in Google Search Results
- Rich Snippets: Use structured data (Schema) to display enhanced search results like star ratings, FAQs, or event details.
- Compelling Meta Descriptions: Write engaging meta descriptions that encourage clicks, even if you’re not ranked first.
Remember, Google algorithm updates can change your rank dramatically. Your rank in Google search results can either improve or you can slip lower.
If your business is in a saturated market, you might want to consider investing in Google Ads. With an aggressive investment, you can advertise your business on the first page of Google. These ads work on a pay-per-click so you pay only when someone clicks on your ad.
