Getting To The Top Of The First Page On Google

 
 
When you Google a specific keyword, do you ever click results ranked on the third page of Google search results? I’ll bet you don’t. In fact, none of us bother looking beyond the top few results on the first page, let alone the second or third. The top of the first page of Google is what we’re looking at.
 
 
So, how would a new startup company or a niche small business reach their target customers if they can’t make themselves visible on the first page? Well I’m not going to lie to you, it’s going to be tough.
 
 
Now, there are proven, tried and true SEO methods that small businesses can take advantage of to reach that coveted space on the first page of Google!
 
 
Let’s get started!
 
 
 

4 Google Search Factors You Need To Know

 
 
1. Keyword optimization alone won’t guarantee you a place on the first page of Google.
 
 
SEO and web search has changed quite drastically over the past several years. Does that mean search engine optimization is dead? Not exactly, but there are several factors to be considered. Factors like content length, related keywords, backlink quality, meta description, domain authority, etc. These all play a vital part in the Google ranking algorithm. Gaining a top spot on the first page of Google is an involved process and requires continual work to maintain.
 
 
2. Did you know that Google (or whatever browser you use) keeps track of your search histories?
 
 
That’s how ads for something you were just searching for will suddenly appear on your Facebook page or in your Amazon suggested products section. Search engines track this information through “cookies”. These “cookies” help search engines determine what content you find interesting and interact with the most, that way they can deliver the best results for you personally when you search for something.
 
 
Personalized search is a big deal. It means that two people searching under the same keyword phrases could receive different results based on their previous search history. This means that small businesses need to put a lot of focus on choosing niche keywords and longtail keyword phrases when optimizing their content. If a search query is specific enough, there’s a strong chance that those searches will bring similar results to most searchers.
 
 
3. Location is also continuing to play a vital role in online search results.
 
 
Whether you’re performing a search on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet, search engines can pick up your location. Suppose you live in Rochester, NY and you Googled “steak restaurants in Rochester.” In the past it was possible that your search may have brought up results from Rochester, NY, but also results from Rochester, MN. That’s extremely frustrating for a user looking for a quick answer to their query.

 
Now because of the importance of localized searches and the rise in location based searches, Google pays close attention to your search query, and factors in your physical location at the time of the search to again, bring you the best results possible. Optimizing your website content for location based keywords is a great way to ensure that your business or products appear in local search results.
 
 
4. In the good old days, you had only one option – search. Now, you can search for images, videos, and news separately, each with varying results.
 
 
Previously, businesses had to optimize their websites for only one type of search, but now they need to be more comprehensively optimized. This is a good change! It means searchers have more places to find and interact with your content, provided you optimize your website properly for each individual area available. 
 
 
Well, by now you might be feeling a bit depressed, and possibly wondering what to do in order to address these Google search variables. Always remember, the quality of your content matters most. Your content needs to be well-crafted, well-researched, and well-optimized If your going to gain any organic traffic from it – it’s that simple.
 
 
 

6 SEO Best Practices For Small Businesses

 
 
Below are a few methods you can implement to improve your search engine rankings and move your result to the top of the first page of Google!
 
 
Check them out!
 
 
 

1. Create Quality Content

 
 
First and foremost, prioritize the quality of your content. It’s better to have fewer pieces of well-crafted content, than several half-written and poor quality pieces of content on your website. If you don’t have the time or background knowledge to create a great piece of content, consider working with a freelancer! Check out sites like Upwork or Textbroker to find a freelancer who’s right for your small business.
 
 
 

2. Optimize for Mobile Search

 
 
More and more people are using mobile devices when searching the web. Check Google Analytics to see how much traffic is coming from mobile versus desktop to give you a head start on how to proceed. If you want your small business website to rank at the top of Google, it needs to be optimized for both desktop and mobile search.
 
 
Click HERE to use this easy, mobile friendly test to see how Google ranks your website for mobile search optimization.
 
 
 

3. Focus on User Experience

 
 
Today’s web users expect websites to load fast and be simple to navigate. Providing a seamless user experience is the key to website visitor engagement. Make sure you create a condensed website navigation bar and design a simple website structure so your website visitors won’t get bogged down by your content. 
 
 
 

4. Don’t Keyword Stuff

 
 
Keywords are important, yes, but use them wisely. For the best results, you should target a specific, longtail keyword phrase and base your content around it and it’s related keywords. But be sure not to over-stuff your content with them. You should always optimize content for your readers first and search engines second.
 
 
 

5. Gain Links

 
 
Gaining inbound links are crucial for high SERP rankings. But for other sites to link to your website, you’re content needs to be above average.
 
 
If you’re committed to providing excellent information, people will naturally share it and link to your site. Google sees inbound links as a vote of confidence from someone else in what you’re saying. Gaining inbound links from other quality sites will help develop a positive online reputation. Search engines will see this and want to rank your results higher.
 
 
The easiest way to gain link to your content and website is to ask for them! If you have a great piece of content, reach out to someone in your shared industry if you feel they might be interested in or benefit from your content. If so, ask if they’d consider providing a backlink to your content.
 
 
 

6. Use Meta Descriptions

 
 
When a specific keyword phrase is searched, Google will present a search result along with a short description of the result, which is known as the meta description. Google usually allows up to 160 characters per meta description, so use all the space you have!
 
 
This is the only information available to your customer at that stage regarding your search result and it’s contents. Just because someone searched and found you on Google, doesn’t automatically mean they’ll click through to your website. Use the meta description to explain what your result or page is about and make sure to include the keyword phrase in your description as well!
 
 
 

Conclusion

 
 
Some people say that SEO is dead. Wrong! It’s more important now than ever before. You just have to know how to utilize it. Combine the six SEO tips above with quality content, and I’m confident you’ll see your result move to the top of the first page of Google!