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Moving up in Google Ranks

No matter which study you look at, you will see that Google is the most widely used search engine.  In one study, Google was reported to be the tool used for over 65% of all searches worldwide.  In another study, Google has over 1 billion unique monthly visitors.  Still other studies show that less than ten percent of searchers will advance to page two of Google results.  With this amount of traffic and potential sales, page one is the place you want to be. 

The Google algorithm that determines the order in which business are listed is proprietary and not easily understood by the average person.  However, it’s not required to completely understand this algorithm to understand how to move up in the ranks. Google wants high-quality organic listings on the first page and to determine what those are; they look for some very specific things on your webpage. Here are some tips that can help you move up in the Google search results.

1. Make content a priority:  Part of Google’s algorithm is to determine whether your site really provides valuable content.  Not only should you add content such as blogs, service and product description and articles, make sure to also include other appropriate content such as images and YouTube videos. Keep each page simple and to the point so that it’s easily understood by the Google programs which will be scanning the page.
2. Keywords are supremely important.  You want to use the keywords that potential customers will use to find you.  For example, if you are a plumber in Key West, Florida, you want to use the words “plumber in Key West” on your page, preferably somewhere in the first few paragraphs.The most important thing about keywords is that it needs to be natural.  If you try to stuff a lot of keywords into your content, it won’t sound natural and Google will start to drop your site in the rankings.
3. Make sure you can be easily found.  As most businesses are local, you will want to make sure your addresses are on the page and it’s a good idea to add a map or business finder to your site.  Google will pick this up and place you in the rankings when someone does a local search.
4. Work to build up your back-links.  These are other sites that link to yours.  You can do this by joining forums, directories, and local business guides.  The more quality sites that link to yours, the more Google believes your site will provide their customers quality content.
5. Create your URL and title your pages correctly.  When you create your URL, you want to make it keyword appropriate.  For example, instead of using a URL called Page2, you would want to call it “Foundation-Leaks-In-Key-West”.  As you create the page, there is hidden text associated with the page called the title.  This title, filled in by your web designer, should also use appropriate keywords.

There is no guarantee that you will land on the first page of a search, but by following some tried-and-true methods, you can make sure you increase your rank in the results.