Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re struggling to get your website noticed on Google, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with many businesses that were frustrated with low search rankings and little to no organic traffic. The good news? There are proven strategies you can implement to climb the search results and get more eyes on your business.
As someone who builds SEO-optimized websites and sets up marketing campaigns for businesses, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. So, let’s break down the key steps you need to take to rank higher on Google.
1. Do Your Keyword Research (The Right Way)
One of the biggest mistakes I see is businesses targeting the wrong keywords – or worse, not targeting any at all. The key is to find search terms that people are actually using and that you have a realistic chance of ranking for.
I always recommend a mix of broad and long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords (like “best local SEO services in Maine”) may have lower search volume, but they’re easier to rank for and often bring in highly targeted traffic.
2. Optimize Your Website for SEO
Once you have your keywords, it’s time to optimize your website. This includes:
- Placing your keywords naturally in your page titles, headers, and content
- Writing compelling meta descriptions that encourage clicks
- Improving site speed and mobile responsiveness (Google prioritizes fast, user-friendly sites)
- Using internal linking to help Google understand your site structure
If your website isn’t optimized properly, even the best content won’t rank well.
3. Create High-Quality, Useful Content
Google loves content that answers people’s questions and keeps them engaged. That’s why I always tell my clients: stop focusing on just ranking – start focusing on providing real value.
Here’s what works:
- Writing in-depth blog posts that cover a topic completely
- Answering common customer questions on your website
- Updating old content to keep it fresh and relevant
The more useful your content is, the more likely people are to stay on your site and Google notices that.
4. Build Backlinks (The Right Way)
Backlinks (when other websites link to yours) are one of the strongest ranking signals for Google. But not all backlinks are created equal.
Some businesses waste time buying spammy backlinks, only to hurt their rankings. Instead, focus on getting high-quality links by:
- Writing guest posts for industry blogs
- Partnering with local businesses for cross-promotions
- Getting listed in relevant directories and local listings
When reputable websites link to you, Google sees your site as more trustworthy, which can boost your rankings.
5. Leverage Local SEO (If You Have a Local Business)
If you run a local business, optimizing local search is a game-changer. I always advise clients to:
- Setup a GeoGrid Visibility Tracker
- Claim and optimize their Google Business Profile
- Get consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) citations across directories
- Encourage customer reviews to build credibility
Local SEO is one of the fastest ways to increase visibility, especially for businesses that serve a specific area.
6. Track, Analyze, and Improve
SEO isn’t a one-time thing – it’s an ongoing process. We constantly monitor our clients’ websites using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to see what’s working and what needs improvement.
Key things to track:
- Which pages are getting the most traffic?
- How long are visitors staying on your site?
- What keywords are bringing in the most traffic?
By making small tweaks over time, you can keep improving your rankings and staying ahead of your competition.
Need Help Ranking Higher on Google?
SEO can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need a website that’s built to rank or expert management for your existing site, NorthView Digital is here to help.
Let’s talk about how we can get your business more visibility and traffic. Contact NorthView Digital today