The Google game of outranking others is a tough one to beat. Just like a good game of chess with a worthy opponent, businesses must think strategically when looking to boost their Google ranking. It all comes down to good search engine optimization (SEO) in the end. Here are a few of our favorite, most effective tips for outranking competitors on Google with SEO.
Tip #1: Employ Keyword Optimization
Also known as ‘keyword research,’ keyword optimization is the process of researching, analyzing and selecting the best keywords to use to direct qualified search engine traffic to a company’s website. This isn’t a one-time-only situation though. The process needs to be ongoing in order to keep momentum and reach additional keyword verticals. Test out keywords through trial-and-error and consult Google Keywords as well.
Tip #2: Optimize Your Entire Site for Keywords
Don’t just stop at headers and descriptions! Optimize the whole site for keywords. Find subtle ways to embed keywords in the already written content. Be sure not to force keywords into content. You want to keep a high level of readability for human visitors (not just the Google algorithm).
Tip #3: Produce High-Quality Content Based on Keywords with Frequency
Ever heard of “Publish or perish?” The same idea applies here. Businesses who consistently post content on highly searched keywords on a frequent basis have higher growth. By producing content based on industry-specific keywords on a regular schedule, companies establish themselves as thought leaders in a given industry. Ipso facto, they get more followers and that following is tremendously loyal.
Tip #4: Add More Backlinks
Cited as one of the building blocks of good SEO, backlinks are links directed to your website. Backlinks are critical for SEO because some search engines, especially Google, will assign more credibility to websites with a large number of relevant, quality backlinks. Those websites will be considered more relevant than others and will outrank them on the search results.
Tip #5: Drop a Few Breadcrumbs
Are you the kind of person who gets lost going to a new city? Well, your potential customers may feel the same way when meandering around your website. Breadcrumbs, also called navigational aids, direct traffic, “In terms of usability, breadcrumbs reduce the number of actions a website visitor needs to take in order to get to a higher-level page, and they improve the findability of website sections and pages.” After all, you want the visitor to find the good stuff, not get lost and leave.
Tip #6: Optimize Meta Descriptions
What are meta descriptions? A meta description is an HTML attribute that provides a brief summary of a web page, usually 160 characters long or less. Search engines usually show the meta description in search results where they’ve shown to be very effective at click-conversion. This step is often overlooked, so get a leg up on your competitors by getting one — Pronto!
Tip #7: Measure and Analyze Your Results Regularly
Analysis is king today, so don’t slack on regularly reviewing your analytics on a regular basis. Analytics will tell you what’s working and what’s not. It will also show you keyword trends and which content is working. After analysis, make adjustments to increase engagement and click-conversion.
Outranking competitors on Google and other search engines is an involved process, but a very rewarding one. Companies who effectively employ these tips report higher click-conversion, engagement, and page views. If you’d rather have an expert optimizing your website, drop us a note, and we will be in touch soon to chat!
