Search Engine Optimization Tips for Getting Your Website Listed on Google

One of the most effective methods for growing your business, generating fresh leads to your website, is to be listed at the top of the search results in Google. A potential customer turning to the internet to search for your product or services will typically only be scrolling through the first page, or even half page, of results. This makes it imperative that your website have an excellent standing with the search engine for those keywords that are the most important to your business.

There are many factors that affect the results Google returns when someone is searching, all populated by a complicated algorithm that is frequently changing. While there is no secret sauce for getting your website listed at the top, there are some efforts that can make a difference. Some factors are beyond your control, including how long your site has been in existence. A website that has been around for ten plus years will often have a better search standing than one that just went live six months ago. Your choice of URL can also make a big difference, particularly if the keywords are included in the web address.

Focus on Content Rich with Keywords that are Relevant to Your Business

One important thing that Google considers when determining search results is content on your website. If your site is rich with keywords, those relevant words, or terms that someone is typing in, you are more likely to appear in the search results. If these relevant keywords are appearing on your page frequently, at the top of the page, or in a heading, this gives you a good chance of appearing in those search results.

Some businesses, particularly those offering a service, rely heavily on traffic in a particular geographic area. While your site’s address is helpful, you may also want to include more references to all the towns that your services reach. Also known as city pages or geo pages, this will ensure your business has a good chance to appear in the results of those searching in nearby towns also.

There is a fine balance for including your keywords and still having the copy read easily and make sense to visitors. A blog is a good way to have fresh content, that is rich with keywords. This also satisfies another factor that Google considers, which is dynamic content. The search engine likes to see fresh, changing content on websites. For many businesses, this can be a challenge. Incorporating a blog and posting regularly can make this easier to accomplish.

Web sites that have links directing back to them from other sites are also more likely to appear in searches. If you have vendors that you use or business partners, ask them to include a link on their own web site directing back to your site and you can do the same.

Keep in mind that Google strives to offer its users the best search experience. By developing and maintaining a robust website, you can give your business’s website the best chance of being listed in those results and in front of even more prospects.