You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect blog post. It’s insightful, well-written, and full of useful information. But here’s the problem, no one is reading it. You check your Google rankings, and your post is buried deep, lost in a sea of content that no one ever scrolls far enough to see.
Why does this happen? You followed all the “SEO best practices” you read online. You sprinkled in keywords, wrote a catchy title, and even added some internal links. Yet, Google still isn’t giving your content the attention it deserves.
Here’s the truth: ranking on Google isn’t just about stuffing your post with keywords or following a checklist of basic SEO tactics. It’s about understanding what Google actually prioritizes. And if you don’t know this, your content will always struggle to get the visibility it deserves.
So, what’s the real secret to ranking on Google? And more importantly, how can you make sure your content doesn’t just exist but dominates search results? Let’s break it down.
How Does Ranking on Google Work?
Google’s job is simple: sift through billions of web pages and deliver the best possible answer to a searcher’s question, fast. But behind that simple goal is a ranking system powered by intricate algorithms that evaluate content based on relevance, usefulness, and overall quality.
These algorithms don’t just scan for keywords; they assess everything from user experience to content depth, authority, and even how well a page satisfies search intent. It’s an incredibly complex process, but here’s the good news: you don’t need to decode every technical detail to rank higher.
What you do need is a well-rounded SEO strategy that aligns with Google’s priorities, and that’s exactly what we’ll break down in this guide.
#1 On-Site SEO is the Key
Improving your on-site SEO is crucial for better Google rankings. Start by focusing on your title tags and meta descriptions. These elements tell both search engines and users what your page is about.
For example, if you’re a bakery in Vancouver, a title like “Freshly Baked Bread in Vancouver– [Your Bakery Name]” is clear and effective.
Next, pay attention to your page titles and headlines. They should include your main keywords and be structured properly. Using header tags like H1 for main titles and H2 for subheadings helps organize your content. This structure makes it easier for search engines to understand your page.
Content quality is another key factor. Create informative, engaging, and original content that provides real value to your readers. Avoid duplicate content, as it can harm your rankings. Instead, focus on unique insights or information that sets your site apart.
Don’t overlook the importance of URL structure. Keep URLs short, descriptive, and free of unnecessary words or symbols.
For instance, “yourwebsite.com/fresh-bread-vancouver” is preferable to “yourwebsite.com/page1?id=123”.
Internal linking is also beneficial. Linking related pages within your site helps users navigate and allows search engines to crawl your site more effectively. For example, a blog post about bread recipes could link to your product page for baking ingredients.
Lastly, ensure your website loads quickly and is mobile-friendly. Slow-loading sites can frustrate users, leading them to leave your page. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.
#2 Expand Your Reach with LSI Keywords
Adding LSI keywords to your page is a simple but effective way to help Google understand your content better. These aren’t just random words, they’re terms closely related to your main topic.
When Google scans your page, it looks for these supporting words to confirm what your content is really about.
For example, if your main keyword is Cold Brew Coffee, LSI keywords might include iced coffee, coffee beans, brewing time, coffee concentrate, and smooth flavor. These words give context, showing search engines that your content covers the topic in depth.
One of the easiest ways to find LSI keywords is by using Google itself. Just start typing your keyword into the search bar and look at Google’s autocomplete suggestions.
The words in bold are terms that people frequently search along with your main keyword. That’s a strong signal that Google associates them with your topic.
You can also scroll to the bottom of the search results and check the “Related Searches” section. These are additional phrases that Google considers relevant.
Once you have a list of related terms, the next step is adding them to your content naturally. No stuffing or awkward phrasing, just weave them in where they make sense. This could be in your headings, subheadings, image alt text, or even in the body of your content.
By using LSI keywords effectively, you’re making it easier for Google to categorize your page and increasing your chances of ranking higher for a broader range of search queries. It’s a simple but powerful on-page SEO strategy that can give your content the extra edge.
#3 Keep Your Website in Top Shape with Technical SEO
Technical SEO issues can quietly drag your rankings down. Even if your content is great, technical problems can stop Google from properly crawling and indexing your site. That’s why keeping an eye on your website’s technical health is crucial.
The first thing to check is whether your site is mobile-friendly. Over half of all website traffic now comes from mobile devices, and Google uses mobile-first indexing. If your site doesn’t work well on smaller screens, you’re already at a disadvantage.
A quick way to check is by using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. Another key metric is Core Web Vitals, which you can find in Google’s PageSpeed Insights or Search Console.
These metrics measure things like load speed, interactivity, and visual stability, factors that directly affect rankings.
Speed matters too. If your site takes too long to load, users will leave, and Google notices that. A one-second delay can lead to a significant drop in engagement and conversions.
Tools like PageSpeed Insights and WebPageTest.org can analyze your site and offer specific recommendations to fix slow-loading pages. Compressing images, enabling browser caching, and using a content delivery network (CDN) are some of the easiest ways to improve speed.
Indexing problems can be a major roadblock. If Google can’t find and index your pages, they won’t show up in search results.
To check this, open Google Search Console and go to “Indexing” → “Pages.” This section will tell you if any pages aren’t indexed and why.
It could be a noindex tag, a crawl error, or duplicate content issues. Fixing these problems ensures Google sees and ranks all your important pages.
Keeping your site technically sound means fewer roadblocks between you and higher rankings. Google rewards sites that are fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to crawl. If your site is lagging behind, these checks can help you spot and fix the issues holding it back.
#4 Search Intent
Search intent is the key to ranking higher on Google. If your content doesn’t align with what users actually want, it won’t stay on the first page for long.
Google’s RankBrain constantly analyzes how people interact with search results, figuring out whether a page truly satisfies a query. If visitors quickly leave your site and go back to Google, it’s a sign that your content isn’t delivering what they expected.
Let’s say you put together a huge list of CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization) techniques. You’re confident this will be the best resource out there. It’s detailed, packed with strategies, and optimized with all the right keywords. At first, it does well, Google ranks it, traffic comes in, and everything seems to be working.
Then, slowly, traffic starts to drop. Fewer people are finding your page, and those who do aren’t staying long. What happened?
Google realized that people searching for “Conversion Rate Optimization” weren’t looking for a giant list of techniques. They wanted a guide, something that explained what CRO actually is, how it works, and how to get started. Your page, despite all its information, wasn’t matching what searchers needed.
So you go back to the drawing board. You analyze the top-ranking pages and notice a pattern, they’re all comprehensive guides, not just lists. You rewrite your content to match search intent, providing definitions, examples, and actionable steps. A few months later, traffic jumps by 214%.
That’s how search intent works. If someone types “best running shoes,” they’re looking for a detailed comparison of different models.
If they search “buy Nike running shoes,” they expect a store page where they can make a purchase. If they search “how to clean running shoes,” they need a step-by-step guide.
Google already knows what searchers want. The easiest way to figure it out? Look at what’s ranking at the top. If most results are guides, write a guide. If they’re product pages, create a product page. Google rewards content that aligns with search intent, so the closer your page matches what users are looking for, the better your chances of ranking higher.
This isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about understanding what people need and giving it to them, better than anyone else.
#5 Lower Your Bounce Rate for Better Engagement
Improving your site’s bounce rate is crucial for maintaining strong Google rankings. When visitors quickly leave your site, it signals to Google that they’re not finding what they need, which can hurt your position in search results.
One effective way to reduce bounce rate is by aligning your content with search intent. When your page delivers exactly what users are searching for, they’re more likely to stay and engage with your content.
Beyond matching search intent, consider optimizing the “above the fold” area of your website, the portion visible without scrolling. This is the first impression visitors get, and it’s essential to make it count.
Ensure that your main content is immediately accessible. For instance, placing key information or engaging headlines at the top encourages users to explore further.
Incorporating visuals like images, videos, charts, and screenshots can also make your content more engaging and easier to understand. Visual elements break up text and provide alternative ways to convey information, catering to different user preferences.
Remember, a lower bounce rate indicates that visitors find your site valuable and relevant, which can positively influence your search rankings. By focusing on user experience and delivering content that meets their needs, you encourage longer visits and reduce the likelihood of them returning to search results.
#6 Find More Keywords
Once your site starts ranking well, the next step is to increase your traffic by optimizing for additional keywords. One of the best ways to do this is by using Google Search Console to uncover search terms that you’re already ranking for, but haven’t intentionally optimized.
Go to the Performance report in Google Search Console and scan through the list of queries bringing traffic to your site. Most of them will be the keywords you targeted, but sometimes, you’ll find terms that you didn’t even think about.
If Google is already ranking your page for those terms without optimization, a little effort can push them even higher.
Let’s say you run a fitness blog and wrote a guide on “best exercises for weight loss.” While checking your performance data, you notice that your post is getting traffic from searches like “beginner-friendly fat-burning workouts” and “home exercises to lose weight fast.”
These keywords weren’t your primary focus, but Google still sees your content as relevant.
Instead of letting that traffic slip away, you can update your post to better match those terms. You might add a new section titled “Beginner-Friendly Fat-Burning Workouts” and include specific exercises for those just starting out.
You could also add a few lines in your introduction mentioning home-based workouts to reinforce that your content covers this angle. Making these small but strategic tweaks helps Google understand that your page is an even better match for those queries.
If the keyword has strong search potential and doesn’t quite fit into your existing page, you can also create a separate piece of content entirely dedicated to that topic. This allows you to target the keyword more effectively and bring in even more traffic.
By monitoring the keywords you already rank for and optimizing accordingly, you can grow your traffic without needing to create new content from scratch. Google is already sending people to your site, your job is to make sure your content fully satisfies what they’re searching for.
#7 High-Quality Content
You’ve likely heard the advice: to rank well on Google, you need to publish high-quality content. While true, this guidance can be vague.
What exactly constitutes “high-quality content”? It’s not just about well-written articles; it’s about creating content that others find valuable enough to share and link to. Backlinks, or links from other websites to yours, play a significant role in Google’s ranking algorithm.
The more quality backlinks your site has, the better its chances of ranking higher.
One effective strategy is to become a reliable data source. By publishing original research or comprehensive studies, you provide valuable information that others in your industry will want to reference.
For example, a study analyzing 12 million outreach emails found that only 8.5% received a response. This kind of data is compelling and often cited by other blogs and news outlets, leading to more backlinks.
Focusing on long-form content is another approach. In-depth articles covering a topic extensively tend to attract more links. While there’s no perfect word count, content exceeding 3,000 words often performs well in terms of link acquisition.
Incorporating visual elements like infographics, charts, and videos can also boost your content’s shareability. Visual content is engaging and easy to digest, making it more likely to be shared and linked to by others.
For instance, creating an infographic that visually represents complex data can serve as a valuable resource for others, encouraging them to link back to your site.
#8 Build Backlinks to Your Site
Publishing outstanding content is essential, but for it to attract backlinks, people need to see it. With millions of blog posts published daily, simply posting your content isn’t enough; active promotion is key.
One effective strategy is Broken Link Building. This involves finding broken links on other websites and suggesting your content as a replacement. Tools like Semrush’s Backlink Analytics can help identify these opportunities.
By entering a competitor’s domain, you can discover their broken pages and see which sites link to them. Reaching out to these sites with a polite message offering your relevant content can earn you valuable backlinks.
Another approach is to create Resource Pages. These are curated lists of valuable content on specific topics. By developing comprehensive resource pages, you not only provide value to your audience but also encourage other sites to link back to your page as a reputable source.
#9 Track Your Results
As your site climbs higher in Google’s rankings, it’s essential to monitor the impact of these improvements. Tracking organic traffic, visitors arriving via search engines, is a key indicator of your SEO success. To do this, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Search Console are invaluable tools.
Monitoring Organic Traffic with Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Access Traffic Acquisition Reports
Log in to your GA4 account. Navigate to Reports > Life cycle > Acquisition > Traffic acquisition. This section displays the various channels driving visitors to your site, including organic search.
Analyze Organic Search Performance
Within the Traffic Acquisition report, locate the Session default channel group column to identify traffic sources. Look for Organic Search to see metrics like user count, engagement, and conversions from search engines.
Evaluating Search Visibility with Google Search Console
Review Performance Reports
Sign in to Google Search Console. Click on Performance to access data on how your site appears in Google Search results.
Assess Impressions and Clicks
The Performance report provides insights into the number of times your site was shown in search results (Impressions) and how often users clicked on your site (Clicks). Monitoring these metrics helps gauge your site’s visibility and appeal in search listings.
Connecting Traffic to Business Outcomes and Ranking on Google
While increased traffic is positive, it’s crucial to determine if this influx translates into meaningful actions, such as leads or sales. In GA4, you can set up Conversions to track specific user actions that align with your business goals. By analyzing which traffic sources lead to these conversions, you can assess the effectiveness of your SEO efforts in driving valuable outcomes.
Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures you’re not only attracting visitors but also engaging the right audience that contributes to your business objectives.
#10 Incorporate Unique Visuals
Incorporating visuals into your content can significantly enhance your search engine rankings and user experience. Visual elements like charts, infographics, and high-quality images not only make complex information more digestible but also increase the shareability of your content, leading to valuable backlinks.
For instance, creating a clear diagram to explain a complicated concept can make your content more engaging and easier to understand. Additionally, Google often features images in search results, which can improve your click-through rates. By thoughtfully integrating relevant visuals, you enrich the user experience and boost your site’s visibility in search engine results.
#11 Make Your Information Skimmable
A study analyzing over 20 billion user sessions found that the average time spent on a webpage across various industries is approximately 54 seconds.
This means you have less than a minute to capture and retain your visitors’ attention. To make the most of this brief window, it’s essential to present your content in a clear and engaging manner.
Utilizing concise, straightforward sentences helps convey your message efficiently. Writing in an active voice makes your content more dynamic and easier to follow. Incorporating bullet points and subheadings breaks down information into digestible sections, allowing readers to quickly scan and understand key points.
Final Takeaway
Ranking on Google isn’t about quick tricks, it’s about creating helpful content, keeping your site in good shape, and making small improvements over time.
The websites that do well are the ones that give users what they’re looking for and keep them engaged. If you stay consistent, keep testing, and focus on what works, your rankings will keep growing.
But having a good SEO strategy isn’t enough if your website isn’t built well. A slow or outdated site can hurt your rankings and turn visitors away.
If you need a website that’s fast, easy to use, and designed to help your business grow, BragDeal, a web design company, can help. Our web development team creates sites that not only look great but also work smoothly and rank better on Google. Contact now!
