Studies have shown that first result on Google gets 33% of all traffic, 18% for second position and the traffic only declines from there onwards. As a business owner, the top of Google Search means more traffic to your website, and traffic to your website means more customers.
How does Google rank websites?
Google ranks websites with a very advanced machine learning algorithm called RankBrain. Humans at Google continue to provide RankBrain with guidance and additional rules, but ultimately, RankBrain is a self learning AI that takes into account millions of data points and metrics to continuously evaluate whether or not its serving its true purpose: “Did I give a person searching for something, the right thing”.
RankBrain works extremely hard to ensure that it understands what you were looking for, and then that it gave you what you wanted. It then measures the success (or failure) rate of its answers and changes what information it presents to the next person.
What is Google looking for when indexing your site?
Google looks at over 200 ranking factors, but some factors are weighted more heavily than others. From our experience the most important things are:
- Content
RankBrain analyses the content on your website to make sense of what it’s looking at. By following all of the best practices, using the right keywords and structure, RankBrain can more easily understand what it is that you do, and therefore guide someone to you. - User satisfaction
Did this content help someone, was it high quality content, did it satisfy a potential searchers question. - Back-links
One of the most powerful metrics that RankBrain looks at, is the number of other websites which reference your website. RankBrain assumes that if many other websites, especially trustworthy websites, are linking to you your website must be relevant in some way.
There are tons of factors, but ultimately try creating something that people want, enjoy or is useful to them, and Google will eventually reward you.
How can I check that Google is indexing my site correctly?
The quick and easy method: Google your domain. If it comes up, you’re indexed. A more advanced and insightful method is through Google’s official tool, Google Search Console.
What are the things I can do to get my search rank higher?
- Create high quality content (such as in a blog)
- Have a fast website that loads quickly
- Make your website mobile-friendly
- Ensure your website is secure (your web address should start with HTTPS)
- Follow on-page best practices
- Register with Google Search Console
- Register with Google My Business
- Get quality back-links from other websites
How do I get a knowledge panel like some businesses that I have seen?
For local businesses, you can setup a free Google My Business Profile. It is a really useful tool for customers as they can quickly get access to your business information: such as your business name, your address, your open times and your phone Number. It’s important to make sure that the information is correct and consistent. Getting good reviews on My Business Profile is also a ranking signal, so try your best to get people to review your business.
What is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the practice of optimising your website to show up in search engines like Google, Bing, Youtube or DuckDuckGo. By showing up higher and more frequently on search engines, you maximise your exposure to potential customers and drive organic traffic (free advertising).
Can I manage my SEO on my own?
Definitely. There are hundreds of amazing articles and video tutorials online where you can learn how to manage your own SEO.
However just like most industries in life there are professionals who have years of knowledge and experience. If you have the budget we highly recommend investing in professional SEO services, so you can focus on running your business.
