Around three-quarters of all internet users don’t make it past the first page when scrolling through search results. The lower your content ranks on Google, the fewer hits you’ll get. Getting to page one is never easy. While it never happens overnight, these tips will help you improve your website’s search engine results.
Getting to Page One on Google
Use Long-Tail Keywords
The internet’s most popular keywords have already been dominated by major websites. To be brutally honest, you probably won’t succeed in ranking for popular one- and two-word keywords like “car insurance,” “real estate,” and “cooking.” On the bright side, you do have long-tail keywords. Most digital marketing professionals say that long-tail keywords make up roughly 70% of all search volume. Head terms, also called head keywords, include ever-popular terms like “car insurance” and “cooking.” While you might not beat out competitors for front-page “car insurance” results, lengthening your target keywords can help you compete. For example, turning the head term “car insurance” into the long-tail keyword of “SR-22 car insurance in Indiana” will drastically improve your chances of getting on page one.
Write More Content
Google takes hundreds of factors into account when ranking websites. In general, Google views domains with more content as more authoritative. However, never publish low-quality content in hopes of getting better search engine results. No matter the keyword, you’ll notice that front-page content shares several characteristics. Some sources report high-ranking content to have an average of 1,900 words. Others say 1,600 words is the ideal post length. Wherever you search for SEO insights, you’ll find that high-ranking content generally ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 words. Make sure these words offer high-quality information, providing readers with actionable insights. Don’t just include words in your web content. Include examples, images, and infographics, too.
Design Content for Snippets
Google introduced snippets in 2014. When Google detects short, high-quality content that can easily answer readers’ questions, it moves that content to the front of the line. Featured snippets are powerful tools that direct attention to your content and boost your domain authority. When aiming for snippets, subheaders and bullet points should be your best friends. Think about what questions internet users want to answer when they search for keywords. If you can briefly answer these questions with bullet points, your content stands a good chance of becoming a featured snippet. Always use simple language, too. Consider using online tools that detect your writing’s reading level. If possible, never exceed a 10th-grade reading level.
Network With Compilation Creators
Many websites post compilations of the most popular business software, for example. Creators write reviews of popular websites, services, and products, compiling them all into a single web page to generate web traffic. Although you can pay to be included in these compilations, try networking with writers and webmasters who make these compilations. If you’re lucky, you can find your website on these compilations.
When implementing these strategies, pace yourself. Always remember that search engine optimization is a marathon, not a sprint.
