How do I get found on Google? How can I improve my Google rankings? These are some of our most frequently asked questions. Whether businesses are just starting out or have been established for a while, everyone wants to be at the top of Google searches!
Search engines, such as Google and Yahoo, display and rank websites based on a multitude of different criteria. Unfortunately, their algorithms change every few months, so there is no simple solution that will automatically push you to the top of the rankings. Improving your Google rankings is a long process; even if you are lucky enough to reach the top spot, you must ensure that your website is kept up to date and relevant, in order to avoid slipping back down the rungs of the Google search ladder.
Top 5 Tips for Getting Found on Google
1. Choose an easily searchable domain
If your business is named, ‘Cakes for Dogs’, it would make sense to have the domain name www.cakesfordogs.co.uk. This way, when a customer searches ‘Cakes for Dogs’, your website is much more likely to appear.
If you are thinking about starting your own business, we recommend doing some research before choosing your business’ name, as your name needs to be unique and different from your competitors, whilst still being simple and memorable. This will really help to get you to the top of the Google rankings.
2. Index your site with Google
Once your website is live, make sure that your domain name is indexed with Google. In simple terms, this means that you need to tell Google that your site exists so it can show your website to its users. This can be achieved directly via your site’s SEO settings, or you can submit a sitemap to Google console (your sitemap address is usually created by taking your web address and adding .xml onto the end).
3. Claim your FREE Google My Business account
When searching for a business on Google, a small section on the right usually appears with photos and buttons to visit the business’ website, contact them, or get directions. This is exactly what a Google My Business account can help you achieve – it showcases your business and makes it simple and easy for customers to find all the information they need. Simply search ‘Google My Business Account’ and fill in your business’ details. You will then be mailed a verification pin to your business address which you need to submit to your account, and then you’re good to go!
4. Review your website copy & SEO settings
Some simple definitions:
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) refers to the practice of increasing your website traffic via organic search results i.e. Google searches.
A copywriter is a specialist type of writer that creates content specifically for marketing purposes. The copy (text) they create is designed to encourage readers to take action and invest in your products/services.
It is vitally important that your website copy hits the mark and paints your business in a positive light, as this will be picked up by search engines when potential customers search for specific key words. If you don’t think your current website copy is engaging or clear enough, we highly recommend hiring a specialist copywriter to review and polish your copy. Copywriters understand the ways in which search engines operate, and the types of key words and phrases that will be beneficial to your website.
Similarly, your SEO settings such as your URLs, page titles and meta tags all have an impact on how findable your business is; so, it is well worth ensuring that these are worded correctly.
5. Write a monthly blog
Starting a blog can greatly increase your SEO, giving you the opportunity to write about topics and themes that your audience will find valuable. You can include specific keywords and phrases within your blogs that customers may search for; adding another layer to your SEO strategy.
As well as the opportunity to provide valuable content, a blog offers you the perfect opportunity to regularly update your site – search engines always favour sites that are regularly updated with fresh and interesting content!
Dedicated Website Support Services from Melissa’s Copy
Here at Melissa’s Copy, our expert team have a wealth of experience in web design and maintenance, as well as copywriting and SEO. Our web designer is specifically trained in Wix and Shopify website platforms, providing an excellent level of customer service to businesses all over the world.
Whether you wish to build a brand-new website, redesign and modernise your existing site or improve your web copy and SEO, feel free to drop us a line at melissascopy@gmail.com. We offer FREE consultations to all new clients – click here to book in your chat today!