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What does it really take to get Google’s attention in search engine ranking? We write often about search engine optimization (SEO) and how to execute it, but sometimes it’s helpful to know why you’re doing certain things.
To find out, let’s look at four of the top factors that affect search engine rankings in Google’s algorithm, along with how to improve them through SEO.
If you want to rank more highly, keep reading!
First and foremost, Google wants to meet the needs of searchers. As Google’s John Mueller shared in late 2021, the thing all websites need to rank well is “awesomeness”.
That’s not a very concrete goal, but we know that having high-quality content that meets the needs of your users is an important part of awesomeness. When there are blog posts and other content that’s highly relevant and useful to your ideal customers, you’ll rank more highly.
How do you show that you’re relevant and useful? You’ll need to use the right keywords, take into account user intent when they enter those keyword phrases in Google, and create content that answers the burning questions your audience has.
When you take all of these into account, you’ll have much more high-quality content.
It’s no secret that more people than ever are using mobile devices to access the internet and that many web pages struggle to adjust to a smaller screen. That’s why several years ago Google made mobile-first design one of its key ranking factors.
How do you create mobile-first design? You start with the assumption that most of your visitors will be using a mobile device. That means creating a design that is easy to navigate on a small screen and loading quickly on slower mobile networks. Make sure that none of your screen elements overlap or are impossible to read on a small device.
It also means creating a simple, streamlined design that is easy to use on a small screen. Ensure that your content loads quickly and efficiently, without taking up too much bandwidth or battery life.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your website is easy to use for all visitors, regardless of their device, and you’ll be able to avoid having low search engine rankings due to poor design.
One of the newer elements of SEO that Google emphasizes is page experience. Page experience consists of a variety of factors, including loading performance, visual stability, mobile-friendliness, HTTPS security, and a lack of intrusive popups or graphics.
The goal of using page experience as a ranking factor is to prioritize pages that give the user a good experience, rather than a spammy, unsecure, or ad-heavy one.
The good news is that each of these elements is easy to understand and control. To get a fast load time and visual stability, make sure your image and video files are appropriately sized and that your hosting service is high-quality. When you design mobile-first, as we discussed, you’ll automatically be mobile-friendly. Finally, avoid pop-up adds and install HTTPS to improve the security of your website.
These steps make it easier for your visitors to access your content, which gives you the best chance to inform and influence them. Don’t overlook this new ranking factor!
Both internal and external links play a big role in search engine ranking. One of the reasons we talk so much about having a Google Business Profile, participating in industry directories, and having relevant links between your web pages is because those activities create these links.
By creating internal links between pages, a website can guide users to the information they need. However, simply adding links is not enough. They need to be well-placed and clearly labelled in order to be effective. Links that are difficult to find or that lead to unrelated pages will only serve to frustrate users.
Inbound links are an important ranking factor and they can also lead to increased traffic and brand exposure. There are many different ways to build links, including guest blogging, directory submission, and social media outreach. However, not all links are created equal. In order to be effective, links must be relevant and come from high-quality websites.
It takes time to build relevant links, so many business owners choose to partner with a marketing firm that can help them. Local SEO Search has many years of experience helping small businesses excel online.
When you help Google meet their goals, they will reward you with a higher ranking. The good news is that Google’s goals also help you connect with your target audience more effectively.
When you have strong content, mobile-first design, an excellent page experience, and high-quality linking strategies, your website will be engaging and persuasive to your audience, AND you will rank more highly! It’s a win-win.
Staying on top of search engine ranking factors can be a full-time job in itself, which is why so many companies work with a marketing partner. Let Local SEO Search put our expertise to work for you and help you excel in SEO. Contact us for a free consultation today!
