Whether you like Google or hate Google, businesses rely heavily on search engines to drive highly targeted traffic to their website. Sure, there are many ways to drive traffic, but most methods will require you to spend money.
That’s why it comes to no surprise that people are always trying to outsmart the system, hence why Google constantly updates their algorithm to combat these bad practices.
First, let’s dive deeper into what search engines are all about it. Search engines are there to provide relevant content for people like me and you. It’s the go-to place for when you have questions regarding almost anything. How fast does a cheetah run? or how to make money online?
Although it’s true that if you continue to provide relevant high-quality content, you will do great. However, bad SEO practices can result in penalties. The truth to the matter is, nobody knows exactly what Google’s ranking factors are based on.
In this article, I will go over key factors for getting ranked in Google. Without further ado, let’s get started!
#1. Your Domain
Back then, having keyword rich domains or exact match domains were important. However, these days, Google pays more attention to those with quality content. While keyword rich domains or exact match domains may still have an impact these days. If you don’t pair it with relevant and quality content. You will not rank well!
#2. Site-Level Signals
Regardless of your niche. Your website should always have the following pages: an about page, privacy policy, disclaimer, contact page, etc.
Also, having an XML sitemap for your website is a must! It gives a map of your website to help search engines rank your website.
Let’s also not forget about mobile optimization! With millions of smartphone users around the world. It definitely doesn’t hurt to ensure your website is mobile-friendly.
#3. Page-Level Signals
Similar to your blog posts, you need to let search engines know about your pages. You should include keywords in areas like the URL, title, meta description, heading, body, etc.
However, you want to make sure page has its own unique treatment of keywords. For example, You don’t want to include make money online on every single page. It will confuse the search engines and you might get dinged for duplication.
#4. Build Backlinks
When building backlinks, you want to keep it natural. Google and other search engines are always looking for relevance. Let’s say you have a make money online blog. You don’t want to get a ton of backlinks from how to lose weight or best skateboards.
By publishing relevant helpful content, people in your niche will naturally link back to you which will help your ranking. Also keep in mind, buying and selling backlinks will get you punished (if you get caught, which you mostly will).
#5. Social Signals
Google and other search engines are now paying attention to social signals. They want to see how engaged people are in your community. How many likes, tweets, shares, etc are you getting?
Not only will this help with search engine ranking, but it will also help with building a relationship with your readers. If people like you, they will share your stuff which gives you more exposure.
It looks a little like this: You post content > people comment > you respond and help your readers > they like you and share your post > your post now reaches people you didn’t have a connection with > more traffic.
#6. Positive User Experience
When your website gets ranked on the SERP (search engine results page), the higher your click-thru rate, the better for your ranking. That’s only the beginning and the reason why you need to provide a positive user experience.
If your readers don’t like what they see or if your website is taking too long to load. They’ll bounce and it reflects poorly on you because it tells the search engines that they didn’t like your website.
That’s why everything on your website should be user-friendly. By providing high-quality content and actively engaging with your audience. They will spend more time on your website and come back as returning visitors. These are all positive signals for search engines.
#7. Brand Signals
People search for brands all the time. If more people are searching for your brand, the search engines will recognize your website as a real brand. Click here to learn how to brand your blog today!
If I missed something on this list, please let me know by leaving a comment down below!
Kind Regards,
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