// by Colin
So you’ve invested in a swanky new website, filled it with fantastic content, and launched it on the world wide web. Now, where’s all that traffic? Why is nobody clicking on your site?
The answer probably has something to do with the fact that your website isn’t showing up organically in Google searches. More specifically: it’s not showing up on the very first page of a search. And since research shows that 75% of people will click on the top three results of a search engine result page (SERP), it’s unlikely that they’ll ever find your website if it’s not listed on the first.
But how do you earn one of those oh-so-coveted spots? Here are some of our top tips:
Get to grips with SEO.
Nowadays, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity.
Although SEO isn’t rocket science, it does have a tendency to be time-consuming and complicated, not least because it’s a process and not a product. There are three main components to SEO: technical, on-page, and off-page. To ensure you rank high in search results, you’ve got to master all three, but that’s no easy feat.
Navigating the complex world of SEO on your own can be tricky, especially since the Google Search Algorithm can be fickle, demanding, and mysterious. SEO elements like metadata, long-tail keywords, link-building, and site speed can be hard to implement, so it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a professional for this.
Content, content, content.
There’s a famous saying in the digital marketing world: ‘Content is king.’ It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Websites that rank high in search engine results often have one thing in common: they’re home to a wealth of great content.
Trust us: less is not more when it comes to website content. The Google search algorithm favours websites that regularly publish new stuff (think blog posts, news updates/articles, new pages). But it’s quality over quantity here, and consistency is key. To increase your chances of ranking high, you need content that is well-written, easy to read, interesting, and unique.
If that sounds like a LOT, don’t worry. There are professionals out there who can help (like our in-house content & copywriter) if you’re not a wordsmith, or simply don’t have the time to write keyword-optimised blog posts and articles.
Make sure your business is listed on Google.
You know when you search for a business on Google, and a compact box pops up on the right-hand side of the page, complete with photos and information such as opening hours, location, phone number, etc? That’s a Google Business Profile, and it’s an important feather to have in your cap when you’re trying to get your website to rank higher in a search.
A Google Business Profiles is free to set up and easy to manage. It can do wonders for your local SEO, which means you’ll show up more often in local searches for goods and services. Above all, by adding a ‘website’ button to your profile, you’ll be opening the door to more visits and clicks.
Invest in some Google Ads.
You may have noticed that when you search for something on Google, the top results are ads. These can account for more than 60% of clicks — particularly when they are promoting an e-commerce site — so there are real benefits to using them if you want to get on the first page of Google.
Anyone can use Google Ads, regardless of the type or size of their business. That’s what makes this option so versatile and accessible. And one of the main advantages of buying a Google Ad is that you will see an uptick in people engaging with your site much faster than with traditional SEO processes.
Saying that, you shouldn’t just use Google Ads to improve your position in Google search. For maximum success, they should be rolled out in conjunction with a good SEO and content strategy.
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Here at Ourside, a web design agency based in Galway, Ireland, we have an experienced team of SEO, Design, and Content experts on hand to ensure that your website stands out online. Get in touch to find out more about our web design and SEO packages!
