How do you get ranked #1 on Google?

Fidelis Achu in How To's Nov 22 / 5 months ago

How do you get ranked #1 on Google?

Introduction

In this comprehensive guide, I'm going to walk you through the exact steps to rank your website on the coveted first page of Google. But first, a little background. I've used this exact formula to achieve top rankings on Google for thousands of keywords, including competitive ones like "backlinks," "SEO best practices," and many more. So, rest assured, you're about to get tried and tested strategies.

I've also successfully applied these techniques to a brand new website, taking it from ground zero to a staggering 400,000 monthly visitors. Now, let's dive into the actionable steps you can take to boost your website's visibility on Google.

Step 1: Find the Right Keywords

As you might already know, SEO revolves around keywords. To get started, you need to identify the right keywords that your potential customers are searching for. Although there are various strategies for keyword research, one of the easiest and most effective methods is to use Google Autocomplete.

Begin by typing a keyword related to your niche or industry into Google's search bar. As you do, pay attention to the suggestions that Google offers. These suggestions are essential for two reasons:

1. They represent keywords that people are currently searching for, making them trending and relevant.

2. They often contain long-tail keywords, which are less competitive and ideal for new websites.

A common mistake made by SEO beginners is targeting highly competitive, broad keywords right from the start. For instance, if you run a skincare brand, you might think that ranking for "skincare routine" is the way to go. However, this keyword is incredibly competitive, making it challenging for new websites to rank. Instead, you can focus on long-tail keywords like "skincare routine for men" or "skincare routine for dry skin." These are more attainable and can drive significant traffic to your site.

Additionally, you can explore a tool called "Exploding Topics" to discover low-competition keywords that are currently trending. This tool provides a wealth of untapped keyword opportunities that can give your website a competitive edge.

Step 2: Create Outstanding Content

With your chosen keywords in hand, it's time to craft high-quality content. Gone are the days when long-form articles were the sole focus of content creation. Today, Google prioritizes content that aligns with user search intent. Therefore, your content should provide value and cater to the specific needs of your target audience.

For instance, if someone is searching for "best organic cat food," they are likely in the research phase and looking for comparative information. Creating a detailed guide that compares various cat food options would be an ideal approach in this case.

However, if the search query is "buy cat food online," the user is further along the buying journey and is looking for a product or an online store to make a purchase. Here, you can optimize your content to guide them to your e-commerce store.

Remember, quality and uniqueness matter. Your content should not only fulfill the search intent but also offer something that sets it apart from the competition. A fresh perspective, unique insights, or comprehensive coverage can help your content stand out.

Step 3: Optimize On-Page SEO

Effective on-page SEO ensures that Google understands the topic of your content and its relevance to users. The key aspects of on-page SEO today are straightforward and focus on user experience:

- Include your target keyword in the title and within the first few hundred words of your content.

- Mention the keyword naturally a few more times throughout the content to reinforce its relevance.

In the past, on-page SEO was more complex, involving intricate keyword placement and tactics. Today, Google's algorithms are highly advanced and prioritize user satisfaction over keyword stuffing. Therefore, the main focus should be on creating content that genuinely satisfies user needs.

Step 4: Prioritize User Experience

User experience is paramount in Google's ranking algorithms. Google monitors how users interact with your website and considers factors like bounce rate and time spent on your pages.

Here are two critical aspects to optimize for user experience:

- Front Load the Value:  Ensure that users find the information they're seeking as quickly as possible. Avoid long-winded introductions or burying important information deep within your content. Front-load your content with valuable insights.

- Content Layout and Design:  Make your content visually appealing and easy to read. Use clear and legible fonts, maintain a clean and user-friendly layout, and include subheadings to break up the text. Users should be able to skim your content and find what they need effortlessly.

Step 5: Build Quality Backlinks

Backlinks continue to be a crucial aspect of SEO, as they signal the trustworthiness and authority of your website to search engines. However, obtaining backlinks can be challenging, especially for new websites with limited authority. 

Here's a strategy that's particularly effective for newcomers:

Be the Source: Identify a specific statistic or piece of information related to your niche that is in high demand but challenging to find. Create a dedicated page that prominently features this statistic. By being the primary source for this information, you become an attractive reference for bloggers, journalists, and researchers in your industry.

The key is to target specific, low-competition, trending keywords that are difficult to find elsewhere. By doing so, even a new website can rank for these keywords without a well-established authority.

Achieving top rankings on Google is no longer solely about keywords and backlinks.

It's about understanding the intricacies of search intent, user experience, and creating content that genuinely satisfies your audience's needs. To summarize, here are the key takeaways from this guide:

1. Low-Competition, Trending Keywords: Start by identifying keywords that are both relevant to your business and have low competition. This approach allows new websites to rank for these keywords more quickly.

2. Create Outstanding Content:  Craft content that aligns with the search intent. Provide value, uniqueness, and a solution to what the user is looking for. Consider the intent behind the search query and tailor your content accordingly.

3. Optimize for On-Page SEO: On-page SEO is now more about user experience than keyword density. Ensure your content includes the target keyword in the title and early in the content. Focus on delivering value and addressing user needs.

4. Prioritize User Experience:  Make it easy for users to access the information they need. Avoid long introductions and employ a clean, easy-to-read content layout. Subheadings can help users quickly find what they're looking for.

5. Build Quality Backlinks:  Even as a new website, you can earn backlinks by being a reliable source of unique, specific statistics or information in your niche. This strategy can help you gain valuable references from other websites.

Conclusion

This guide has provided you with a step-by-step blueprint for ranking on the first page of Google. By targeting the right keywords, creating high-quality content, optimizing for user experience, and building backlinks strategically, you can improve your website's visibility and drive organic traffic. Keep in mind that SEO is an ongoing process, and staying updated with the latest trends and algorithm changes is essential for long-term success. So, get started with these steps and watch your website rise through the ranks on Google!