Easy Ways for Small Businesses to Rank on Google

rank on google

How to get your website to rank on Google. 

Appearing on the first page of Google is one of the best ways for small businesses to attract new customers online. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering the essentials like keyword research, backlinks, Google Business, local SEO, and a bit more.


1. What is SEO and How Does it Impact Your Website?

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the practice of improving your website’s visibility on search engines. By optimising your site with relevant keywords, creating quality content, and getting credible links from other websites, you increase your chances of appearing when people search for products or services you offer. SEO impacts your website by making it easier for potential customers to find you, which can lead to more website visitors, enquiries, and sales over time.


2. Using Keywords to Boost Google Ranking

Keywords are the terms or phrases people type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services. Here’s how to use them to your advantage:

  • Identify Keywords: Start by brainstorming words your customers might search for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keyword ideas and see how often people search for them.
  • Use Keywords Strategically: Once you know which keywords are relevant, integrate them naturally into key parts of your site, like the homepage, product pages, service descriptions, and blog posts. Each page should have a primary keyword focus—don’t overuse the same keyword on multiple pages, as it can confuse search engines.
  • Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer phrases that are specific to your business, like “affordable wedding photographer in West London.” Long-tail keywords have less competition and tend to attract more qualified visitors.


3. Building Backlinks for Authority

Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to yours. They signal to Google that your site is trustworthy, relevant, and valuable.

  • Quality over Quantity: It’s better to have a few links from high-quality, reputable sites than many links from unknown sources. Aim to get links from local business directories, industry blogs, or local news sites.
  • Guest Blogging and Partnerships: Write helpful blog posts for relevant websites in exchange for a backlink. For instance, if you’re a local cafe, you might guest blog for a food blog or a local tourism website.
  • Shareable Content: Creating quality content—like blog posts, infographics, or guides—can encourage others to link back to you naturally. A blog post on “The Best Spots in Ealing for an Afternoon Coffee” could attract links if it’s useful and relevant.


4. Maximising Google Business Profile for Local SEO

For small businesses targeting local customers, a Google Business Profile is essential:

  • Set Up and Verify: Create or claim your profile on Google Business Profile and fill out every detail accurately—business name, address, phone number, hours, website link, and more.
  • Regular Updates: Post updates, add photos, and respond to reviews. Google favours profiles that are active and accurate, so updating it monthly can improve your local visibility.
  • Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews build trust with potential customers and boost your visibility. Ask satisfied customers to leave a review, as businesses with more reviews tend to rank higher on local searches.


5. Tracking Your Results to Measure Success

To know if your efforts are working, use the following tools to track your website’s performance:

  • Google Analytics: Tracks website traffic, user behaviour, and where visitors come from. Look for increased visits from organic (Google search) traffic.
  • Google Search Console: Shows how often your site appears in search results, which keywords bring in traffic, and any technical issues impacting your SEO.
  • Keyword Ranking Tools: Tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest let you track where your site ranks for specific keywords. Monitoring keyword positions will help you see if your SEO efforts are paying off over time.


6. Additional Tips for Small Businesses

  • Optimise for Mobile: Many users search on their phones, so make sure your site looks good and works well on mobile devices.
  • Local Directory Listings: Add your business to local directories like Yelp, Yell, or specific directories for your industry. This helps boost local SEO and makes your business more visible in local search results.
  • Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone): Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across your website, Google Business Profile, and all directory listings. This consistency builds credibility with search engines.


Key Takeaways

SEO is a long-term investment that rewards consistent effort and quality content. By focusing on the right keywords, building trustworthy backlinks, optimising your Google Business profile, and tracking your progress, small businesses can steadily climb Google rankings and reach their target audience. Remember, patience is key, as it can take a few months to see significant results. But with persistence, these simple steps can transform your online presence and attract more customers.

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Why register for the Bitesize Marketing Guides

They have been created to support small business owners in all areas of marketing. Looking for help with your Website, Search Engine Optimisation or general Digital Marketing?  

We have insights from business leaders across London and the guides are formed from our weekly Power Hours as well as separate content driven pieces that have been proven to create long lasting relationships with customers. 

 

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