If your website isn’t showing up on the first page of search results, you’re missing out on potential customers. Being visible online is just as important as having a great product or service. But how do you actually get your website to rank higher on Google?

Optimize Your Website for SEO (Yes, You’ve Heard This Before)

You’ve probably heard this so much that it makes your ears bleed: “Optimize your website for SEO!” But what does that actually mean in a way that makes sense for your business?

Here’s a simple way to think about it: Make it easy for search engines (and people) to understand what your website is about.

✔ Use the right keywords. If you run a bakery in Austin, don’t just say “We bake fresh bread.” Instead, use phrases your customers actually type into Google, like:

• “Best sourdough bread in Austin”
• “Gluten-free cupcakes near me”
• “Wedding cake delivery in Austin”

✔ Make your website mobile-friendly. Most people search on their phones. If your site doesn’t load properly on a small screen, visitors will leave and Google notices.

✔ Improve page speed. Slow websites get penalized in rankings. Compress images, remove unnecessary code, and choose a reliable hosting provider.

✔ Write clear meta descriptions. This is the short text that appears in search results. Make it catchy! Instead of:
❌ “We sell cakes and pastries.”
✅ Try: “Delicious custom cakes and pastries in Austin, order online for same-day pickup!”

Create High-Quality Content That People Want

SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords onto your website, it’s about providing value. Search engines prioritize websites that offer helpful, well-written content.

✔ Write blog posts that answer customer questions. Example topics:

• A fitness coach might write: “Best Workouts for Busy Professionals”
• A skincare brand could do: “How to Get Rid of Acne Naturally”

✔ Update old content. If you wrote a blog post in 2022, refresh it with new insights and examples so it stays relevant.

✔ Use different content formats. Videos, infographics, and images keep visitors engaged longer, which signals to Google that your site is useful.

Get Backlinks from Other Websites

Think of backlinks as votes of confidence from other sites. When a reputable website links to yours, search engines see it as a sign that your content is valuable.

✔ Guest post on industry blogs. If you’re a marketing consultant, write an article for a business website about “5 Easy Ways to Grow an Email List.”

✔ Get featured in local directories. If you own a coffee shop, make sure you’re listed on Yelp, Google Business Profile, and local food blogs.

✔ Share your content on social media. The more people engage with and share your blog posts, the more likely other websites will link to them.

Improve Local SEO (If You Have a Physical Business)

If you run a local business, you must optimize for local SEO otherwise, customers won’t find you when searching for businesses nearby.

✔ Create a Google Business Profile. Add your address, hours, and photos so people can easily find and contact you.

✔ Encourage customer reviews. A restaurant with “Best Italian food in Chicago ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” will rank higher than one with no reviews.

✔ Use local keywords. Instead of just “plumber,” say “Emergency plumber in Miami” so your business appears when someone needs urgent help.

Use Social Media to Drive More Website Traffic

While social media doesn’t directly impact SEO, it sends people to your website which increases traffic and improves rankings over time.

✔ Post links to your blog or website on social platforms.
✔ Engage with followers. The more people comment and share, the more visibility you get.
✔ Use hashtags strategically. A real estate agent could use #HomesForSaleChicago instead of just #realestate.

Track Your Results and Keep Improving

SEO isn’t a one-time fix it’s an ongoing process. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to see:

✔ Which pages get the most traffic
✔ What keywords people use to find you
✔ If there are technical issues slowing down your site

Then adjust and refine your strategy!

Which of these strategies are you already using? Let me know in the comments! 🚀