Have you ever heard the phrase, “The best place to hide a dead body is on page two of Google”? It’s a bit dark, but it highlights a harsh truth—hardly anyone ventures beyond the first page of search results. When was the last time you did it? Probably not often. That’s why ranking on the first page of Google is crucial if you want your website to be discovered.
If your website is stuck on page two, don’t worry. This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to climb Google’s rankings and get to that coveted page one spot. Let’s break it down into actionable strategies.
Why Page One Matters?
Over 90% of search traffic goes to the results on page one. The further down you are, the fewer clicks you’ll get. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about staying relevant to your audience.
To move from page two to page one, you can focus on two primary strategies:
- Optimizing an existing page.
- Creating a new page that’s better suited to the keyword.
Let’s dive into when and how to use each approach.
When to Optimize an Existing Page
If the keyword you want to rank for is closely related to the content of your existing page, optimization is the way to go. Here’s how:
1. Analyze the Top 10 Results
Search for the keyword on Google and study the top-ranking pages:
- Content Gaps: What topics do they cover that your page doesn’t?
- Content-Length: Are the top results longer or more concise than your page?
- Engagement: Are their headlines and meta descriptions more captivating?
2. Address User Questions
Use platforms like Quora, Reddit, and Google’s “People Also Ask” section to find popular questions related to the keyword. Answer these questions on your page to make it more valuable to readers.
3. Improve Readability and Engagement
- Break up content into short paragraphs and use bullet points.
- Add visuals like images, videos, and infographics.
- Use a conversational tone to keep readers engaged.
4. Update Meta Tags for Better Click-Through Rates
Your title tag and meta description are what users see in search results. Make them irresistible by:
- Including the target keyword.
- Writing compelling, action-oriented copy.
- Using numbers, power words, or questions to grab attention.
Leverage Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Improving CTR can improve your rankings faster than you think. Google values user signals, and a higher CTR tells them your content is relevant. Here’s how to do it:
1. Test Your Title Tags
Use tools like ClickFlow to A/B test different headlines. Compare your title against competitors and tweak it until it stands out.
2. Learn from Paid Ads
Check the headlines of paid ads for your target keyword. Advertisers often craft these based on thorough testing, making them a great source of inspiration.
When to Create a New Page
Sometimes, optimizing an existing page isn’t enough. If the keyword isn’t closely related to your page’s topic, it’s better to create a new one. Here’s how:
1. Identify Keyword Relevance
Let’s say you have a page about “How to Sell on Instagram” that’s ranking for “Buy Instagram Followers.” These topics are unrelated, so optimizing the existing page won’t work. Instead, create a new page specifically for the keyword.
2. Analyze Competitor Content
Study the top-ranking pages for the new keyword. Take note of:
- The structure of their content.
- The type of questions they answer.
- Any multimedia they use.
3. Craft High-Quality Content
Make your content more in-depth and engaging than any of the top 10 results. Use:
- Subheadings to organize information.
- Internal links to other relevant pages on your site.
- External links to authoritative sources for added credibility.
4. Internal Linking
Once your new page is live, link to it from your existing content. For example, if your page about Instagram mentions gaining followers, add a link to the new page on “Should You Buy Instagram Followers?”
Tools to Help You Rank Higher
Here are some tools that can simplify the process:
- Google Search Console: Monitor your rankings and identify performance issues.
- SEMrush or Ahrefs: Analyze competitors and find keyword opportunities.
- ClickFlow: Test and improve your CTR with A/B testing.
- AnswerThePublic: Discover popular questions related to your keyword.
Consistency Is Key
Remember, moving from page two to page one takes time. Consistent effort in creating and optimizing high-quality content will pay off. By analyzing competitors, addressing user needs, and improving your CTR, you can steadily climb the rankings.
And if you’re looking for expert help, SEO Shades can guide you every step of the way. From on-page optimization to creating SEO-friendly content, we’re here to help you shine on Google.
Start today, and watch your website move closer to page one. Don’t let your content stay hidden on page two—your audience is waiting to discover it!