5 Ways To Dominate Page 1 of Google
Ask any website owner what they want when it comes to their website’s success and 9 out of 10 will tell you they want “Page 1 of Google!” Why? Because according to Google, the #1 listing for any particular keyword search gets 40% of all the Google traffic connected with that search. Eighty percent of all U.S. Internet users utilize Google and “Page 1” holds the keys to more traffic and visitors every website needs to survive.
Most people think making Google’s front page is complicated. It’s not. In fact, these 5 methods help you make it to the top on Google faster than you might even think possible.
#1 – Google Local
If you own a local business, this path to Google’s front page is a no-brainer. Google knows that approximately 50% of all searches are for local businesses in a specific area, so they want your relevant listing. You can add your local listing at Google.com/local/add for free. This method rates extremely important for everyone who sells locally and will grow in importance in the coming months.
#2 – Google AdWords
Those ads on the right side of the search results page made Google’s founders billionaires. You can leverage those ads to get hundreds of targeted visitors to your sites. With AdWords, you only pay when someone clicks your ad. This means you can target your ads to appear only when people type in specific keyword searches and then deliver them to specific landing pages on your site which you’ve optimized for those keywords. Doing this increases conversion and lowers advertising costs per sale. By the way, if you advertise a local service, make sure to include your town or city location in every keyword you target.
#3 – Google Adwords “Geo Targeted”
“Geo-Targeted” ads mean you target broad keywords, but only display those ads to people who type in the term in specific geographical regions. For example, a Realtor might specify their ad to show every time someone typed in “houses for sale,” but only if the person searching was physically located in Williamsburg, VA or Los Angeles. Combine this with regular Google AdWords and you can hit a much larger percentage of people searching online while still keeping a tight target on results.
#4 – Google Free Listings
Most website owners think of the free listings when they envision getting on the front page of Google. The listings on the left, often called “organic” search, show up in the top 10 because of a combination of factors. These factors include keywords in your domain name, the theme of your site, relevant content on specific pages of your site, and incoming links to your site.
For example, a real estate agent might have a site about Williamburg Real Estate. Individual pages on that site would each give specific information about neighborhoods, schools, etc. Incoming links to the site from other domains contain words and phrases that relate to those specific pages.
Though it might sound complicated, the easiest way to get a site set up to do this automatically is to publish it using the WordPress content management system, which is free!
#5 – Leverage Other Top 10 Sites
A neat little trick not one in a thousand website owners thinks about is buying advertising on other websites, yet they’re ripe with opportunity. Do a search on Google for the terms you want to appear under and then click through to the sites appearing in the top 10. While on their sites, see if they accept or display advertising from third parties. Look for phrases like “Google Ads,” or “Advertise with us,” or “Advertising.”
My experience shows that at least 1 in 10 sites in virtually every top 10 search gives you a chance to buy a link or ad. This provides instant leverage of Google’s front page because you’re using someone else’s site!
Once you understand the process, finding ways to make your site appear or get links onto the front page of Google rates extremely simple. The key is to take a systematic approach and get your traffic from multiple avenues.
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6 Responses
Great article Jim. As usual, you’re the best/
All the best,
Terry Kozak
Great points Jim! Google has made it easier than ever to get top rankings for local keywords when they changed their local search page results last October.
Every business MUST claim their free Google listing and optimize their website to be locally focused. The organic results and “Google Places” algorithms have been combined and the business owners website, and business listing now work together.
Of course the fastest way to page one of Google is by placing an Adwords ad and outbidding everyone else, but if done wrong it can be expensive. Do it right and reap the rewards!
One area that i see as a big Google factor in 2011 is getting reviews. Local businesses better have a plan of action to getting satisfied customers to go online and post reviews, as Google is placing a bigger emphasis on businesses that get them.
A well optimized website, a claimed and optimized local Google business listing, and lots of reviews from customers is a powerful formula to dominating your local search results and staying there!
Great tips.
Will apply tip 1 now. Just wondered how to apply tip 5 as I’ve had people request to advertise on our site and would like to do likewise but wonder about the economics and not over-paying.
Many thanks
Diane
As always, Jim Edwards is right on target with his advice… and great advice it is. I’ve been using Jim’s “formula” now for awhile and plan to increase my range more throughout the next few months.
Jim, thanks for all you do for internet marketers who really want to grow their businesses online!
–Gail
Hello from Montana,
Great information on ranking higher on Google. Just when you think you have it figured out, they change the rules. Good to have a road map available.
Always enjoy your articles and the kick in the seat of the pants to implement them ASAP.
Judy Helm Wright
Thanks. I found 2 methods I never thought of.