A complete SEO guide to rank website higher

 A complete SEO guide to rank website

Is seamless and efficient website design just enough for your website’s ranking? If your website is well-crafted but lacks a strong presence on search engine results pages (SERPs), you're missing a crucial piece of the “successful website puzzle”.

Today, with millions of websites built on WordPress, PHP and other frameworks competing with each other, claiming a prominent spot on Google's search results is a mammoth task for any business or individual. The art of ranking on Google requires a strategic approach that combines quality content, technical optimization, and smart marketing techniques.

WordPress websites, if optimized carefully, will also achieve the best Google ranks. However, you need to ensure that the site is hosted on managed WordPress hosting. This is because any technical concerns will be looked after by the web hosting company.

Got worried? Don’t be at all because there are several benefits of WordPress hosting.

Unsure where to start? Don't be baffled at all; this article is your compass. I will take you through the 10 actionable steps to enhance your website's Google ranking and ensure it stands out. By following these steps, you will have a high-ranking website and a good position on the SERP list.

So, why delay any further? Let’s start now.

10 effective steps to rank the website

●    Targeted Keyword Research

To enhance your website's content, strategically include targeted keywords. Start by identifying target keywords that cover your content's ideas and your users' search intentions. With tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs, uncover keywords with high search volume and low competition.

While looking for relevant keywords, keep these principles in mind:

 

a)    Volume: Prioritize keywords with high search volume (ideally within the range of 90–400). This ensures your content reaches a significant audience.

b)    Competitiveness: Opt for less competitive keywords, especially if you're new to the game. Avoiding highly competitive keywords can prevent your content from getting lost in the vast expanse of the internet.

c)    Relevance: Maintain your keyword’s focus on relevance. The chosen keywords must relate to your content. Random selection of high-volume, low-competition keywords without relevance can harshly impact your Search Engine Results Page (SERP) performance.

 

●    Keyword Intent

Keywords/search intent in content give Google a clear idea of crawlability. There are four major keyword intent types, as follows:

●     Navigational

●     Informational

●     Transactional

●     Commercial

Identify the type of content you offer precisely and align it with the appropriate keyword intent, as this alignment allows Google to accurately index your content. However, misrepresenting the keyword intent can harm your website's overall position.

 

●    On-Page SEO Optimization

Once you have good, keyword-rich content on your website, you need to optimize the pages of your website. Start with proper keyword placements, internal and external linking, precise title tags, meta descriptions, and headers. Create a seamless user experience by utilizing concise URLs and optimizing images for faster loading times.

●    High Page Speed

Nobody likes a slow-loading website. Your website will load faster if you compress images, use browser caching, update software, and minimize HTTP requests. The high speed of your website will make your position strong on the internet.

●    Robust Backlink Profile

Start building your backlink profile by connecting with other representatives with the same interests/niche. Even while choosing the backlink, take a strategic approach and figure out the high-quality, relevant backlinks.

Such backlinks significantly boost your credibility in Google's eyes. Along with backlinks, make sure you monitor for internal links as well. Fix any broken links found on the website to avoid disruptions.

●    Mobile-friendly and Easy User Experience

User experience is the key; the accessibility and navigation of your website must be very easy. Users must find the website seamless across various devices and screen sizes. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.

It ensures your website is responsive and keeps visitors engaged. Engaged users indicate reduced bounce rates, a metric Google takes into consideration.

 

●   Updated Content

Google loves fresh content. Regularly update your website with new articles, blog posts, or product information to demonstrate your commitment to providing the latest information.

Any content that is not relevant to the internet or fails to provide the required amount of information must be either updated or removed from the website. So when Google crawls your website, it should always find informative content.

●    Quality over Quantity

Focus on delivering value through high-quality content rather than churning out numerous pieces. Quality content attracts engagement, shares, and more organic traffic.

The pro tip here is to build long-form content with fine information. Google loves in-depth written, content that serves information rather than content with no specific relevance.

●    Avoid Shortcuts

As tempting as they may be, avoid shortcuts like keyword stuffing or buying backlinks. Google has more than 200 criteria for determining good content. It can easily identify shortcut methods and penalize such tactics, and the consequences can be severe.

●   Audience Engagement

Engage with your audience on social media platforms and redirect them to the website. They contribute to increased visibility, which can lead to more organic backlinks. On the website, respond to comments and messages.

Building a community around your website can lead to increased loyalty and repeat visits, which signals a good Google ranking factor.

Takeaway

By combining these 10 strategies with consistent effort and a data-driven approach, you'll be well on your way to achieving a higher Google ranking. Also, not all the steps are for everyone; try different approaches to see the results.

Remember, climbing the ranks is a journey, not an overnight achievement. Stay patient, adapt to changes, and watch your website's visibility and organic traffic flourish.