How to Get On the First Page of Google

Figuring out how to get on the first page of Google may feel like a complex and overwhelming task. Google uses many tools and algorithms that are updated regularly to determine the order that websites are displayed in search results. Following some simple steps makes it possible to create a website that comes up on top in Google ranking search results.

Changing Your Content

1. Create quality content. The best thing that you can do to increase your rankings with Google is to run a quality website. Hire a professional designer to create your page if you can (and if you can't, be sure to at least avoid having it look like it was made in 1995). You'll also want to focus on the quality of the text. Google likes to see lots of text with correct grammar and spelling. It will also need to be exactly what people are looking for when they read the preview of your site: if you bait and switch them or they otherwise immediately leave and look for something else, your rankings will be docked.

2. Create original content. You'll be docked for duplicating your content over different pages of your site and you'll also be docked for stealing someone else's content. It's not a matter of getting caught by a person, Google's bots do all the heavy lifting. Just focus on creating quality content that's all your own.

3. Incorporate appropriate images. Google also looks for images and pictures (image quality will also play a role!). Find and create images that match your text and add to the experience. Don't steal the images though! This can hurt your rankings. Use Creative Commons images or take your own! Use your company’s original photos to show the work culture. Get high quality stock photos for your website. 

4. Use keywords. Use Google Analytics to find the best keywords for your business (this process is described in the "Using Google" section below). Then, use those keywords in your text. Don't overload the text with the keyword; Google will notice and dock you. But you should use it at least several times.

Changing Your Code

1. Choose a good domain name. If you can make it work, fit your main keyword into your domain name as the first word in the domain. To boost rankings, you can also use a country TLD (top level domain, like .com) if you have a local business. You'll be rewarded for searches in your area, but doing this will hurt your searches outside of your country. Of course this doesn't matter if your business is local. At the very least, avoid replacing words with numbers (and other 90s tricks) and avoid using a subdomain. This applies to subpages as well. Use descriptive and valid URLS for each page of the website. Give the pages names that tell search engines and users what they are instead of using generic names like "page1". Instead, do something like weddings, for your wedding rentals and catering page. Keywords in subdomains also work in your favor. So for example, if you have a section of your site that is for wholesale, use an address like "weddings and wholesale".

2. Use descriptions. Your website code allows you to add invisible descriptions for pictures and pages. Use these, and try to fit at least one keyword into the text. Having one at all will help your rankings. If you don't know how to work your html code to do this, get your website designer to help you.

3. Use headers. Headers are another part of the website code where you can add text. Use these, and try to fit at least one keyword into the text. Having one at all will help your rankings. If you don't know how to work your html code to do this, get your website designer to help you.

Joining the Community

1. Work to create quality backlinks. Backlinks are when another website, preferably one that gets more hits than yours, links to your page. Find websites that are in the same vein as yours and see if they'd be willing to do some cross promotion. You can also contact relevant blogs and ask about guest posting, giving you another chance to link to your site. Remember, you want these backlinks to be quality. Google can tell the difference. Do not spam comment sections trying to build backlinks for yourself. You will be docked for this behavior.

2. Get on the social media train. Social media like and shares are rewarded more than ever these days with Google, especially with subjects that are currently relevant. This means that you should create social media accounts and try to build a base of followers who will like your pages and share them with friends. Remember: the trick is to not be spammy! Keep interacting with your customers online so that they can feel valued. Try to respond to the reviews as this would be appreciated by the customers. Retweet and repost your good reviews.

3. Be active in the online community. Update your website regularly. Google rewards sites which see regular maintenance and updates. This means if you've been ignoring your website since 2005, you're in trouble. Find small ways to update it: new pricing, news posts every couple of months, photos from events, etc. Do some tweaking to your website in order to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Use free online tools to keep updating your website on a regular basis.

Using Google

1. Learn to use Keywords. Keywords is Google's most powerful tool for website owners. It is a tool found within Google's AdSense website. For free, you're allowed to search and find what people are looking for most. For example, for your winery, search the term winery (applying any filters you think matter). Click on the Keyword ideas tab and it will tell you how often people are searching your term, what the competition is like, and suggest some alternatives that are also frequently searched. Look for the most popular keywords that are relevant to you and use them!

2. Learn to use Trends. Google Trends tells you specifically how interest changes in a topic over time. Search your term and look at the charts for months when you can expect a peak. Smart website owners will be able to guess why there's an increase and find a way to meet that need and set themselves apart.

3. Add the physical location of your business to Google maps, if applicable. Businesses listed in Google Maps are displayed first when a user enters a regional search phrase. It's easy to add a listing; simply login to the Google account and fill out the online forms.