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Free ways to rank your small local business website on the first page of google using local SEO

Writer's picture: Mido SaidMido Said

Free ways to rank your small local business website on the first page of google using local SEO
Free ways to rank your small local business website on the first page of google using local SEO

Are you tired of being buried on the second or third page of Google search results?

Want to boost your small local business's online presence and drive more organic traffic?

Look no further! With the power and influence of Google, it's more possible than ever for local businesses to rank high in search results - for free.


In this post, we'll cover the top tactics for website and business listing optimization to help your local business climb to the coveted first page of Google. From adding keywords

to specific places on your website to creating content for humans, emphasizing location, and regularly updating your Google listing - we've got you covered.


But before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let's talk about why the first page of Google is so important. With Google's search results becoming increasingly robust, featuring Knowledge Panels, answer boxes, expandable related questions, and local results, standing out in the search results is crucial. Not only does the first page of Google capture the majority of traffic, but there are also significant differences in click-through rates for the top vs bottom results.


How does the first page of Google ranking benefit my local business?

One study showed that the first page of google search results has a 36.4% click-through rate, the second result has a 12.5% click-through rate, and the third result has a 9.5% click-through rate. These numbers continue to decline as you move down the page, with the 10th result having a mere 2.2% click-through rate. So don't miss out on potential clicks and customers - follow our tactics and take your local business to the top of the first page of Google.


Imagine this, you're sitting at home craving a new pair of shoes and you decide to google "best shoe stores near me." You scroll through the search results and come across a website that looks like it might have what you're looking for. As you click on the link, a box appears at the top of the page with a featured snippet, showcasing the top-rated shoe store in your area. Impressed by the store's credibility and positive reviews, you decide to make the purchase.


This is the power of Google's "Position Zero" answer boxes, otherwise known as featured snippets. And earning a top spot on Google's search results could lead

to your local business being featured in one of these snippets, granting you immediate exposure and increasing your credibility.


But that's not all. A study found that the top result on Google captures 33% of search traffic. The closer to the top you can get your website to appear on Google, the better your search presence and brand authority will be. But what's the benefit for your local business?


Improve your visibility and ranking for your local business


First, it will improve your visibility. Being on the first page of Google search results is like planting your local business on the busiest road in town. The more people that

see your website, the greater your brand awareness will be. And the more familiar consumers are with your brand, the more receptive they will be to

conversion activities.


Lead Generation machine

Second, it will generate more leads. By appearing on the first page of google search results for keywords that your ideal customers are performing or searching for on Google, you get discovered by consumers that are searching online with the intent to buy or engage. These people are the most likely to convert into leads and customers for your local business. because they are called "buyers in heat" meaning they are ready to buy otherwise they wouldn't search for it.


Increase engagement

And lastly, it will increase engagement. With features like answer boxes, the "People also ask" section, and local results showing contact information, maps, reviews, ratings, and descriptions, Google's search engine results page alone enables consumers to learn about, compare, and engage with your local business before even clicking on your result.


How strong is your local SEO and online presence?


You know the feeling: you're looking for something specific, so you turn to the trusty Google search bar. As the results pop up, you scroll through page after page, but the information you need just isn't there. So you hit the back button and try again, this time with different keywords. Sound familiar?


As a local business owner, you don't want your website to be the one that's missing out on potential customers. That's where the first page of Google search results comes in. Not only

does it drive website traffic, but it can also increase your industry authority, earn trust, build your audience, and speed up your sales cycle.


Regarding website traffic, the first page of Google search results captures at least 71% of it (some sources say up to 92%), while the second page only gets 6%. And with

snippets and answer boxes only provide so much information, there are bound to be queries where people will click through to your website.


But it's not just about website traffic. Being on the first page of Google search results also means that you're creating high-quality content that Google recognizes as satisfying the

needs of its searchers. This not only takes time, but it also requires staying in tune with your target audience and industry updates. And by appearing on the

first page of Google search results, you're building a robust knowledge base that establishes your local business as a trusted source of information.


Additionally,

The content-driven efforts to get on the first page of Google search results can also be repurposed and distributed across various marketing channels, providing more opportunities to engage with your target audience and stay top of mind.


And lastly,

It helps speed up your sales cycle. With so many options to choose from and access to all the information they need, consumers often turn to Google to kick off their research. By appearing on the first page of Google, you're bringing in those top-of-funnel leads and getting your sales cycle in gear.


Don't let your local business get lost in the vast sea of Google search results. Take the necessary steps to climb to the first page and watch as your website traffic, industry authority, trust, audience, and sales soar.

How to rank your local business on the first page of Google search results?


As a small local business owner, you've probably heard the phrase "get on the first page of Google" thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean, and more importantly, how can you make it happen?


The good news is that getting on the first page of Google search results is not only a common goal but also a very feasible one. Google's algorithm is all about quality, not quantity, which means that a bigger company or bigger budget doesn't necessarily equate to the top rank. And thanks to the many different components of Google's search results page, here are a variety of ways to achieve first-page status - and some of them are even free!


Here are the different types of media that can land you on the first page of Google search results for free:


1-Blog posts and website pages (in organic results)

Writing a blog is an essential component of local SEO strategy when trying to rank your local business on the first page of Google search results. Blogging provides a platform to create high-quality, relevant content that targets specific keywords related to your local business. By consistently publishing blog posts, you will be able to increase the number of pages on your website, which in turn will increase the chances of your website appearing in search engine results.


Additionally, by including keywords in the blog post, you can improve the search engine ranking of your website for those keywords, making it more likely for your local business to show up when someone searches for those keywords. Furthermore, Blogging allows you to establish yourself as an authority in your industry and can help to build trust with potential customers. This is important for improving your local SEO, as it can help to increase the visibility of your local business in your local area and attract more local customers.


2-Your Google My Business account (in the local/maps section)


Optimizing your Google My Business account is crucial for local businesses looking to show up in the local/maps section of the first page of Google search results. A complete and well-maintained Google My Business listing can increase visibility and drive more clicks to your website. By providing detailed information about your local business, including your location, hours of operation, and contact information, you make it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.


Additionally, by encouraging customers to leave positive reviews and upload photos of your local business, you create a more engaging and informative local business listing that will stand out in the local/maps section. Overall, investing time and effort into optimizing your Google My Business listing can pay off in terms of increased visibility, foot traffic, and revenue for your local business.


3-Snippets of your website content (in Google's many search results page features like "People also ask" and the answer box)


Now, let's dive into the two free mediums that can help you get on the first page of Google: optimizing your website and optimizing your Google My Business listing.


Optimizing your Website for the First Page of Google:


Determine your keywords:

First, identify the search queries you want Google to answer with your website pages. These are known as keywords, and they can be single words or phrases.

Determining your keywords is an essential step in getting your local business to show up on the first page of Google search results. By identifying the search queries that you want Google to answer with your website pages, you can optimize your content to target those specific keywords. These keywords can be single words or phrases, and they should be relevant to your local business and the products or services that you offer.

For example, if you run a local salon, you might target keywords like "haircut near me" or "hair salon in [city name]." By including these keywords in your website content and meta tags, you can improve your search engine visibility and increase your chances of appearing on the first page of Google search results for those specific searches. Additionally, using a keyword research tool can help you to identify high-volume keywords for your niche, and make sure you are targeting the right keywords for your local business.

A few ways to implement your keywords in your content such as:

  • Tell Google what keywords you're using: Make it easy for Google to scan, index, and retrieve your site by placing keywords in the following places:

  • Title tags: This appears at the top of your page and in the title of your page's listing in search results.

  • Meta descriptions: This is the blurb that appears under the title in Google's search results. It tells Google what your page is about and gives users an idea of what to expect when they click on your page.

  • Alt tags: Google can only see images if they have a text alternative (alt tag). If your alt tag includes keywords, Google can detect further relevancy of that page.

  • URL: Your URL should include keywords that help Google quickly identify what your page is about. A clean URL that matches the title of the page is more appealing and trustworthy to users.

  • Headings

  • Body Content


Optimizing your Google My Business Listing for the First Page of Google search results:

  • Make sure all your business information is accurate and up-to-date

  • Encourage customers to leave reviews

  • Add photos and videos of your local business

  • Respond to customer reviews

  • Use relevant categories

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to the first page of Google search results in no time!


It's not as hard as you may think. In fact, with the right optimization techniques, you can boost your website's visibility and attract more traffic - all for free!


But it's not just about including keywords - you also need to write for humans. Google can now detect keyword stuffing, so it's crucial that the keywords are naturally incorporated into your content. The key to getting on the first page of Google is providing useful, trustworthy, easy-to-read, and informative content that will keep your target audience engaged and coming back for more. Remember,


  • Regularly update and maintain your Google Business listing: Google My Business is a powerful tool that can help you appear in local search results.

  • Target location-based queries: Make sure your website clearly indicates your city and geographic area, and use it in your blog posts and service pages.

  • Optimize for mobile: As more and more people use their phones to search the internet, Google favors mobile-friendly websites.

  • Focus on user experience: Make sure your website is easy to navigate and has clear calls to action. This will keep visitors on your site longer, and Google will take notice.

  • Create a Google My Business account: This is a fast and easy way to add more information to your local Business Profile, which will help you appear on the first page of Google Maps and Search.

  • Create a keyword strategy: Determine the search queries you want Google to answer with your website pages. These keywords can be single words or phrases, but make sure they are relevant to your local business and what your target audience is searching for.

  • Incorporate keywords into your website content and HTML tags: Use keywords in the meta title, meta description, URL, and alt tags of your website pages. This makes it easy for Google to scan, index, and retrieve your site.

  • Write for humans: It's important to naturally incorporate keywords into your website content, rather than stuffing them in unnaturally. Providing useful and informative content that keeps your target audience engaged will improve your website's ranking.

  • Obtain customer reviews: Positive reviews on your Google Business Profile and other directories like Yelp can improve your online presence and boost your ranking.

  • List your business on other directories: In addition to Google My Business, make sure your local business is listed on other popular directories like Yelp. This will improve your online presence and send signals to Google that can boost your ranking.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to dominating the first page of Google search results. So, take the first step today, and start optimizing your online presence!

By following these strategies, you can take your website to the next level and attract more traffic to your local business. Happy optimizing!


How long does it take to rank on the first page of Google search results?


Ranking on the first page of Google search results depends on many factors, such as the competitiveness of your industry and how much effort you invest in search engine optimization (SEO). Local businesses may find it easier to rank on the first page of Google due to Local SEO efforts, as local searches are often more targeted. To rank on the first page of Google, you must first ensure that your website is technically sound and optimized for search engine crawlers. This means creating a mobile-friendly design, using relevant keywords throughout your content, and adding metadata to all pages. Additionally, you will need to build quality backlinks from reputable websites to increase your domain authority.


Generally, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months for a website to begin ranking on the first page of Google search results, but this time frame can vary depending on the industry and competition. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that a website will ever rank on the first page of Google search results, even with an effective SEO strategy.


Finally, it’s important to create original content that is engaging and relevant to your target audience. This content should be regularly updated and should include multimedia elements such as videos and images.


We are here to help and guide you if you have any questions. Feel free to reach out to us


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