3 Ways to Show Your Business in Google Search Results

Local businesses have a secret weapon over big national or international companies when it comes to showing up on Google. Thanks to Google’s smart location-based algorithms, if someone searches for “coffee shops near me,” local businesses pop up first. It’s like having a VIP pass to the front of the queue!

Here are three ways to make your business the star of Google searches:

1. Google My Business

Setting up a Google My Business profile is as free as a sunny day and just as nice. You don’t need a professional to help you; just go to the Google My Business page and set up your profile by yourself. This puts you on the map—literally, on Google Maps—and boosts your chances of appearing when people search for stuff you offer, especially if they’re nearby. Want more eyes on your business? Rack up those positive reviews! If you’re stumped on how to do that, give us a bell and we’ll chat about strategies. Call us on 07 572 2255

2. Google Organic Search Results

Getting your business to show up in Google’s organic search results for relevant keywords is both free and effective, especially if potential customers are a bit far from your physical location. Although getting indexed by Google is straightforward, climbing higher in the search rankings can be challenging due to several factors.

Competition

High competition in your area can make it difficult to secure a top spot. For instance, as a web design agency owner, I face stiff competition from hundreds of other agencies, making it tough to appear on the first page of Google results.

Conversely, regulated businesses like bars and liquor stores might find it easier to rank due to fewer competitors.

Page Speed

Websites that load quickly, ideally in under three seconds on a 4G network, enhance user experience and can contribute positively to your rankings.I have been using NextJs to build websites for some of my clients, and the loading speed is impressive. Read more about NextJs

Mobile Responsiveness

With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, having a responsive website that adjusts to different screen sizes is crucial. Features that improve mobile experience include automatic resizing, large fonts for readability, and easy-to-navigate menus.

Domain Authority

Older domains generally rank higher than newer ones, so a well-established site has an advantage if it’s been optimised effectively.

Optimised Content

High-quality, well-structured content that educates or informs your customers about your products or services is essential for establishing credibility and engaging users, which can lead to better rankings.

User Experience

Google uses artificial intelligence to help rank pages, with signals that include:

• Click-through rate: The percentage of people who click to visit your site after it appears in search results.
• Bounce rate: How quickly visitors return to the search results after landing on your page.
• Dwell time: The duration visitors stay on your site after they arrive.

If your site has a high bounce rate, it may indicate that your site is either slow or the content isn’t relevant to the visitor’s needs, both of which can negatively impact your SEO.

Backlinks

High-quality backlinks from reputable sites can significantly improve your SEO. Aim to secure backlinks from authoritative sites while avoiding links from low-quality or spammy domains. Purchasing links can harm your rankings and should be avoided.

Security and Accessibility

Google needs to access your website easily to index it. Ensuring that all pages are accessible and secure with HTTPS can aid your ranking, although HTTPS is considered a lightweight factor.

3. Google Search Ads

Google Search Ads are your fast-pass ticket to the top of Google’s search results, often landing you in the top three spots. Running an effective ad campaign can quickly boost your visibility. Just make sure your website is shipshape before you start—nobody likes a cluttered site, and you don’t want visitors bouncing away as fast as a dropped pie. A well-optimised site ensures that once visitors click on your ad, they stick around to explore what you offer.

Conclusion

So, there you go! Whether you’re carving out a niche in the bustling web or you’ve got the only pub in town, these tips should help your business shine on Google. Remember, it’s not just about being online; it’s about being found.