Have you been staying on top of the changes Google makes to its ranking process? If not, no worries!
We know you’re busy. That’s why we stay on top of Google’s ranking process and share the latest updates with you.
Here are 10 keys to better Google rankings in 2023.
1. Target long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords are more specific than short-tail keywords. Although long-tail keywords have a lower search volume, they also have higher search intent. This lets you narrow down the keywords closely related to the actions you want users to take on your website.
2. Use keywords in heading tags
Placing keywords in heading tags shows search engines your content satisfies the targeted intent behind the search terms. Be sure to consider the user experience and Google recommendations when deciding where to place your target keywords.
3. Invest in your user experience
The user experience (UX) is a vital ranking factor for Google. For instance, the dwell time on a page signals whether it contains content that users want. Also, the bounce rate is impacted by how long it takes a page to load. Plus, accessibility, personalization, and navigation impact your UX as well.
4. Create a content calendar
Develop a content calendar to plan your search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Outline the topics, content types, and publishing dates for your blog posts. This helps you plan, avoid duplication, and track seasonal holidays or events that inspire content development.
5. Refresh your pages
Audit your existing web pages and content and refresh them as needed. For instance, update your pages with new targeted keywords. Also, freshen up your meta tags to improve your Google rankings.
6. Analyze your competitors’ content
Search for your competitors on Google, LinkedIn, or social media. Then, focus on their website structure, backlinks, content creation process, keywords, and social media presence. Determine what is working for your competitors and which changes you can make to improve your own Google rankings.
7. Create pillar content
Focus on your target audience’s pain points. Then, develop long-form pillar content around your audience’s needs and interests.
Include in your content 1,500-word blog posts that go deep into a topic. Use bullet points so your post can be skimmed. Also, vary your sentence length and add images, graphics and videos to maintain engagement.
8. Focus on experience, expertise, authority and trust
Experience, expertise, authority and trust make up your Google EEAT score. This impacts your page quality.
Consider interviewing subject matter experts to create content around. Also, insert quotes from subject matter experts or link to other interviews within your content. Additionally, create your own thought-leadership content to share with your target audience.
9. Establish links
Encourage other website owners and content creators to link to your website and content. For instance, ask owners of websites that fit your brand if you can link to each other’s site. Also, request links from directories and similar resources. Additionally, find out where your competitors get their backlinks from, then target these and similar websites.
Focus on your internal linking structure as well. The deeper users go into your site, the more meaningful interactions they can have with your content. Comments on blog posts, sharing your social media content, and related actions increase your Google rankings.
10. Focus on local SEO
Consumers looking for local services or businesses typically search online. Since they usually use long-tailed keywords, be sure to include these and location-specific keywords on your website.
Want your content to rank higher?
BARQAR’s content marketing and SEO specialists can help your content rank high in traditional search engines. Contact us today to get started!
