What does it mean to rank on Google?
Ranking on Google means appearing in the top positions of search results. These privileged spots are key to gaining organic traffic, as most users do not browse beyond the first page of results.
With an effective SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy, it’s possible to improve visibility and attract visitors interested in your page’s content. However, achieving a good ranking on Google is not easy and requires a combination of technical and content factors that Google evaluates.
Ahrefs Study: Why 96.55% of Pages Don’t Get Organic Traffic
A recent study by Ahrefs found that 96.55% of pages don’t receive organic traffic from Google. This happens for several reasons: they lack search demand, don’t have enough backlinks, or don’t satisfy the user’s search intent. It’s crucial to ensure that the content created targets search terms with sufficient volume and is correctly optimized to capture that demand.
The importance of indexing: the first step to appearing on Google
One of the first and most critical steps to ranking on Google is to ensure that your pages are correctly indexed. Indexing allows Google to “see” your content and include it in search results. To verify this aspect, Google Search Console is an indispensable tool. From this platform, you can check which pages have been indexed and force the indexing of those that have not yet been detected by Google’s crawler. In my personal experience, I’ve encountered pages that, despite being well-optimized, didn’t appear in results due to indexing errors. Using Google Search Console allowed me to quickly resolve those issues and ensure all my content was available to users.
Keywords: the heart of SEO
Keywords play an essential role in SEO. These are the phrases users type into Google to find information. It’s crucial that your page content includes relevant keywords directly related to what you are offering. In my experience, content should be well-optimized but without overusing keywords, as Google may penalize what is known as “keyword stuffing.” A good practice is to select keywords that match your audience’s needs, using keyword research tools to discover terms with the most traffic potential.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid duplicate content. If Google detects that your content is a copy of another existing page, it may penalize your page, negatively affecting your ranking. Tools like Google Search Console can help you identify and correct such issues before they impact your positioning.
Backlink creation and domain authority
Building backlinks (inbound links) is one of the most important factors for increasing a website’s authority. Links from quality sites to your content signal to Google that your page is relevant and trustworthy, improving its position in search results. In my experience, finding directories and platforms where you can include your link is a useful strategy for increasing your domain’s authority. By including links in reputable directories, as well as in blogs and sites within the same niche, you can build a strong backlink profile that contributes positively to your ranking.
Content quality
One aspect that Google increasingly values is the quality of content. Google not only wants to show pages that are technically well-optimized, but it also focuses on offering users useful and complete answers to their queries. In my experience, providing content that truly solves users’ problems or questions is essential. Google rewards content that is relevant, original, and keeps visitors on the page longer.
The key is to provide real value. The content must be clear, easy to read, and focused on solving specific audience doubts. By doing this, Google detects that your page is useful and tends to rank it better in search results.
Avoid common mistakes: What does Google penalize?
It’s crucial to avoid technical errors that Google may penalize, as this directly affects your position in search results. Through Google Search Console, you can monitor issues like broken links, duplicate content, or security problems. In my experience, any warnings you receive should be addressed as soon as possible. Google tends to de-index pages with these problems, causing a significant drop in traffic. Another critical factor is copied content, which Google also penalizes heavily.
Strategies to improve organic ranking
There are many advanced strategies to improve technical SEO and optimize the website for better visibility. Some of these strategies include:
- Improving page load speed: Google values fast-loading pages because they offer a better user experience.
- Mobile optimization: With most searches conducted on mobile devices, it’s essential that your page is well-optimized for these devices.
- Use of structured data: Implementing structured data helps Google better understand your page content and display it more effectively in search results.
Conclusion
Ranking on Google requires time, dedication, and a well-thought-out strategy. From correct page indexing to creating relevant content and building backlinks, each step is crucial. Additionally, understanding why many pages fail to attract organic traffic, as the Ahrefs study indicates, will help you avoid common mistakes and focus your strategy on success. By applying these principles and continuously optimizing your site, you’ll be in a better position to achieve organic traffic and improve your ranking on Google.
Are you ready to improve your visibility on Google? At Pukkas, we are experts in SEO, digital marketing, and web development. Talk to our experts and achieve your goals with a custom strategy!
