It’s a bit of a gripe of mine, but most of the tips you read on websites focus heavily on what to do once you have the eyeballs (a.k.a dream clients) on your pretty, playful, perfectly white-spaced website. You get sold on things like: cohesive branding, stunning photography, and ‘buy now’ buttons, but…you’re missing a teeny tiny step! What if your dream clients never find your website in the first place? What if your website doesn’t even show on the first page of the Google search results, let alone the third page (and how often can you be bothered to go that far anyway?) Keep reading and I’ll show you a few ways you can make your website more visible on Google, without losing your mind!
Did you know?
Every search you do on the Google (which by the way is accessed by all browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or my least fave, Microsoft Edge) shows roughly seven websites that have made it to the first page organically!
I get it. You’re juggling a million things, and the last thing you want is to dive into the mysterious world of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). But here’s the thing, just like your social media, your website needs a little TLC to get those eyes and potential clients clicking.
Here are a few ways that you can get that Google tick. (By the way, the more ticks, the more clicks, and the more clicks, the more ticks – it’s a wonderful circle – once you know what to do!)
5 simple things you can do to get found on Google
1) Add Fresh Content to your website
You know how social media thrives on fresh content? Your website is much the same but to a far less frequent degree. Regular updates keep both your followers and Google happy.
It’s why blogs are so popular. They provide a fresh stream of content for your followers, dream clients, and most importantly, Google to index. Plus more keywords for Google to crawl through and guess how Google will reward you – by making your website more visible in search results.
But don’t worry if you’re not ready to start one. There are plenty of small tweaks you can make right now to show Google you’re active and would love some more website traffic. Keep reading and I’ll show you.
2) Use Keywords (they’re Your Best Friend!)
Think about the words your dream clients are typing into Google. Not what YOU would type into Google, but your dream clients. These are your keywords.
Sprinkle them naturally throughout your website – in your headings, body text, and even image descriptions. But remember, don’t overdo it.
Think of it as a conversation, not a keyword-stuffing contest. Google likes it natural. Remember, AI is a useful tool but not a wordsmith, you still need to add some personality to your content! It can be helpful to use keyword research tool to get started, like Google Keyword Planner.
Using keywords is a real balance because you still have to get the Google tick and then have a way with words to convert your dream clients once they get your website. Not much to ask I know.
3) Optimise Your Image File Name
Please I beg you, do not upload an image still named IMG234.jpg. Use descriptive filenames and alt text that are relevant to your images (ideally using a keyword) to help Google understand what they’re about.
Every image on your website is searchable – where? On Google Images! All your images are opportunities to get a click and have new eyes on your website.
4) Update Old Content
Don’t let your old content sit in the corner gathering dust. This is the most underrated action you can take. If you have a blog, go back and refresh the content. Google loves when you do this.
It might be as simple as changing the images, and keywords to keep it relevant. This shows Google that your website is active, valuable and relevant, so kindly send the traffic this way.
5) Get Social & encourage Clicks
Remember social media activity can improve your website’s SEO. Sharing updates on social media can drive more traffic to your website – click and tick, indicating to Google that people are engaging with your content.
Whether you update a blog, share new photos, or create a new website page, sharing these updates will lead more people to your website and increase your clicks.
This is great because Google will recognise increased traffic and be more likely to display your website. Not only that, but you’ll be directing your followers to your website, increasing the chance of them engaging with your services. Whoop Whoop!
So next time you’re stuck on content, think about what you can update/add to your website and share that with your followers. Make them click, get a tick.
Recommended reading – The Ultimate Guide: How to Plan Social Media Content
what you need to know about seo-friendly websites…
Making your website more visible on Google doesn’t have to be a daunting task, although it will require patience and consistency (two things that make me want to eye roll!)
And don’t forget, SEO isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a journey! Keep learning, experimenting, and tweaking your strategy to see what works best for your business.
You are on a journey to grow. A tree did not grow in a day, a week or a month. By taking small, consistent steps, you can improve your visibility and attract more of your dream clients.
Remember, make them click get a tick, the more ticks the more clicks. Now let’s make Google love you – what can you do right now to get your website higher on Google?
about the author
Sam is a self-taught SEO strategist based in Hamilton. She’s dedicated to helping hands-on small business owners keep search engines like Google happy.
Sam teaches business owners how to optimize their websites to be SEO-friendly, ensuring their dream clients can find them when they type the magical keywords into Google.
With a focus on authentic and honest marketing, Sam empowers small businesses to grow their digital presence and guides them towards waking up every day to an inbox full of sales and leads.