Every business on the internet wants to know how they can get their website ranked well enough to show up on the first page of search engines, mainly Google.  It really is a million-dollar question and if the answer was as simple as the question then I would be out of a job however, it is not simple and instead requires a great deal of patience, time, effort, and understanding.  The good thing is you are in the right place to start the adventure of 1^st page Google rankings and we are the team of experts that can help get you there!

It is important to first understand how search engines like Google work.  Many people use Google and the Internet interchangeably.  This is however, incorrect.  The internet is, “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.” (https://www.dictionary.com) In real people speak, the internet is the one source where the world can connect without borders.  This connection involves search engines, web sites, and more.  Google is not actually the Internet and even if your site is not ranking on the first page of Google does not mean it is not showing up on the Internet.  What it does mean though is that your website it lives on the internet but is not displayed as an option in Google’s search results for the exact keyword that was searched.

Google is not human, it is in fact an automated system that works 24/7/365 visiting websites throughout the internet.  Google takes a glimpse of each page within the website and tucks this information into a large database where it organizes this information into usable data for later search inquiries.

In theory Google is “reading” the content on pages of your website including text, pictures, video, and audio files.  This data is used to determine exactly what that page of your website is about and uses it to decide what web pages to show in searches and in what order for specific keywords and keyword phrases.  In real speak, Google uses several elements to create an algorithm to establish what pages (websites) within the Internet are the most relevant to the specific phrase that is searched and displays them in order of relevance.  These results are known as SERP, Search Engine Results Page; the result, the SERP is defined as the first ten website pages that are shown.

A SERP itself is broken down in a unique format.  The top results are usually comprised of paid ads that come from Google Ads, formerly known as Google Adwords.  The next section is filled with local businesses listings and a map laying out the locations and basic service area.  After that you will find the main area where the organic listings are found.  These are the top 10 webpages Google has found that are relevant to the search term(s) as described above.

Often clients are on Google but just aren’t showing on the first page results.  There are several factors that play into where your site pages are ranked within Google for searches using keywords and phrases that are relevant.  The goal is to rank on the first page but just because you aren’t on page one doesn’t mean that you aren’t “on Google”.

To get ranked by Google your website and pages need to be indexed.  This is the case for all search engines not just Google.  There are several ways that this can be done: manually through an indexing tool such as Google Search Console or automatically over time as Google is scanning the internet it will find your site.  This process can take some time though so if you have a newer site it is in your best interest to have the pages of the site manually indexed.  If your page is not showing up in Googles search results for a keyword or phrase you think it should be it is time to evaluate the reasons this is occurring.  Remember to look as you may not be coming up on the first page results but instead on a later SERP.  Both are “issues” that can be resolved.

I know what you are thinking, “Ok, my site is there on page 17 but how in the world do I get it on page 1 where it will actually be seen?”  This is the million-dollar question, it is what all website owners strive for. In fact, so much that there is an entire industry that was created to do this one specific thing, RANK WEBSITES AND PAGES ON GOOGLES FIRST PAGE! As we have mentioned, there are two ways that first page Google rankings can occur: paid advertising (Google Ads) and organic listings.

In our next installment we will dive into each method of reaching Googles front page.  The one thing to remember is that if it was easy everyone would be there.  The process of ranking on Googles first page through either paid or organic listings is not simple or overnight.  It will take time, patience, and perseverance to obtain the status you are looking for with your website.  Thankfully you have found right where you need to be!  The professionals at Creative Programs and Systems are here to lead the way.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

One of the most important aspects of creating a new website is making sure that your target traffic can easily locate you.  The planning process involved requires business owners to consider what keywords and keyword phrases people will type into search engines in order to find them.  Content is then created around these searches to maximize ranking results.  That has worked well in the past but with new technology and voice search now is the time to reconsider website content.

Voice Search Technology

Voice search technology is when people use their voice to ask devices such as computers, phones, Alexa, Google Home, and such devices to aide in their search of the internet vs sitting at a device and typing the search into a search engine.  More than half of all internet searches are said to come from voice activated technologies by the year 2020.  Each year the number of voice-activated speakers purchased increases ten-fold.  It’s pretty obvious to us that in order to continue to be successful websites need to be adjusted to accommodate for both voice and type searching.

People are using voice search technology mainly because it is so fast and easy to use.  You can search using your phones while on the go.  Information is easily received whether you are in the car, at a restaurant, or sitting in your front room, no matter where you are at voice search technology allows you to easily access information.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

There are a number of things voice search technology changes when it comes to search engines and optimizing your website to meet the needs of your customers.  One thing this means is longer search phrases. When people speak they tend to talk in complete sentences whereas when typing the phrases are shorter and more to the point using basic keywords.

Voice Search vs Traditional Typing

Voice Search: Clients are more likely to ask a question such as: “What are the voice search statistics for 2018?”

Traditional Search: Clients are more likely to input a keyword or phrase without adding to it: “voice search” or “voice search stats 2018”.

Voice activated applications have been programmed to understand our natural speech patterns.  They will understand longer text phrases and questions.  When planning to optimize your website for search engines it will be important to take this new information into consideration.  Keyword optimization will no longer only revolve around simple keywords and long-tailed keyword phrases it should now include answers to questions and longer phrases.

The Future of SEO

With voice search technology becoming more and more common, optimization for search engines is going to focus more on the long-tailed keyword, a keyword that is more than three to five words.  Whereas previously websites would have been optimized for “kitchen remodeling” with voice search optimization should include “kitchen remodeling trends for 2018” or “local contractors specializing in kitchen remodeling 2018”.

Websites that are designed with voice search technology in mind will have a huge advantage over older website designs that do not redesign their sites to include optimization for the new technology.  Long tailed keywords and phrases are less competitive and therefore easier to rank for.  Designing a website around this now will ensure you are prepared as voice searching becomes more and more common.

What Can You Do Today?

Currently the most common voice search is your business’s phone number and address.  Don’t hide that information on your site within an image or logo.  The phone number and address need to be easily found and recognized.  Your companies Google business listing should include an up to date address, phone number, and website address should be easily available if a client does a quick search of your company’s name.

If you are looking for local customers include phrases such as, “near me”, “local”, or “close by”.  The popularity of keywords that include these phrases has increased over 500% in part due to voice searching.

Content should be structured for the intent of your users.  What are your users looking for?  What information are they trying to find from your site?  Optimizing for Google means that your sites content gives answers to the user’s questions.  Blogs or a blog series should be written in a manner that also answers your customers questions.  Posts should specifically address questions that will be asked.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.