How To Get Your Small Business Website on Google’s First Page

Ah, the million dollar question… how does a small business get your website on Google’s first page? Well, here are some tips that might help you out.

You can get on the first page in Google by eliminating competition.

I know a guy, who knows a guy…
No, not that! What I mean by “eliminating competition” is as simple as shrinking the list of websites that you’re competing against for the first page in Google search results. The only right (and legal) way to do that is by narrowing your own focus on a more specific niche.
In fact, this is where small businesses have a leading advantage. Let’s face it, you’re not going to ever get on the first page of Google for a keyword like “basement remodeling”. However, when you optimize for a keyword like “basement remodeling Rochester” you instantly eliminate most of your competition.
Now you’re only up against 2 types of competitors:

• Real competitors or the businesses that you are already really competing against. (In this case, other companies offering basement remodeling in the Rochester area.)
• Other websites that are aggressively optimizing for the same keywords but aren’t direct competitors. (In this case, directory sites like Yelp or Angie’s List that want to also rank #1 in Google for “basement remodeling Rochester”.

That second type of competitor can actually work to your advantage!

Expand your web presence

If you find that you’re competing against directory sites that are consistently outranking you with a higher position on the first page in Google search results, the solution is easy. Simply claim your listing on that directory. If you can’t beat them, join them!
This way you’re still being found by search engine users who click on that directory instead of scrolling down to your link in Google results. If somebody visits the directory then clicks “back” to return to the search results on Google to see your brand name and link again, you’ve made a bigger impact by becoming a familiar name.
To add to the benefit, claim your listing on every (relevant) directory site you can think of… even if they aren’t outranking you in Google search results. Consider that some people may actually go to YellowPages.com to find a local search provider… and it’s all about growing your presence on the web so you can reach the largest audience possible. Right?
With that being said, the first page of Google search results does not always dive right into links to websites. This search engine is continuously working hard to improve the value for end users, which means giving the answer to the query. Their job isn’t to send traffic to your website, instead, it’s to provide an answer.
So search engine optimization (SEO) is one part of the equation, but an even bigger part is to:

Dominate Google’s first page!

Start with claiming your Google Places page. Recalling the previous example, a Rochester resident (or somebody who lives near Rochester) does not need to include this keyword when searching for a local basement remodeler. Google utilizes location services to narrow down results and bring the most relevant answers, beginning with a special section dedicated to a map and list of local providers—including their contact info.
From this local listing section on the first page of Google search results, a user can choose to call the number or visit the website. This is truly convenient for search engine users, and for the businesses who get more phone calls (even if those leads don’t click the link to visit your website).

It’s (probably) easier than you think.

Every business—and website—has different goals. No two are the same. There is no single cookie-cutter approach that will solve your challenges. Getting on the first page of Google is a common goal shared by just about every single website that exists.
However, it’s not as challenging to accomplish when you:

• Run a successful business that provides a rewarding customer experience. It’s a two-way street.
• Maintain an active, effective website.
• Focus on the most specific, relevant keywords. (You’ll catch more fish in a small pond than in a shark-infested ocean full of competing fishermen/women.)
• Balance on-site SEO with off-site search engine marketing. Remember that a search engine user can still become a customer without ever visiting your website!
• Expand your web presence by completing (and maintaining) listings on directory sites that are competing for your core search phrases.

It really can be that easy!