How Your Website Can Rank Higher in Google

“How do I get my website to the top of Google?” is one of the questions I hear most, especially from organizations launching a new site. The honest answer is that ranking well comes from a handful of fundamentals done consistently, plus patience.

We consider all the fundamentals when building your website, while other providers do not always offer these services. Here’s what that looks like.

First, a word of caution

We cannot guarantee you the number one spot in Google. Rankings depend on Google’s algorithms, your competition, and what searchers are looking for, none of which any one person controls.

What actually helps your site rank is what we guide all our customers through  during the development process. The following essentials are needed for every website:

• Helpful, original content. This matters more than anything else. Google notes that content people find “compelling and useful” will likely influence your presence in search results “more than any of the other suggestions” in its guide. Write pages that answer the questions your clients, donors, and community actually ask.
• Clear page titles and descriptions. Every page should have a unique title that accurately describes it, and a short description that tells searchers why to click.
• Words your audience uses. If people search for “leadership training in Milwaukee,” make sure that phrase, or something close to it, appears naturally on the relevant page. Don’t stuff keywords; write for people first.
• A site that works well on phones and loads quickly. Google primarily looks at the mobile version of your site, and visitors leave slow pages quickly.
• A secure, well-maintained site. The secure padlock, current software, and no broken links all signal a site that’s cared for.
• Links from other reputable sites. When partners, local organizations, media outlets, or directories link to you, it helps Google discover your pages and signals that others find you credible.
• A complete Google Business Profile. For local organizations, this is often the fastest way to show up in local searches and on Google Maps. Keep your hours, address, phone number, and photos current, and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.
• Fresh content on a regular schedule. A blog like this one gives Google new pages to find and gives people more reasons to visit.

How long does it take for a new website to rank?

This is where expectations matter most. Google says some changes can take effect “in a few hours,” while “others could take several months.” For a brand-new website, here’s a realistic picture:

• First few weeks. Google discovers and indexes your pages. Your site should start appearing when people search for your organization’s name. Submitting your sitemap through Google Search Console can help it get found sooner.
• One to three months. You may begin showing up for specific, less competitive searches, such as your service plus your city.
• Three to six months. With steady content and a few quality links, rankings for your core topics can start to build.
• Six to twelve months and beyond. Competitive searches, where many established organizations are vying for the same spot, often take a year or more.

A new site starts with no history, no links, and no track record, so it takes time for Google to trust it. Older sites that have been neglected face a similar climb. The good news is that the work compounds: every useful page and every quality link keeps working for you long after it’s published.

What we do for our customers!

1. Set up Google Search Console and submit your sitemap.
2. Claim or update your Google Business Profile.
3. Review the titles and descriptions of your five most important pages.

We also recommend that our clients do the following:

1. Write one new piece of content that answers a question your clients ask often.
2. Ask one partner organization to link to your site.

Search visibility is a long game, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in your website. If you’d like help understanding where your site stands in Google today and what would move it forward, I offer a free initial consultation.