As the number one search engine in the world, over 1 billion people use Google every month. At the same time, reports show that Google provides almost 12 billion searches each month. Many covet a high ranking on Google for higher visibility and increased traffic. We’ve all heard the business phrase “location, location, location,” which still rings for digital search queries.
Did you know that 93% of all buying decisions start with a simple search query? Studies show that websites on Google’s first page receive 91% of the clicks and traffic. Meanwhile, the second page receives a measly 4.8% of clicks. Thus, a website’s ranking on Google proves crucial to success in the ever-changing digital landscape. But reaching the top of page 1 is a multifold process for businesses of all sizes and experience. Now more than ever, website developers need to remain knowledgeable about proven tactics and techniques that will help ensure an increase in ranking.
Algorithms and Factors
Many SEO clients ask creative agencies “how” and “when.” Specifically, clients ask “How do I get my website to be top-ranked” and “when will it happen?” Truthfully, many factors go into determining how long it takes for a website to reach its ideal ranking. Clients need to consider keyword competition, domain age, and content accumulation.
Google ranks websites with an algorithm consisting of over 250 factors. This algorithm takes into account keywords, titles, content and inbound links. When a searcher types a query into the Google search box, they can receive an answer in a matter of milliseconds. Google selects pages from its index based on the search query, or the exact words typed into the box. In other words, Google rewards the websites that deserve to be on the first page.
Search Engine Optimization
A major factor in placing a website closer to the top of a Google search is SEO, Search Engine Optimization. This process helps improve a website’s visibility and accessibility to search engines. The domain age also plays a significant role. A new website may be less reliable by Google’s standards compared to an older website with higher authority and credibility. Thus, rankings increase after the first six months of a website’s creation due to this standard.
Influential Factors In Website Rankings
A website’s content plays an immense part in ranking high on Google. But creating content is only half of the equation; the other half involves keyword research. This entails learning and understanding what customers search for, or the common questions and problems your target audience may have. Keyword research also entails learning what competitors rank for, as well as phrases with little to no competition. Keywords and phrases with a higher search frequency will have higher competition; so established websites will have an advantage these rankings.
Conversely, a new website will have better luck gaining its trust and rankings through less popular and competitive keywords. Most obvious, each website’s content will generate different rating possibilities. For instance, breaking news stories will rank faster than older, non-newsworthy stories. But evergreen content will usually keep its rank over a longer period of time. Furthermore, remember to include keywords in page titles as this will help increase your ranking.
How Long Until Your Website Ranks?
Google’s algorithm for determining rankings changes and updates frequently. These updates affect the SEO world in adapting to its changes while developing improved SEO techniques. Despite revised algorithms, the most important determinants in the length in time of a website’s ranking vary from factors like content, the domain’s age, optimized title tags, and keywords. Some websites take 3 to 4 months until they receive their desired traffic. But by following the right steps, website owners can increase their web traffic after six or seven months.
Are you looking to increase your website’s rank on Google’s SERPs? For more information about SEO and how it can help increase your website’s traffic, contact the digital experts at Premiere Creative today or give us a call at (973) 346-8100!