Website Solutions
by Connecting Rainbows
First Page of Google Search Results
I started to title this post “On-Page Search Engine Optimization“, but figured that if you already knew what on-page search engine optimization even was, that you probably wouldn’t need this article. So, I’ve changed my focus to help you get your website found in search results and maybe even get listed on the first page of Google search results.
Search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and Live Search, all use different criteria to determine your placement in search results. And to make it even more difficult, they generally won’t tell you what that criteria is. But there are a few things that you MUST do to have a chance at getting listed in a good position in the search results. By using these techniques, I have gotten several of my client’s websites listed on the first page of Google search results for their desired keyword phrase.
Keyword Selection
A keyword is a word or phrase that is used to describe your web page and that you want the search engines to find you with. This is the most important decision you will make regarding your search engine strategy. If you choose a phrase that is too popular/competitive in your market, you will have a poor chance of getting good results. Don’t choose a keyword that 5 billion other websites are using. Choose something unique, but in demand. Try the Google AdWords Keyword Tool to find ideas that have plenty of searches and lower keyword competition.
For example, on HeavenlyCrosses.com, I recommended a keyword phrase of “Disciple’s Cross Necklaces”. Why? Because no one was going to search on “Heavenly Crosses” unless they already knew about the website. “Disciple’s Cross” was way too competitive and so was “cross necklaces”. But combining them together gave the website a better chance of being found. And it worked! Google it and see!
Title Tag
The title is the information that shows up at the top of your website browser when you are viewing a website and on the page tabs if you have more than one window open. This is also the title line and link at the top of the individual search results. You MUST put your keywords in the title! The title is created by using the “title” tag in your web page’s HTML code. I recommend limiting your title to a maximum of 64 characters.
Using this web page as an example, the title tag would look like this:
<title>First Page of Google Search Results</title>
Description Meta Tag
The description is just that; a description of your web page. This is placed in your HTML code in a “meta” tag, but does not show up anywhere on your actual website. It shows up as the website description in the search engine results. You MUST put your keywords in the description! I recommend limiting your description to a maximum of 160 characters.
Using this web page as an example, the description tag might look like this:
<meta content=”What you need to have on your page and in your website code to help boost your placement in Google search results and other search engines.” name=”description” />
Keyword Meta Tag
It is debatable whether or not the search engines still use the keyword meta tag, but I say, when in doubt, include it. It certainly can’t hurt.
The keyword meta tag is HTML code that gets inserted into your web page. It doesn’t show up anywhere, but the search engine spiders might read it. So put your keywords in that code just for safe measure. I recommend limiting your keywords to a maximum of 20 words.
Here is an example keyword meta tag:
<meta content=”Google search results, first page of Google, search engine optimization, keyword meta tag, keyword meta tag, title tag” name=”keywords” />
Keyword Relevancy: Content is King
Your selected keywords should be what your web page is about. Therefore you must have your keywords in your web page content. Put them in headings (using H1 and H2 tags). Put them in picture descriptions. Put them in your paragraphs. If your keywords are relevant to your web page, this should come naturally. Just don’t over-do it or the search engines might get upset with you for trying to manipulate them.
Domain Name/URL
Putting your keywords in your website’s domain name and/or URL is another one of those debatable search engines techniques. Some say it isn’t used, but I say it is. After all, if you search on something and the words you searched on are in the URL, they are highlighted in the Google search results. That says to me that it is being noticed and counted. If you already have your domain name, don’t worry. It’s just another suggestion. No one thing will make or break your search engine results.
Incoming Links
The more links you have coming to your website from other quality, related websites, the better your search result placement will be. Make sure you ask those linking to you to use your keywords in the link text whenever possible. For example, use a link like affordable website solutions instead of using the website URL or your company name.
Getting incoming links to your website is part of what is called “off-page search engine optimization”. The code that links to your website is on someone else’s website, not yours, thus “off-page”.
Hopefully these tips will help you get better placement in the search engines! Good luck with your quest to reach the first page of Google search results.
I’m here to help if you need me!
3 Responses to “First Page of Google Search Results”
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August 1st, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I agree with all what you said above, especially those things about keywords. I like your example as well. Really nice and informative post. Thank you.
Trevor
November 7th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Yes, I fully agree with that. It is a nice topic considering I am still on the process of learning SEO.
March 1st, 2010 at 8:55 am
Who does not want to get a first page rank in google and we try a lot of means to achieve it. I would say this article provides the right startup for one to begin. I knew some of these some tips, others I learnt it here