Ranking higher on Google for a particular keyword all depends on your competition and many factors. Without going into too much detail, the following article gives you a brief overview about how easy (or difficult) it is to rank organically in Google’s top 10.
Which websites do Google rank at the top of the search listings?
Google rank websites based on their content and how relevant it is for a particular search query. However, it goes beyond that. If two websites match the search query, Google will rank the most trustworthy and authorititive website higher – and the one that is best utilising the SEO strategies mentioned below.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) strategies
On-site SEO
Providing a user friendly and engaging website for your audience.
- Keyword research – finding the keywords and phrases that your potential customers are using
- Writing unique and valuable content for your users (not search engines) and using the targeted keywords in the right place
- Optimising your website content
- Mobile friendly website
- Speeding up your website
Off-page SEO
Building trust from other websites, including:
- Citations – mentions of your business online
- Building natural links from relevant and authorititive websites
- Social media content
- Reviews
Choose low competition keywords
If you want to rank in Google’s top 10, optimising your website for low competition keywords is a better strategy because it will require much less effort.
Low competition keywords include local search phrases, for example ‘web designer harrogate‘ – or long-tail keywords such as ‘How to get on the first page of Google search results‘.
You may not get as much traffic for these keywords but they are more specific with a higher conversion value – meaning that users are more likely to read your content, make a purchase or contact you.
You can see some keyword examples with difficulty scores below:
Keyword difficulty scores
Local search
Example search: Web designer Knaresborough
City search
Example search: Web designer Leeds
Regional search
Example search: Web designer Yorkshire
UK search
Example search: Web designer
Conclusion
If you follow the strategies above and also focus on low competition keywords then you have a good chance of ranking in Google’s top 10.
If you need any further help or advice on SEO & Google optimisation, please contact us.