How can I help my business be seen on Google?

As Galinda the witch sings in the wonderful musical, Wicked, “It’s all about popular!”

Google operates in a crowded marketplace; as important as your business is to you, Google has a lot to do all day. It will notice your site…eventually. For search engines, keeping things at the top of the page is a combination of art, reputation and, well, pestering. Google needs to develop and maintain an understanding of the importance of a web site and the context in which people are asking for it. Did the person mean Victoria, Australia or Victoria Beckham? What language are they using? Where are they currently located?

Here are some tips that can help get you to the front of the queue:

• Ensure that there is some kind of SEO (search engine optimization) on you site. We have all heard the jargon…keywords, meta descriptions, alt details. They all help. Your web designer should be able to provide you with the basic level of SEO for your site as a start. If you need more, then there are businesses whose main focus is SEO. As a web designer I am expanding my knowledge and understanding of SEO all the time.
• The more sites that link back to your website, the more important Google believes you to be. This is about creating genuine links which leverage the information about your business that is already out there. The easiest way of finding these sites is, ironically, to search for your business. It helps to use multiple search engines, such as Bing or DuckDuckGo. What links – besides your website – appear? Are you listed on TrueLocal or an industry specific directory but without your website address? It’s worth making the time and adding it in. In addition, if your client base is local, are there local directories that you can join? Make sure you add in your website address. It all helps!
• Another way of creating links back to your site is through social media. Social media can be a powerful business tool. Creating a Facebook page for your business is a great first step. Make sure you include your website address and ask your friends to ‘like’ your page. Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram (if your business is visual) is a fantastic way of showcasing your business and it takes much less time than making changes to your website. It is a way that potential clients can find out more about you and your business. It is also a way of creating more links and Google loves links!

I see Google more as organic than scientific. Unless you go down the paid option such as Google Ads there is no formula that guarantees your business a number one spot on Google.

While your web designer and marketing professionals can certainly work on your SEO you also have the power to promote your business online.

Remember – no-one knows your business as well as you do.

Your website is only one of many marketing communication tools that you have at your disposal. Make sure that your directory listings are up to date. Have a social media presence and encourage friends and family to ‘like’ and share your posts.  Look at all of the different ways in which you can encourage people to discover and support your business. Start by focusing on your local market; as your popularity grows so will your Google ranking.