Getting a ‘new’ website on the first page of Google takes time for many reasons. The main reasons taken into account are:
- Level of competition.
- Domain age.
- Number of backlinks to the website.
- How well the content is written.
- Keyword density.
That said, local SEO is usually easier because there is less competition for a service in a specific locality.
Here’s my approach SEO and trying to get a website on Google’s first page.
ON PAGE SEO
- Determine the websites primary keyword phrase.
- Research competition websites and compile a list of keyword phrases for the site.
- Ensure the page structure is correct: H1, H2, paragraphs, internal links etc.
- Ensure web page content includes keyword phrases throughout the website.
- Unique browser page titles that include the keyword phrase or variations of it.
- Unique and well written metadata for each page.
- Create and submit a sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools.
- Create a robots.txt file.
- Ensure the on page content has good keyword density.
- Relevant browser page titles.
- Installation of Google Analytics .
- Add alt tag descriptions to images where possible.
- Submit all URL’s to Google and request indexing.
- List the website with business directories.
OFF PAGE SEO
- Acquire backlinks on a regualar basis to help keep your site at the top.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN SEO WRITING
- Mention the focus keyword phrase at least once in the first paragraph.
- Use variations on the focus keyword phrase so it looks natural to Google & people reading it.
- Break up copy with H2 headings that feature the keyword phrase or variations of the keyword phrase.
Please take a look at other articles I’ve written on SEO to get a good understanding before you start.
- Website SEO – Understand what it takes to have your site found in Google.
- How do I improve my Google page rank?
- How to optimise a web page for Google.
The most important point to remember is that SEO is an ongoing admin job. It’s not a set and forget process unfortunately.