How Fast Can My Website Get on the First Page of Google?
If we had to guess, we’d say probably 90% of clients who come to us for SEO help ask this question during the first meeting: “How fast can my website get on the first page of Google?” Of course, what they really mean is “how soon will my website become a lead generator?”
SEO (search engine optimization) can be a difficult task to approach for the novice. Getting your website to show up first (or on the first page) takes time, strategy and, above all, patience. However, your best bet is one you may have already considered: hire a professional.
But Why Does My Website Need to Rank on the First Page of Google?
Okay, first things first. You’re not trying to get your website to rank on the first page. You really want to rank on the first page for specific searches. For example, if you’re a roofer, you want to rank on the first page for “roofers near me” and other common searches. Why? Because the web is the first place potential customers will look for the service you provide.
It used to be that a business needed a prominent location in order to gain customers. However, a plumber whose only facility is his garage can outgain his competition – even if his competitor has a storefront with a big sign. How? By maintaining and building on his website with a long-term SEO strategy. Your website is your online storefront.
So How Fast Can My Website Get on the First Page of Google?
This depends on a number of factors. Let’s look at them.
1. How big is your website?
Are you a roofer competing against the biggest roofing chain in your region? They’ll rank higher, faster.
However, have you ever heard the story, “The Tortoise and the Hare?” If you devote resources toward a purposeful SEO approach, you can catch up. In addition, you may even rank higher in the end with a comprehensive SEO plan.
2. How fresh is your content?
Google’s algorithm relies on gives priority to new content. For that reason, write new articles or refresh older content.
3. How many backlinks does your site have?
One problem we’ve seen is that backlinks are boring and hard work, so marketers drop their effort too soon. However, if you’re really asking, “how fast can my website get on the first page of Google,” you need to commit to a backlink plan of at least 3 months. That’ll yield best results.
What are you trying to do? Train Google. Their algorithm will eventually start assuming that your site has a good reputation. And that reputation will push your rankings higher and higher over time. For that reason, your marketing team will spend the first month or two building a foundation.
4. Which battles do you want to win?
Do you want to rank higher for “roofers in Chattanooga?”
You may find the results less than satisfactory. Why? Because even if you write effective content and follow a good backlink strategy, your competitor has already been harvesting results from their top-ranking page for quite some time. For that reason, you’ll have trouble ousting them.
However, perhaps “roofer near me in Chattanooga, TN” is a keyphrase they haven’t put as much effort into.
Pick keywords that:
- Have reasonably high traffic
- Are specific to your strengths and area of operation
- Are dominated by sites that are relatively equal to yours in strength
Obviously, Getting High Rankings is Ideal. What Next?
“How fast can my website get on the first page of Google” can only be answered with “it depends.” The number of variables are just too complex. However, after reading this article, you should have an idea of what it’ll take. If you focus your marketing budget on gaining search traffic, you’ll be able to see results. That is, if you choose the right marketing team.
Your next plan should be to interview your prospective marketing agency. They need to have a strong SEO focus and track record of delivering smart results. You don’t need a “service.” You need a partner.
Interested to learn more about how Interactive ID can help you meet your SEO goals for 2021? We’d love to talk with you about getting your website on the first page of Google in the most effective, efficient way. Simply fill out our online form to get started, or call us at (888) 623-1891.