Optimising your website to be found first on Google doesn't have to be expensive, but it does need to be effective. With 82% of internet users in the UK utilising Google to discover products and services online, you cannot afford not to be found.  In order to help you to increase your chances of being discoverable, we've come up with a list of some of the best SEO practices you can start implementing today. 

But before we go over that, let's discuss some key terms first. 

SEO, SERP and Google.

Every time a query is entered into Google search, Google delivers a list of results based on the keywords or phrases in that query.  Google calls this list of results SERPs or Search Engine Result Pages.  Results can vary depending on the number of matches or keywords/phrases Google finds when searching web pages. 

In order to be found within the first few SERPs, web owners such as yourself optimise their websites in accordance to Google's best practices for SEO, Search Engine Optimisation.  It is important to note, that a portion of sponsored results (paid advertising) that are relevant to the keywords/phrases in the query will always appear at the top levels of the SERPs.   

Best Practices for Higher SERPs

• Optimise Your Website for Mobile-First Indexing. In the past, Google indexed websites for SERP priority based off of the desktop versions of sites.  Early this year, Google starting indexing sites off of mobile versions.  While this change over will not happen all at once, it will happen.  Since sites that are not optimised for mobile viewing will be penalised, it's import to make sure your site is mobile friendly.   Google provides you with a basic tool that you can use to check if your site is at minimal mobile receptive for Google SERP results.
• Build Consistency & Trust. Google gives higher priority to websites that are systematically adding fresh new content.  Updating pages regularly and adding new content such as blogs weekly or monthly will go along way in improving your SERP rankings.
• Utilise Long Tail Keywords. Google prefers to search on key phrases (long-tail keywords) over single word queries.  Incorporating relevant terminology that naturally flows with your content will help you to become more discoverable.
• Repair Website.  A solid web structure with no broken links, missing pages, duplicate content, etc. will likely yield you better SERP results.  Google needs to crawl a well-built website in order to properly index your site for SERP.
• Optimise Your Site and Pages.  Details do matter to Google. Google's algorithm that crawls and indexes sites is machine learning and capable of understanding simple logic flow.  Make sure that your metadata, tags, page titles, images, etc. are all properly filled out using natural, relevant terminology for key phrases and words.  The easier it is for Google's algorithm to understand what your website, the better your results will be for SERP. 
• Incorporate Video.  By 2021, it is estimated that over 80% of all global consumer traffic on the web will be video-driven.  Incorporating more videos on your website will naturally increase your SERP rankings.
• Use Inbound Links.  Inbound links, or backlinks, are extremely useful to Google for SERP ranking because they are a good indicator of a website's popularity. Focus on building quality links over quantity.
• Update Your Site from HTTP to HTTPS.  Google prioritises websites that utilise SSL Certificates. In addition to the SEO benefits, HTTPS sites are more secure.
  
  

The Final Word.

As Google continues to transform the way we conduct business, the success of your SEO efforts will depend on your ability to adapt to the changes. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your SEO efforts, contact us today - we're SEO experts and our packages start from as low as £200 per month.

Also, why not try our FREE SEO Audit? Click on the red writing 'Request Free SEO Audit' on the right-hand side of this page to request your audit report.