When was the last time you searched for a product or service on the second page of Google? Probably never, right?
Let’s say you’ve typed ‘garden services Cape Town’ into Google. Chances are, you’ll click on one of the top results on the first page. The reason you hesitate to choose a business on the second page is the same reason most people do—users trust Google’s top results. A high ranking signals that a business is reputable, well-established, and highly relevant to their search.
So, how do you beat out the competition and crown yourself victor of Google’s First Page?
Achieving a high organic rank isn’t just about having a website, multiple factors help Google determine search rankings. Your website’s quality, user experience and having quality content on your site are just a few elements that work together to influence where your business appears in search results.
Understanding these factors can help you optimise your online presence and stay ahead of the competition. Here are just a few of the main reasons your competitors may be ahead of you on Google:
They Have a Stronger SEO Strategy
Contrary to popular belief, an SEO strategy isn’t a quick fix – it’s a long-term game that requires patience to gain an edge over your competitors.
While patience may be one of the reasons your competitors are outranking you on Google, a well-executed strategy may be one of the biggest reasons. Search engines like Google favour fresh, relevant content, so regularly updating your website with insightful pieces that showcase your expertise is key.
You’ll also want to create well-structured, keyword-rich content. This is where understanding search intent becomes crucial – if your competitors’ content closely aligns with what users are searching for (think keywords in headings, meta descriptions, etc.), they’ll naturally rank higher.
Search intent generally falls into four categories. Here’s how you can better understand it:
- Informational (e.g., “How does artificial grass last so long?”) – Users want answers.
- Navigational (e.g., “Easigrass website”) – Users look for a specific brand/site.
- Transactional (e.g., “Buy artificial grass online”) – Users are ready to make a purchase.
- Commercial Investigation (e.g., “Best artificial grass for pets”) – Users are comparing options before buying.
It’s a great idea to structure your content and website’s keywords around search intent. However, remember to keep it natural.
They Leverage Google My Business (GMB) Effectively
You may be rolling your eyes thinking: “another social media platform to add to my long list of social tasks.” However, Google My Business is one of the most powerful tools you can add to your arsenal when it comes to improving local search visibility. Your GMB profile lists your business location on Google Maps and displays key details like opening and closing times. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost your online visibility.
Beyond just listing your business location, your GMB profile plays a crucial role in local search rankings. As algorithms evolve, search queries are becoming more geographically specific. For example, if you search for ‘places to eat near me,’ Google will show the top three locations based on your current position.
Google prioritises businesses with engaging videos, so make sure you add high-quality photos and videos to your profile, ensure it’s complete and accurate, and don’t forget to post regular updates and offers to show that you’re active! Another great way to boost credibility and rankings is by receiving positive customer reviews, so encourage customers to leave you a review on Google My Business where you can respond. If your competitors are ahead of you, it may be because they’re using these tips and tricks to boost their profile.
They Invest in Paid Ads & Local SEO
Did you know that investing in paid advertising can boost your organic ranking? It can have a surprisingly positive impact on your SEO, helping you gain more visibility. As more users click on your ad, it signals to search engines that your website is relevant and popular.
While keywords are essential for optimising SEO, brand awareness also plays an essential role in improving traffic and search rankings. Paid ads can help increase brand visibility and awareness, leading to increased search demand and branded search terms. If you’re looking to beat the competition, it’s a good idea to have a combination of Google Ads for immediate results and SEO for long-term ranking stability to ensure they dominate search results – while you risk getting left behind.
The Takeaway
If you’re looking to stay ahead of the competition, you need to adopt a multi-faceted approach. Focus on providing your audience with relevant content, consider search intent when selecting keywords, and focus on local search results. However, the most important point to remember is patience!
Start implementing these tactics to stay ahead, and watch your search rankings improve over time. Remember, your SEO strategy is not meant to be an overnight success but a long-term investment. By staying consistent, adapting to algorithm changes, and continuously optimising your strategies, you’ll build a strong online presence that keeps you ahead of the competition.
Speak to SOMS Digital about creating an effective SEO Strategy that works for your business and its goals.
