How Can I Get My Website Ranked Higher On Google

How Can I Get My Website Ranked Higher On Google

by | Jan 2, 2025 | SEO Basics

Getting your website ranked higher on Google might seem tricky, but it’s actually easier than you think once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through the process in simple terms so you can get started even if you have no prior experience.

Getting your website ranked higher on Google might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to rank higher on Google with simple, beginner-friendly steps.

1. How Google Works

Understanding how Google works is the first step to making your website appear in search results.

  • Crawlers: Google uses programs called “crawlers” to browse websites, just like you browse the internet. These crawlers follow links from one page to another and collect information about each page.

  • Indexing: The information collected by crawlers is stored in Google’s “index,” like a giant library. When someone searches for something, Google looks through this library to find pages that best match the search.
rank higher on Google
  • Ranking: Google ranks the results it finds based on many factors, such as how relevant the content is, how trustworthy the website seems, and how fast the page loads.

Your job is to make your website easy for crawlers to find and ensure it has useful, trustworthy information for visitors.

2. Make Sure Google Can Find Your Website

If Google can’t find your website, it can’t display it in search results. Here’s what to check:

  • Google Search Console: This free tool helps you see if Google can access your site. It shows problems like broken pages or technical issues.

  • Don’t Block Google: Check that your website settings don’t block crawlers. Some websites accidentally tell Google not to look at certain pages using a robots.txt file or “noindex” settings.

  • Sitemap: A sitemap is a file that lists all the pages on your website, like a map for Google. You can create one easily with most website builders (like WordPress). Once created, submit it through Google Search Console so Google knows where to look.

3. Write Useful Content

Good content is the heart of your website. If your content isn’t helpful, it won’t rank well on Google.

  • What Makes Content Good? It should answer questions, solve problems, or provide useful information. For example, if you have a baking website, include recipes, tips, or troubleshooting guides.

  • Use Keywords: Think about what people might type into Google to find your website. Use those words naturally in your text. For example, if someone might search “how to bake bread,” include this phrase in your content.

  • Be Easy to Read: Write in short paragraphs, use bullet points when possible, and avoid complicated language.

Creating useful content is one of the most powerful ways to improve SEO. If you’re wondering how to rank higher on Google, quality content is your secret weapon.

4. Optimize Your Website (SEO Basics)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps Google understand your website. You don’t need to be a tech expert to do these simple things:

  • Titles and Meta Descriptions: These are what people see in Google search results. For example:
    • Title: “5 Easy Cake Recipes for Beginners”
    • Meta Description: “Learn how to make delicious cakes with these simple recipes. Perfect for beginners!”
  • Headers: Use headings (like H1, H2) to organize your content. It’s like creating a table of contents for your page.

  • Mobile-Friendly Design: Many people use their phones to search, so make sure your site looks good on smaller screens. Most website builders have mobile-friendly templates.

  • Page Speed: A slow website can frustrate users and hurt your ranking. Compress images and avoid too many large files.

These simple tweaks help search engines understand your site—and help you rank higher on Google without needing tech skills.

5. Tell Google About Your Website

Nudging google

Even if your website is ready, you might need to give Google a little nudge to notice it.

  • Submit Your Sitemap: Go to Google Search Console and upload your sitemap file. This tells Google exactly where to look.
  • Request Indexing: If you add new pages or make changes, use the “URL Inspection Tool” in Search Console to tell Google to check them.

This speeds up the process of getting your pages into Google’s search results.

6. Get Other Websites to Link to You

Links from other websites help Google trust yours. When a trustworthy site links to your website, it’s like a recommendation.

  • Ask for Links: If you know someone who has a website, ask them to link to yours if it’s relevant. For example, a local business might link to your services page.

  • Create Shareable Content: Write helpful articles, guides, or resources that people will want to share. For example, a “Complete Beginner’s Guide to Plant Care” might get shared by gardening websites or blogs.

  • Avoid Spammy Links: Don’t pay for links or use shady services that promise “thousands of backlinks.” Google can penalize your site for this.

7. Keep Your Website Updated

Google prefers websites that stay active and relevant. If your site is never updated, it might rank lower.

  • Add New Content Regularly: Post blogs, updates, or new products regularly to show Google that your site is active.

  • Fix Outdated Information: If you have old pages or content, update them to keep them useful.

  • Follow Trends: For example, if it’s winter, create content like “Top Winter Recipes” or “How to Prepare Your Garden for Snow.”

8. Use Google My Business (For Local Businesses)

If you have a physical business, Google My Business is essential. It helps you show up in local searches and on Google Maps.

  • Sign Up: Go to Google My Business and create an account.

  • Fill Out All Details: Add your address, phone number, website, and hours. Make sure everything is accurate.

  • Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews from happy customers improve your visibility. Politely ask your best customers to leave a review.
Google my business

9. Monitor Your Progress

Once your website is live, it’s important to see how it’s doing.

  • Google Analytics: This free tool shows you how many people visit your site, what pages they look at, and where they come from.

  • Search Console Insights: Check which searches bring people to your site and which pages are most popular.

  • Fix Problems: If you notice pages with errors or low traffic, work on improving them.

If you’re serious about learning how to rank higher on Google, tracking your progress is essential.

10. Follow Google’s Rules

Google has guidelines to ensure the internet remains helpful and safe for everyone. Follow these tips to stay in Google’s good books:-

  • Be Honest: Don’t use tricks like stuffing your page with keywords or hiding text just for Google.

  • Use HTTPS: This adds a small lock icon to your website’s address and shows visitors that it’s secure.

  • Think About Visitors: Your website should focus on helping real people, not just impressing Google.

 

And Finally...

Getting your website ranked higher on Google takes time and effort, but it’s absolutely doable, even for beginners. Start by making your site easy to find, creating helpful content, and following these simple steps.

You’ll find some more information by clicking these links:-

Remember, it’s not about trying to “beat” Google—it’s about creating a website that’s useful, trustworthy, and easy to use. That’s what Google wants, and it’s what your visitors want too!  Keep taking small steps and stay consistent—that’s how to rank higher on Google in a way that’s authentic and sustainable.

Are you already working on your SEO? Or just getting started with the basics? I’d love to hear how it’s going—drop a comment below and let’s figure it out together!

And if you’re looking for structured, step-by-step support, Wealthy Affiliate is where I got started, and it’s still one of my favourite resources for beginners.

Good luck, and happy website building.

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

Where To Put Keywords On Your Website?

Where To Put Keywords On Your Website?

by | Dec 29, 2024 | SEO Basics

If you’re starting an online business, you’ve probably heard a lot about “keywords.”

Think of keywords as the words or phrases people type into search engines to find websites like yours.

Using the right keywords in the right places on your site can help bring in visitors who are already searching for what you offer. Let’s break down the steps you need to put keywords on your website. 

What Are Keywords, and Why Do They Matter?

Keywords are like signposts that guide people to your website. For example, if you sell candles, a keyword might be something simple like “buy candles online.” There are two main types of keywords:

  1. Short keywords (also called short-tail keywords): These are short and broad, like “candles.” They attract a lot of people but can be too general to be helpful.
  2. Long keywords (long-tail keywords): These are more specific, like “handmade soy candles for gifts.” These bring fewer visitors but are more likely to attract people ready to buy.

 

Soy candle keywords

The goal is to match the words on your site with the words your ideal customer is searching for. This way, your website becomes easier to find.

The Best Places to Use Keywords

You don’t want to scatter keywords randomly on your website. Instead, focus on these key areas:

1. Page Titles and Headers

This is where you make your first impression. Think of your page title as the headline of a newspaper. It should grab attention and clearly show what the page is about. For example:

  • Instead of “Welcome to My Website,” try “Shop Handmade Soy Candles Online.”

Headers (like the bold section titles on a page) should also include keywords naturally. They help both readers and search engines understand what’s on the page.

2. The Body of Your Content

Keywords should flow naturally in your main content. Don’t force them; just write as if you’re having a conversation. For example:

  • Instead of writing “candles candles candles,” say, “Our handmade soy candles are perfect for relaxing evenings.”

3. Meta Descriptions

The meta description is the little summary that appears under your page title in search results. Include your main keyword here to help people (and search engines) know what your page is about. This is an important spot to put keywords on your website.

For example:

  • “Discover handmade soy candles perfect for gifts or relaxation. Shop now!”

4. Image Alt Text

This is a hidden description for images on your site. It helps search engines understand your pictures. For example, instead of naming an image “IMG1234.jpg,” use “handmade-soy-candles.jpg.”

5. URLs (Web Addresses)

A clear, keyword-friendly URL makes your site look professional and helps search engines. For example:

  • Instead of “mywebsite.com/p12345,” use “mywebsite.com/handmade-candles.”

6. Internal Links

When linking to other pages on your site, use keywords as the clickable text (anchor text). For example:

  • Instead of “Click here,” say “Check out our handmade candle collection.”

Things To Remember

put keywords on your website

1. Don’t Overdo It

Using a keyword too many times (called “keyword stuffing”) can hurt your site’s ranking and make your content hard to read. Aim to keep your keywords natural and relevant. Think quality, not quantity.

2. Use Related Words

Search engines are smart. They can understand related terms, so you don’t need to repeat the same keyword over and over. For example, instead of saying “handmade candles” five times, you can also say “artisan candles” or “natural soy candles.”

 

3. Update and Check Keywords Regularly

Keywords that worked last year might not be as effective now. Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner to see what people are searching for. Update your content to match.

4. Focus on People First

Write for real people, not just search engines. If your content sounds robotic, visitors will leave. Make it helpful, engaging, and easy to read. Happy visitors mean better rankings.

5. Keep Learning

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is always changing. Keep learning to stay ahead, but don’t stress. Starting small and being consistent works wonders.

Your Next Steps

  1. Start by making a list of keywords your ideal customers might search for.
  2. Add these keywords naturally to the key areas of your site: titles, headers, content, meta descriptions, image alt text, URLs, and internal links.
  3. Review your site regularly to update old content and improve your keyword strategy.

Remember, keywords are just one part of making your website successful. The most important thing is creating a site that’s helpful and enjoyable for your visitors. When you do that, everything else falls into place.

Add these keywords naturally to the key areas of your site—because when someone asks where should you put keywords on your website, these are the answers that make the biggest difference.

Try finding a keyword by using Jaaxy in the box below.

And Finally...

SEO might sound like a big technical topic, but it all starts with simple steps like choosing the right keywords and knowing where to place them. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect—just focus on being helpful and building a site that feels you.

Still wondering where you should put keywords on your website? Or maybe you’ve found a trick that works well? I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions—pop them in the comments below!

If you’d like step-by-step training on SEO, content writing, and building your website, I’ve personally found Wealthy Affiliate a great place to learn and grow.

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

Affiliate Marketing for Beginners

Affiliate Marketing for Beginners

by | Dec 27, 2024 | Content & Blogging

Wealthy Affiliate

Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest ways to start earning money online, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

By promoting products or services and earning commissions from successful referrals, you can generate income without creating your own product. The low startup costs, flexibility, and scalability of affiliate marketing make it appealing for those looking to start an online business.

In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to get started, and we’ll also explore how platforms like Wealthy Affiliate can help you achieve your goals.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based business model where you, the affiliate, promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale or action (like signing up for a service) made through your unique affiliate link.

Key Players in Affiliate Marketing:

  • Affiliate (Marketer): Promotes the product or service.
  • Merchant (Product Owner): Offers the product or service and provides an affiliate program.
  • Consumer (Buyer): Purchases the product through the affiliate link.

The process is simple:

  1. You join an affiliate program.
  2. You promote their products/services via your platform (website, social media, etc.).
  3. You earn commissions when users click your links and make a purchase.

How Does Affiliate Marketing Work?

  1. Sign up for an affiliate program – Examples include Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and ShareASale.
  2. Choose products/services – Select items relevant to your audience and niche.
  3. Promote your affiliate links – Use your website, blogs, YouTube, or social media to drive traffic.
  4. Earn commissions – Get paid for successful referrals, often a percentage of sales.

Why Affiliate Marketing is Beginner-Friendly

  • No product creation required: You only promote existing products.

  • Low startup costs: Often free to join programs.

  • Flexible: You can work part-time or scale it into a full-time business.

  • Accessible to anyone: All you need is an internet connection and basic marketing skills.
Affiliate marketing for beginners is fun

How Wealthy Affiliate Can Help You Get Started

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform designed to support beginners in affiliate marketing. It provides the tools, training, and community you need to succeed, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to grow your affiliate business.

Key Features of Wealthy Affiliate:

  1. Comprehensive Training:
  • Step-by-step lessons on how to build an affiliate business.
  • Tutorials on creating content, driving traffic, and mastering SEO.
  • Focus on practical implementation with easy-to-follow modules.
  • Website Building Tools:
    • Free access to website-building tools like SiteRubix.
    • Hosting services included, so you don’t need to worry about technical setup.
  • Affiliate Program Directory:
    • A curated list of affiliate programs in various niches.
    • Helps you find profitable opportunities tailored to your audience.
  • SEO and Marketing Tools:
    • Tools to help you optimize your website for search engines.
    • Training on driving traffic through both free and paid methods.
  • Community Support:
    • Access to a community of experienced and beginner marketers.
    • Get help, feedback, and motivation from like-minded individuals.
  • Low Cost to Start:
    • Free trial available to explore the platform.
    • Premium memberships provide additional features and training at affordable rates.

    Wealthy Affiliate simplifies the process of learning affiliate marketing, making it a perfect choice for beginners who need guidance and tools in one place.

    Wealthy Affiliate

    Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing

    1. Choose a Niche
    • Focus on a specific audience (e.g., fitness, tech, or personal finance).
    • Wealthy Affiliate’s training can help you identify profitable niches.
  • Find Affiliate Programs
    • Join reputable programs such as Amazon Associates, or use Wealthy Affiliate’s directory to explore options.
  • Build a Website
    • Create a professional-looking website with SiteRubix through Wealthy Affiliate.
    • Write quality content related to your niche.
  • Promote Products
    • Use blogs, tutorials, and reviews to introduce products.
    • Wealthy Affiliate teaches effective content creation strategies.
  • Drive Traffic to Your Site
    • Utilize Wealthy Affiliate’s SEO training to rank high on search engines.
    • Learn to use social media and email marketing to increase visibility.
  • Monitor and Optimize
    • Track your performance using tools like Google Analytics.
    • Wealthy Affiliate provides insights into optimizing campaigns.

    Tips for Success in Affiliate Marketing

    • Focus on solving problems: Provide value to your audience.
    • Build trust: Promote products you genuinely believe in.
    • Be consistent: Regularly create engaging content.
    • Leverage training: Take full advantage of Wealthy Affiliate’s resources.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Choosing a niche that’s too broad.
    • Promoting poor-quality products.
    • Overloading your site with affiliate links.
    • Not tracking and adjusting your performance.

    More Information

    Here are some links for more information about affiliate marketing:-

    Affiliate Marketing Is Evolving

    Amazon Associates Program – popular and easy to start with

    Awin– wide variety of affiliate programs

    ClickBank – ideal for digital products

    Google Analytics – to track your site performance

    Introduction To Affiliate Marketing

    Conclusion

    Affiliate marketing is a great way for beginners to enter the online business world. It offers a low-cost, flexible path to generating income online.

    Affiliate marketing is a journey, not a sprint. Whether you’re still exploring your niche or already have your first affiliate link, you’re taking real steps toward building your online business.

    With platforms like Wealthy Affiliate, you can get the training, tools, and support needed to succeed in this venture. Whether you’re building a website, learning SEO, or finding the best affiliate programs, Wealthy Affiliate provides everything in one place to help you achieve your goals.

    Start your affiliate marketing journey today with Wealthy Affiliate. Take advantage of their free trial to explore the tools and training, and begin building your online business step by step!

    Have you tried affiliate marketing yet? Or are you just getting started?
    I’d love to hear your thoughts, wins, or questions in the comments below—let’s learn together!

    Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

    A Beginner’s Roadmap to Building Your First Website

    A Beginner’s Roadmap to Building Your First Website

    by | Dec 25, 2024 | Website Foundations

    Embarking on the journey of building your first website can be both exciting and overwhelming.

    This guide will walk you through each step to ensure a smooth start.

    By the end of this, you’ll have your very own website up and running. Let’s get started!

    New website

    Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Goals

    First things first: Why are you building a website?

    • Is it a personal blog to share your thoughts?
    • A portfolio to showcase your work?
    • A small business site to attract customers?

    Knowing your purpose will shape every decision you make, from design to content. Once you know the “why,” think about the goals for your website. Do you want to:

    • Share your expertise?
    • Attract new clients?
    • Sell products or services?

    Lastly, consider your audience.

    Who are they?

    What are they looking for?

    Write down a few things your website visitors might expect from you. This will help you stay focused as you plan.

    Step 3: Design Your Website

     Now it’s time to bring your vision to life!

    Choose a Website Platform

    You’ve got some of options here:

    1. Website Builders 
    • Examples: Wix, Squarespace, Weebly. 
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) 
    • Example: WordPress.  I love using Word Press and use the premium theme called Divi from Elegant Themes.  But there are so many free themes.

     

    WA starter

    Select a Theme or Template

    Selecting a memorable and relevant domain name is a crucial step in building your first website, as it sets the tone for your brand

    When building you first website, themes or templates determine how your site looks. Most platforms offer free and paid options. Pick one that matches your style and is mobile-friendly (because everyone uses their phones these days).

    Keep It Simple

    Stick to clean, easy-to-read fonts, high-quality images, and a layout that’s easy to navigate. Less is more when it comes to good design.

    Step 4: Develop Your Website

    This is where your site starts to take shape.

    Add Content

    Think about what information your audience needs. Write short, engaging text for each page. Avoid long blocks of text—break it up with headings, bullet points, and images.

    Install Plugins or Widgets

    If you’re using a platform like WordPress, plugins can add functionality to your site. Some essential ones to consider:

    • SEO tools (like Yoast SEO) to help people find your site.
    • Security tools to keep hackers away.
    • Contact forms so visitors can reach out to you.

    Step 5: Test and Optimize

    Before you launch, let’s make sure everything works smoothly.

    Test Your Site

    Check all your links, buttons, and pages. Does your site load quickly? Is it easy to read on a phone? You can use free tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to test performance.

    Get Feedback

    Share your site with friends or family and ask for honest feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might have missed.

    Optimize for SEO

    SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your site appear in search results. Focus on:

    • Adding relevant keywords to your text.
    • Writing clear page titles and descriptions.
    • Including “alt text” for images so search engines understand them.

    Step 6: Launch and Maintain

    You’re almost there—time to share your website with the world!

    Launch Your Site

    Double-check everything before going live:

    • Is your content polished?
    • Do all links work?
    • Have you backed up your site?

    Once you’re ready, hit that publish button. Congratulations, you’re live!

    Promote Your Site

    Tell the world about your website! Share it on social media, add it to your email signature, or even write a blog post announcing your launch.

    Keep It Updated

    A website isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Regularly update your content, fix broken links, and add fresh material to keep visitors coming back.

    By following this roadmap, building your first website becomes a manageable and rewarding project, laying the foundation for your online presence

    Extra Bits

    1. What You’ll Need Before You Start

    • A clear idea of your website’s purpose (blog, business, portfolio, etc.)

    • A name for your website (you’ll need this to choose a domain)

    • Some content ideas or starter images

    • Willingness to learn and test things out

    2. Choosing a Website Builder

    • WordPress.org (most flexible, but needs hosting)

    • Wix or Squarespace (drag-and-drop and beginner-friendly)

    • Wealthy Affiliate (if you want hosting, training, and community in one place)

    If you’d like a beginner-friendly all-in-one platform to host, build, and learn how to grow your site, I personally recommend Wealthy Affiliate. It’s where I got started, and it’s especially helpful if you’re feeling a bit unsure of the tech side of things.

    3. Hosting and Domains in Simple Terms

    • Domain name = your address on the web

    • Hosting = your plot of land where your website lives

    Think of your domain as your shop’s street address, and your hosting as the actual building your shop sits in.

    4. The Importance of Starting Simple

    You can always change your design, colours, or layout later—so don’t let decision overwhelm stop you from hitting that ‘Publish’ button.

    And Finally...

    And there you have it—your beginner’s roadmap to building your first website!

    Building your first website is a significant milestone, and it’s natural to have questions or encounter challenges along the way. Have you started creating your site, or are you still in the planning stages? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear your journey and help where I can!

    Remember, it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Your first website doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist. The more you work on it, the better it will become.

    So what are you waiting for? Start building your dream website today!

    If you pop over to Wealthy Affiliate, Kyle will lead you through the process so easily.

    Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.