5 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Ranking On Google.

I have stumbled across a few websites recently in my travels, where the Small Business owner is complaining about how they don't rank very high on Google, and clients are not finding them. Well, Google is certainly a frustrating place and can be very confusing. Here are a few simple things that you can do pretty much anytime that will help you start climbing the ranks of Google land.

1. Make sure you business is verified.

Have you claimed your business on Google Business Profiles? If not you are missing out! Claiming this profile can help you show up to local customers, allow people to add reviews, and list vital information that customers need - like your hours of operation. It's easy to do, simply google: Google Business Profile. 

2. Get Google Reviews.

Once you have claimed your Google Business profile, make sure you are sharing your happy customers experiences! The best way a business can sell themselves is having testimonials from happy customers. The more quality Google Reviews you have the better. Google will even provide you a link to send out to customers to get more reviews. 

3. Make sure you website has Backlinks.

What's a backlink? A Backlink is a link on another person's website, that links back to yours. The more backlinks you have pointing back to your site, the more popular it will be. The more backlinks from other "high" ranking Google sites the better. How do you do this? Having your business is featured on a Blog or listed with a local directory are great ways. 

4. Share real, valuable content.

Google gives preference to content that’s original. You will want to create webpages that respond to your audience’s needs and provide unique value. One way to do this is to think about adding a Blog to your website. Like this one :) From there you can share helpful articles, talk up other businesses you love, and write your own valuable content.

5. Make sure your website is well structured.

This means making sure your H1, H2, and H3 tags are all where they are supposed to be, and ranking according to importance. Your H1 tags should be your main website heading. H2 tags are for your main points - your subheadings, and H3 tags are to organize sub-sections of your subheadings. 

These are just a few simple things you can do right now to improve your Google Rankings. Remember, your website should work FOR YOU, not you working for your website. Let it be a place that makes your life easier and brings you business! 

Happy Designing!

Bex