Google processes over 3.5 billion searches per day, making high rankings critical for visibility and traffic. With Google’s algorithms evolving constantly, SEO (Search engine optimisation) is an ongoing process. Implementing the right strategies and staying on top of updates is key for SEO success.
Here are 7 of the most effective tactics to improve your Google rankings in 2023:
1. Optimise Website Speed
Page speed is a pivotal ranking factor, with Google prioritising fast-loading sites. Optimising website performance should be a priority.
- Leverage browser caching to store components like images/CSS/JavaScript for faster loading.
- Compress images and files like PDFs to reduce size without affecting quality.
- Minify HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code by removing unnecessary characters to streamline files.
- Upgrade to a faster web host if your current provider throttles resources.
- Implement HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 protocols to enable faster transfer of resources.
- Defer non-critical JavaScript to allow faster rendering of visible page content first.
Faster sites significantly improve user experience and satisfaction while signaling high-quality content to Google. For expert guidance on optimizing your site for maximum impact, hire a SEO professional to discuss tailored strategies and improvements.
2. Improve Mobile Optimisation
With growing mobile usage, having a mobile-friendly site is mandatory. Ensure your site is easily viewable and navigable on smartphones.
- Use responsive web design to automatically adapt layout across devices.
- Check site performance on PageSpeed Insights and Google’s mobile-friendliness test.
- Avoid interstitials and pop-ups that disrupt mobile user experience.
- Simplify menus/navigation for easy access on small screens.
Optimising for mobile is a ranking necessity as mobile usage continues rising worldwide.
3. Refresh On-Page SEO
Strong on-page SEO makes your content discoverable by search engines. Regularly optimise key elements:
- Use target keywords appropriately in titles, headers, content, URLs, and alt text.
- Create pillar pages with in-depth content focused on core topics.
- Add semantic HTML markups like headings, lists, and images.
- Include structured data like schema.org to aid rich snippet generation.
- Check that metadata like title tags and meta descriptions are customised.
On-page best practices demonstrate your authority on chosen topics to Google.
4. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Securing backlinks from authoritative, relevant sites signals trust and authority to Google. Prioritise the following:
- Guest posting on industry niche blogs. Ensure blogs have strong domains and visitor traffic.
- Getting interviewed/quoted as an expert contributor for media publications.
- Creating and distributing assets like guides, infographics, and tools that publishers may link to.
- Participating actively in forums and groups related to your field. Add valuable insights.
- Reaching out to similar businesses to set up high-value reciprocal linking opportunities.
Natural, diverse backlinks take dedication but boost rankings and referral traffic.
5. Local SEO for Google Business Profile
For local businesses, Google My Business (GMB) optimisation is vital for local pack rankings and visibility.
- Completely fill out your Google My Business profile with photos, services, hours, etc.
- Promote your GMB link/map embed via your website and social media.
- Acquire reviews to demonstrate local reputation. Respond politely to any negative ones.
- Ensure your business address and contact info are consistent across directories/citations.
- Post updates highlighting events, offers, and news to engage followers.
- Invest in high-quality digital content creation.
A strong GMB presence drives local foot traffic by connecting you with nearby searchers.
6. Create More In-Depth Content
High-quality content that offers value establishes you as an authority. Take a content-focused approach by creating pillar pages and clusters around topics.
- Conduct keyword research to uncover topics and long-tail phrases to target.
- Create lengthy, comprehensive guides and FAQs with actionable advice.
- Tap into search intent by answering common questions in your niche.
- Optimise content with keywords but avoid over-optimisation. Focus on providing value.
- Update older content by adding fresh stats, examples, and trends.
Unique, useful content builds trust and captures more qualified eyeballs.
7. Technical SEO
With technical SEO, ensure your site’s architecture, server configuration, and coding all facilitate crawling and indexing.
- Use semantic, organised URL structures and HTML headings.
- Implement XML sitemaps to surface new pages to crawlers.
- Fix duplicate content issues like pagination creating repeating URLs.
- Install Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor any crawler errors.
- Optimise page loading speeds with efficient code.
Technical optimisations create the SEO infrastructure for visibility.
Influencing Factors for Google Ranking: SEO and Digital Content Creation
Improving your Google rankings in 2023 necessitates a holistic understanding of the myriad factors that influence search engine visibility for a successful implementation. Google’s ranking algorithms evaluate numerous elements, with SEO practices and the quality of your digital content at the forefront. Crucially, website speed plays a pivotal role; faster-loading sites are favoured by Google.
Techniques such as leveraging browser caching, image and file compression, code minification, upgrading to efficient web hosting, and implementing modern HTTP protocols enhance user experience and signal high-quality content. Mobile optimisation is equally essential in light of growing mobile usage, demanding responsive web design, performance testing, and a focus on streamlined navigation.
On-page SEO should be a constant focus, encompassing judicious keyword usage, semantic HTML markup, and metadata customisation to strengthen your authority on chosen topics. Building high-quality backlinks from reputable sources remains a trusted method for signalling trust and authority to Google as a search engine.
Local businesses should prioritise Google My Business (GMB) optimisation to secure local pack rankings and visibility. Additionally, in-depth content that adds value to your audience is paramount; create comprehensive guides, address common questions, and stay vigilant about keyword optimisation. Finally, technical SEO ensures your site’s structure, server configuration, and coding facilitate efficient crawling and indexing. These strategies collectively form the bedrock for achieving higher Google rankings in 2023 and beyond. Consistency and staying informed about the latest SEO trends are key to long-term online success.
Master these 7 strategies for higher Google rankings in 2023. Feel free to reach out to our Singapore-based digital marketing agency OOm SG for personalised SEO guidance tailored to your brand’s needs and goals. Consistent, high-quality SEO will propel sustainable growth for your business this year and beyond. Visit OOm SG for an effective SEO solution to empower your business.
