In this post, I’ll show you EXACTLY how to get a higher ranking in Google. the step-by-step process to boost your website’s rankings on Google.
In fact, this is the same process I’ve Used strategy to rank the #1 spot on Google for the keyword “SEO checklist.” It’s a proven method that delivers results, and I’m excited to share it with you.
So If you want to rank higher in Google rankings in 2025 and stay ahead of the curve, you’ll love this new guide, which you don’t want to miss.
How Does Google Rank Pages?
Google’s ranking algorithms are built to sift through billions of web pages to deliver results that match search intent. Their goal is to provide the most relevant and helpful answers in the shortest time possible.
To achieve this, Google uses highly sophisticated algorithms that analyze numerous factors to assess the quality, relevance, and usefulness of a page in relation to a search query.
While these algorithms are incredibly complex, having a solid SEO strategy—and implementing the steps outlined in this guide—can significantly improve your chances of ranking higher on Google.
Step #1: Improve Your On-Site SEO
Here’s the truth:
On-Page SEO is one of the quickest and most effective ways to boost your Google rankings.
Why? Because you can optimize your page in just a few minutes and start seeing improvements in your rankings within days.
So, how do you optimize your site for your target keywords?
First, start by ensuring your keyword appears near the beginning of your title tag. This simple step can make a big difference in how Google understands and ranks your content.
Here’s an example:
This technique is known as “Frontloading” your keyword.
Why is this important?
Well, Google relies on your page title to determine the topic and relevance of your content. By placing your keyword at the beginning of the title, you signal to Google’s algorithms that these terms are the primary focus of your page. This helps Google better understand what your page is about and improves its chances of ranking for that keyword.
putting your keywords at the start can suggest to its algorithms that these words are the most important. And therefore what the page is relevant to. For example, my target keyword is “How to Start a Blog.”
As you can see, my title tag begins with the target keyword, “How to Start a Blog.”
While it’s not always possible (or logical) to place the keyword right at the very start, the closer it is to the beginning, the better.
Beyond rankings, this approach also helps users quickly grasp what your page is about when skimming through search results. This clarity can increase the likelihood of them clicking on your link.
Second, Create Long-Form, Comprehensive Content
Next, focus on creating long-form content that thoroughly covers your target topic.
According to our analysis of Google’s key ranking factors, the average content on the first page of Google contains 1,447 words.
From my experience, longer content consistently performs better in search engine rankings.
For example, one of the keywords I rank #2 for is “How to Start a Blog.” This is an extremely competitive keyword, and I’m up against major authority sites like Semrush and Search Engine Journal.
That’s why I ensured my page covered EVERYTHING someone might want to know about optimizing their site for mobile devices.
In fact, my content is 4,330 words long.
Of course, there are situations where long-form content isn’t practical (like for an ecommerce category page). But when it makes sense, longer content tends to perform better, so it’s usually a good idea to aim for depth and detail.
Finally, make sure to include your keyword naturally throughout your page.
This isn’t about keyword stuffing or overloading your content with repetitive terms. Instead, it’s about strategically placing your keyword in a way that signals to Google:
“This page is highly relevant to this search query!”
This approach can give your rankings a noticeable boost.
For example, when I wanted to improve my rankings for the keyword “squeeze page,” I included the term several times throughout my content—wherever it fit naturally and added value.
As a result, that page now ranks well for its target keywords.
You can easily identify and address on-page SEO issues using tools like Semrush’s On Page SEO Checker.
This tool provides a comprehensive overview of your top pages that need optimization. It also estimates the potential traffic gains you could achieve by making the right adjustments.
Additionally, it offers a list of actionable recommendations for improving various aspects of on-page SEO.
Implementing these suggestions can help enhance your on-page SEO and boost your rankings on Google.
Note: With a free Semrush account, you can set up one On Page SEO Checker campaign. Alternatively, you can use [this link](insert link) to access a 14-day trial of a Semrush Pro subscription.
Step #2: Add LSI Keywords into Your Content
LSI keywords (Latent Semantic Indexing keywords) are an advanced on-page SEO strategy.
But what exactly are LSI keywords?
They’re terms and phrases that are semantically related to the main topic of your page. These keywords help search engines better understand the context and relevance of your content.
For example, if your target keyword is “Cold Brew Coffee,” some LSI keywords might include:
These LSI keywords help confirm to Google that your content is genuinely relevant to the topic.
So, how do you find and use LSI keywords on your site?
One simple method is to use Google’s autocomplete feature. Start typing one of your target keywords into the search bar, and let Google suggest related terms:
Pay attention to the bolded words in the suggestions—these are terms Google associates with your target keyword, based on real user searches.
Repeat this process for your other target keywords, and naturally incorporate these LSI keywords into your content.
Pro Tip: If you need help discovering more keyword ideas, try using our free keyword generator tool for additional insights.
Step #3: Monitor Your Technical SEO
Technical SEO issues can significantly harm your site’s rankings, so it’s crucial to address them proactively.
So they’re worth paying attention to.
The first thing I recommend to ensure your site is optimized for mobile devices.
It’s 2024, and over half of global website traffic comes from mobile users.
To check your site’s mobile optimization, review your Core Web Vitals using tools like:
Do this in PageSpeed Insights:
Or in Google Search Console:
I also recommend evaluating your site’s loading speed.
Page speed has been a confirmed Google ranking factor for years, so it’s essential to keep your site fast and efficient.
You can test your site’s speed using free tools like PageSpeed Insights and WebPageTest.org. These tools provide detailed reports to help you identify and fix technical issues.
Next, head over to Google Search Console and navigate to “Indexing” > “Pages” in the sidebar.
This section will alert you if Google is encountering any issues while indexing your site.
Finally, if your site is built on WordPress, I highly recommend using the Yoast SEO plugin.
Will this plugin magically boost your rankings? No.
But it does make your WordPress site more SEO-friendly by simplifying key optimizations right out of the box.
Step #4: Match Your Content to Search Intent
Understanding and matching search intent is crucial for any successful SEO strategy.
Why?
Thanks to advancements like RankBrain, Google has become incredibly adept at determining whether your content aligns with what users are searching for.
The key here is to ensure your page delivers exactly what the searcher is looking for by meeting their intent.
Let me explain how this works with a real-world example.
A few years ago, I aimed to rank for the keyword “Conversion Rate Optimization.”
We spent weeks creating an extensive list of CRO techniques.
Initially, the content performed well, attracting a steady stream of search engine traffic.
However, over time, Google realized that users searching for “Conversion Rate Optimization” weren’t looking for a lengthy list of techniques. As a result, organic traffic to that page gradually declined, as shown in this old Google Analytics screenshot:
After noticing the decline in traffic, I decided to dig deeper into the search intent behind the keyword “Conversion Rate Optimization.”
First, I asked myself: What is someone searching for when they type this phrase into Google?
I concluded that they’re likely looking for content that includes:
- A clear definition of what CRO is
- An explanation of how CRO works
- Real-world examples of CRO in action
- Practical tips for getting started
Second, I analyzed the pages already ranking on the first page of Google.
And I quickly realized that most of the top-ranking results were comprehensive beginner’s guides that covered all the elements my content was missing.
So I decided to completely reworked my content from the ground up.
“Conversion Rate Optimization: The Definitive Guide” is what I created from that list of strategies.
By aligning my content with search intent, the page now generates 214% more organic traffic than it did before.
The takeaway? If you want to improve your Google rankings, your page must be an excellent match for what users are searching for.
When you deliver exactly what searchers (and Google) are looking for, Google will naturally prioritize your site in search results. This is why understanding and fulfilling search intent is the cornerstone of any effective SEO strategy.
Not sure about the search intent for a specific keyword? Use Semrush’s Keyword Overview tool to analyze it instantly.
Step #5: Reduce Your Bounce Rate
Our next step is to focus on reducing your site’s bounce rate.
Why is this important?
Google takes note when users land on your site and quickly return to the search results.
This behavior often signals to Google that users aren’t satisfied with what they found. And if users aren’t happy, your rankings are likely to suffer.
Note: If users find what they need quickly and leave satisfied, a high bounce rate isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This is why bounce rate alone probably isn’t a direct ranking factor.
Beyond matching search intent, there are several simple strategies to reduce your bounce rate:
First, I recommend focusing on your site’s “above the fold” section.
This is the portion of your page that users see immediately upon landing—before they start scrolling.
This is the portion of your page that users see immediately upon landing—before they start scrolling. Based on my experience, this area plays a critical role in whether visitors decide to stay or bounce.
The most effective way to improve your “above the fold” section is to prioritize your content at the very top. This ensures that visitors can immediately find what they’re searching for, reducing the chance of them bouncing.
For example, as you can see here, my content is positioned right at the top of the page.
Additionally, it’s crucial to structure your page in a way that makes it easy for users to navigate and locate the information they need. A clear, intuitive layout can significantly enhance user experience and keep them engaged.
For example, you may have noticed that BloggerRanking posts include a table of contents.
This allows readers to quickly navigate to the section they’re most interested in, improving their overall experience.
Finally, enhance your page with visual elements like images, videos, charts, screenshots, or any other relevant visuals.
These additions make your content more engaging and easier to digest. Both of these factors can significantly reduce your bounce rate.
Step #6: Find Additional Keywords to Target
By now, you should notice your site climbing higher in Google’s rankings.
The next step? Drive even more traffic to your site.
How?
By optimizing your pages for multiple keywords.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
First, Go to Google Search Console and open the “Performance” report.
Next, Review the search queries your site is already ranking for.
Most of these will likely be terms you’ve already optimized for. However, you’ll occasionally stumble upon a keyword you haven’t intentionally targeted.
If you’re already ranking for a keyword by accident, imagine how much easier it will be to rank if you actively optimize for it.
For example, I’m receiving some traffic from users searching for the term “YouTube video description example.”
However, I don’t have a page specifically optimized for that keyword. Instead, users are landing on this page from my site:
This page includes an example of a video description, but it’s not fully optimized for that specific term.
To capitalize on this opportunity, I could:
- Go back to the existing page, add the exact phrase “YouTube video description example” a few times, and expand on the example.
- Create a brand-new page specifically optimized for that keyword.
Both approaches work. The key is to take advantage of keywords I’m already ranking for—even if it’s unintentional.
Step #7: Create Exceptionally High-Quality Content
You’ve likely heard the advice: “To rank in Google, you need to publish high-quality content.”
While this is true, it’s also a bit vague. What exactly does “high-quality content” mean, and how do you create it?
The key is to publish content that’s not only valuable but also shareable and link-worthy.
Why? Because Google’s algorithm considers backlinks as a ranking factor.
The more high-quality backlinks your site earns, the better your chances of ranking higher.
So, how do you create content that attracts backlinks?
Here are a few strategies to increase the likelihood of people linking to your content (also known as “link bait”):
Become a Data Source
Publish content that others can cite in their own articles, blogs, or reports.
For example, back in 2018, we collaborated with Pitchbox to conduct a massive email outreach study.
This post was filled with data, stats, and insights—exactly the type of content that bloggers, journalists, and industry professionals love to reference.
One of our key findings was that less than 10% of all outreach emails receive a response. This stat quickly became a go-to reference for bloggers and journalists discussing the challenges of outreach.
While this example is from a few years ago, the strategy remains effective today. By publishing original research, surveys, or data-driven insights, you can position yourself as a trusted source that others naturally link to.
Focus on Long-Form Content
Earlier, in Step #1, I mentioned the benefits of longer content for SEO.
But here’s another advantage: long-form content is also fantastic for attracting backlinks.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all word count for blog posts, content that’s 3,000+ words tends to perform exceptionally well when it comes to link building.
Publish Visual Content
I’m referring to content like:
- Infographics
- Maps
- Charts
- Flowcharts
- Videos
Visual content is highly effective for attracting backlinks.
For example, a while back, we published an infographic on our blog.
Yes, it took a lot of email outreach to promote it. But once we got it in front of the right audience, people were eager to embed it on their own sites.
Step #8: Build Backlinks to Your Site
Publishing amazing content is only half the battle.
For your content to earn backlinks, people actually need to discover it.
In other words:
You can’t rely on a “publish and pray” approach, hoping that people will stumble upon your content and link to it.
Why? Because your content is competing in a vast ocean of blog posts, videos, Instagram stories, and Facebook updates published every single day.
In fact, WordPress reports that 70 million new posts are published every month.
The key takeaway? If you want people to link to your site, you need to actively promote your content.
Here are two effective techniques to get started:
Find Dead Links
This strategy is also known as “Broken Link Building.”
A great way to find broken links is to analyze your competitors’ sites. You can do this using Semrush’s Backlink Analytics tool.
Here’s how:
First, Enter a competitor’s domain into the tool and click “Analyze.”
Second, Navigate to the “Indexed Pages” tab. and Check the box next to “Broken Pages.”
These are all the broken pages on your competitor’s site, sorted by the number of referring domains.
Why is this helpful?
Because you can click on the number in the “Domains” column to see exactly which websites are linking to these broken pages.
Once you’ve identified these opportunities, you can reach out to the site owners and suggest they replace the broken link with a link to your relevant page.
When you find a suitable broken link opportunity, send the site owner a personalized version of this email script:
Hi [First Name],
I noticed a broken link on your page: [Title].
It’s the link to [website], which is currently returning a 404 error.
I recently published a post on [topic] that could serve as a great replacement for the dead link.
Here’s the link if you’d like to check it out: [Your Content URL]
Hope this helps!
Find all of your backlinks.
Create Resource Pages
Resource pages are fantastic for link building.
Why? Because resource pages are specifically designed to link to the best content on a particular topic.
For example, I created a resource page to help people learn SEO quickly.
This page includes links to valuable content about keyword research, content creation, and more.
If you have an exceptional resource about SEO, I’d be happy to consider adding it to my page—and giving you a backlink in the process.
You can find similar opportunities in your niche by searching:
“intitle:resources + [your niche]”
Then, reach out to websites with resource lists and suggest your content as a valuable addition.
Like this:
Step #9: Track and Monitor Your Results
By now, you should start seeing your site climb higher in Google’s rankings.
That’s fantastic!
But how do you know if those improved rankings are actually driving results?
And how can you keep an eye on your SEO performance without constantly checking your rankings manually?
That’s exactly what this step covers. I’ll show you how to track and monitor your SEO results like a pro.
Google Analytics Organic Traffic
While improved rankings are exciting, the true measure of SEO success is organic traffic—visitors who come to your site directly from search engines.
You can track this metric in Google Analytics:
Google Search Console Impressions and Clicks
This report is a great complement to the Google Analytics organic traffic data we just covered.
In Google Search Console, you can see how many people saw your site in search results (impressions) and how many of those people clicked through to your site (clicks).
As you’d expect, the more people who see and click on your site from Google, the better your SEO performance.
Leads and Sales
Here’s the big question: Is this surge in traffic actually contributing to your bottom line?
Many beginners overlook this, but if you want to maximize your ROI from SEO, you need to know whether these new visitors are converting into leads or customers.
There are countless ways to track this, but one effective method is using GA4’s key events:
Step #10: Add Meaningful Visuals
Including visuals in your content can help you rank higher in search results while also enhancing the user experience.
It’s a win-win situation.
For example, here are Google Images for a highly competitive keyword:
You can use charts and graphs to visualize data sets, or include high-quality images to showcase a location, product, or other physical item.
You can also use visuals to simplify complex concepts. For example, here’s a graphic from my post on website architecture:
It’s a straightforward visual that makes a challenging concept much easier to understand.
While these visuals can help add value for your readers, they also provide GREAT opportunities to build backlinks as they’re highly shareable.
Plus, Google sometimes provides featured snippets with images.
A rich result like this can boost your click-through rate if it’s an engaging image (or two).
Pro Tip: Niche Context and Relevance In some instances, Google interprets visuals as the most suitable form of meeting search intent. Queries such as “How to…” tend to tap into video content, and get rewarded with higher rankings. Research thoroughly to suitably adapt depending on the niche.
Step #11: Make Your Content Skimmable
A study on website engagement revealed that, on average, people spend just 54 seconds on a webpage.
What does this mean for you?
You have less than a minute to capture your visitors’ attention. Despite people spending more time online than ever, there’s an overwhelming amount of information to consume—and only the best content keeps users engaged.
To stand out:
- Use clear, concise sentences.
- Write in active voice.
- Break up text with bullet points and subheadings.
- Add visuals to enhance appeal (as covered in the previous step).
These techniques make your content easy to skim and more likely to hold your audience’s attention.
Bonus Step #1: Boost Your Click-Through Rate (CTR)
While we can’t confirm that Google uses click-through rate (CTR) as a direct ranking factor, there’s no doubt that maximizing clicks (from the right audience) is beneficial.
So, how can you improve your CTR?
Here are a few simple strategies:
Use Emotional Title Tags: Craft titles that grab attention and evoke curiosity or emotion.
Here’s an example of an emotional title tag:
Use Short, Descriptive URLs: These are not only good for SEO but also help users quickly understand that your page is relevant to their search.
Target Rich Snippets: Features like star ratings or reviews in search results can make your listing stand out and attract more clicks.
Bonus Step #2: Use Internal Linking
Looking for a simple way to boost your Google rankings?
Use internal linking.
In other words:
Link from one page on your site to another page on your site.
Considering how many people search for this keyword every month, even moving up a few spots could make a significant difference for me.
To increase the chances of this page ranking, I could add an internal link to it whenever I mention Google Search Console on other pages.
Repeat this process for all of your high-priority pages to strengthen their rankings.
Why Is It Important to Rank High on Google? Top 4 Benefits
Ranking high on Google and other search engines is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. Here are the top four benefits of securing a high ranking:
- Get More Organic Clicks: Statistics show that the top search results earn an average CTR of 27.6%. The #1 result is 10x more likely to get clicked than the page in position #10.
- Reduced Marketing Costs: Inbound marketing builds lasting relationships with customers by delivering relevant content. Higher Google rankings can cut down the time and resources needed to reach a larger audience.
- A Positive Business Reputation: High organic traffic boosts your brand’s image, signaling trust, quality, and credibility to both existing and potential customers.
- Competitive Edge in the Market: Increased traffic can lead to more sales, better conversions, and greater brand awareness, giving you an advantage over competitors.
Take Your Site Further Up the Google Rankings
I hope you found this step-by-step guide to ranking higher in Google helpful!
Want to take your SEO efforts to the next level?
Check out my comprehensive guide filled with actionable SEO tips to boost your rankings even further.
And once you’ve climbed the rankings, keep track of your progress with our free keyword rank checker tool.
Final Thoughts
Ranking higher on Google is a combination of strategy, consistency, and adaptability. By focusing on on-page SEO, search intent, and high-quality content, you can create a strong foundation for your site. Don’t forget to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to stay ahead of the competition.
Remember, SEO is a long-term game. While some tactics may yield quick wins, sustainable success comes from building a site that genuinely serves your audience’s needs.
Ready to take your rankings to the next level? Start implementing these steps today, and watch your organic traffic grow!
Blogging FAQ
What is search intent, and why does it matter?
Search intent refers to the reason behind a user’s search query. Matching your content to search intent ensures your page delivers what users are looking for, which improves rankings and reduces bounce rates.
How can I improve my on-page SEO?
- Use your target keyword in the title tag, meta description, and headers.
- Create long-form, comprehensive content (1,500+ words).
- Add LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords naturally.
- Optimize images and use descriptive alt text.
What are LSI keywords, and how do I find them?
LSI keywords are terms related to your main keyword. Use tools like Google Autocomplete or Semrush to find them, and incorporate them naturally into your content.
How do I reduce my bounce rate?
- Align your content with search intent.
- Optimize your “above the fold” section.
- Use visuals, bullet points, and subheadings to make content skimmable.
- Improve page loading speed.
What is internal linking, and why is it important?
Internal linking involves linking from one page on your site to another. It helps Google understand your site structure, distributes link equity, and improves user experience.
How can I track my SEO progress?
- Use Google Analytics to monitor organic traffic.
- Check Google Search Console for impressions, clicks, and indexing issues.
- Track keyword rankings with tools like Semrush or a free rank checker.
What are rich snippets, and how do I get them?
Rich snippets are enhanced search results that include extra information (e.g., star ratings, reviews). Use structured data markup (like Schema.org) to qualify for rich snippets.
How do I build backlinks to my site?
- Publish link-worthy content (e.g., infographics, studies, guides).
- Use broken link building to replace dead links on other sites.
- Reach out to websites with resource pages in your niche.
What is the best way to improve my click-through rate (CTR)?
- Use emotional, attention-grabbing title tags.
- Write compelling meta descriptions.
- Target rich snippets (e.g., star ratings, FAQs).
- Use short, descriptive URLs.