Let’s face it – at some point, every business owner has asked the big question:
“How do I get my website to rank higher on Google?”
It can feel like a black art, but boosting your site’s visibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, there are some simple, practical things you can do right now that make a real difference. So, let’s break it down. In this blog, I’ll be covering content-focused tips rather than technical actions.
1. Optimise your pages for the keywords you want to be found for
No surprises here – SEO (search engine optimisation) tops the list. You could have the most beautiful website in the world, but if no one can find it, what’s the point?
I often tell clients: a website without SEO is like a shop with no sign outside. It might be amazing inside, but no one’s ever going to walk through the door.
Now, SEO is a big topic, and I’m not going to pretend I can cover it all here. But there are a few quick wins you can implement:
- Use the right keywords. Look for terms that have decent monthly search volume but aren’t insanely competitive.
- Go long-tail. Forget trying to rank for ‘freelance designer’. Instead, try something like ‘freelance graphic designer in Reading’ or “logo designer’. Longer, more specific phrases are easier to rank for – and they attract more relevant traffic.
2. Don’t put all your services in one basket
This one’s a game changer.
Too often, I see business websites with a single ‘Services’ page crammed full of everything they offer. The problem? It’s not helpful for readers and it’s not great for search engines either.
Instead, think in ‘service buckets’. Break things up into individual pages, each focused on a specific offering. If you’re a graphic designer, give logo design, brochure design, and branding their own dedicated pages.
I did this a few years ago with my copywriting services – creating individual pages for things like website copywriting, brochure copywriting and blog writing. Each page now drives its own stream of traffic. I even created ‘sector’ pages (e.g. education, property, technology) and saw a noticeable spike in leads within weeks.
3. Write your own meta titles and descriptions
When you Google something, those blue links and little blurbs underneath? That’s your meta title and description. If you don’t write them yourself, Google will grab random chunks of your page and paste them into the search results. That’s why these descriptions often sound awful and make little sense.
Instead, take control. Write compelling, keyword-rich meta titles (around 55–60 characters) and descriptions (about 150 characters). Think of them like mini adverts for your site. Make them punchy, clear, and relevant to what you offer.
If you’re not sure how to update these, check your website’s CMS (the metadata is usually added to the individual pages) or ask your web developer for help.
Additionally, take a read of this article on how to write a good meta description (from Yoast).
4. Create content that’s worth reading
I know this sounds obvious but, trust me, this needs to be said. There’s a lot of bland content out there.
If you want to rank, your content needs to offer something valuable or, better yet, something unique that your competitors aren’t talking about.
Two of my most popular blog posts ever? Articles I wrote on LinkedIn trends for 2024 and 2025. The 2025 one is still in the top 10 globally, beating some huge sites. Why? Because I did the research, offered a fresh take, and optimised it for search. No secret formula – just solid content that hit a need.
Ask yourself:
- What are your competitors writing about?
- How can you offer a new take?
- Is there a topical trend or product launch you can jump on before others
For example, if you run a bespoke carpentry business, you could blog about wood finishes, spotlight new or niche products. If you work with AI tools, write about emerging trends or angles others haven’t covered yet.
5. Don’t let your website gather dust – blog regularly
This one’s important.
Too many businesses pour time and money into building their website, only to leave it untouched for months (or years). That’s a huge mistake. Google wants to see fresh, active content. If your site looks like tumbleweed, it won’t rank well.
Blogging is a brilliant way to keep your content fresh, show your expertise, and attract new traffic. It also gives you the chance to rank for new keywords and answer your customers’ burning questions.
Not sure what to write about? Start with the questions your clients ask you all the time. What keeps them up at night? What do they want to know before they hire someone like you?
Still stuck? Use tools like Answer the Public, Also Asked, or Ubersuggest to see what people are actually searching for.
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Final thoughts: How to get your website ranking higher on Google
Climbing the Google rankings isn’t about quick tricks or gaming the system. It’s about creating a site that’s clear, focused, and genuinely helpful to the ideal clients you want to reach.
So if your website isn’t getting found right now, don’t panic. There are some easy steps you can take to get your website ranking well. Optimise your content. Share what you know. Show up with value.
And remember – Google rewards those who put in the effort.
If you enjoyed reading this blog, you might also like my blogs on:
Five ways to improve your website SEO
How to use SEO to attract more customers
