Get Found On Google

The second page of Google is the best place to hide a dead body.

My coworker gave me that one, and it's so true. When was the last time you really went past the first page of results?

This shows why optimizing your website and Google profile is SO important.

Reality? It's not always as easy as it sounds; Google can get super technical super fast.

Between the sus algorithms, SEO words that sounds like a medical diagnosis’s , and everyone trying to rank for “Best Coffee Near Me,” it can feel like you’re not making progress.

Before you give up on me, let’s break down how to climb the Google ladder effectively.

Step 1: Nail Your Keywords

Keywords = What people type into Google when they need stuff. Simple, right?

But there’s a catch: If your strategy is just repeating "best marketing strategist Grand Forks" 47 times on your homepage... stop. Google’s smarter than that (and so are your readers).

What you should do instead:

✅ Use tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google’s Keyword Planner to find what people are actually searching for in your industry.

✅ Focus on long-tail keywords—the hyper-specific stuff like “affordable social media manager in North Dakota”. Fewer searches, but better quality leads.

✅ Sprinkle keywords naturally in your headings, URLs, image alt text, and meta descriptions — basically the secret seasoning for SEO.

If it feels forced, it probably is. Write for humans first, not robots.

Step 2: Content – But Make It Good

Throwing a blog together with zero personality and calling it “content” doesn’t cut it anymore. Google’s all about value. If people hit your site, skim for two seconds, and bounce faster than me avoiding the pile of clothes on my floor — that’s bad.

Here’s what works:

• Answer Real Questions: Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find what people actually want to know. (Spoiler: It’s not just “Buy Now!”)

• Lists, Guides, & How-To Content: People love step-by-step posts.

• Original Takes: Stop copying the same tired content. Add your spin.

• Consistency: No, you don’t need to blog daily, but showing up regularly makes a difference.

  
  

  Avoid overusing AI for content generation, Google can tell it’s written by robots and they don’t like that. On the flip side, if your content feels like a dull, nobody’s reading it. Give your readers value they can act on while maintaining your goals and mission.

Step 3: Backlinks – Digital Clout

Imagine backlinks as digital street cred. When another site links to yours, it’s basically Google saying, “Hey, this person seems legit.”

How to get quality backlinks (without being sketchy):

• Guest Posting: Write for other industry blogs and link back to your site.

• Create Share-Worthy Content: Think infographics, ultimate guides, or actually funny memes people want to share.

• Local Partnerships: Got featured in a local magazine or chamber of commerce site? That counts too!

  
  

🚫 Avoid Buying backlinks. Google knows and your traffic will reflect that.

Step 4: Optimize Your Website (Speed Matters)

A slow website is like waiting for your coffee order when you're already late. People bounce. Fast.

Quick Fixes:

• Mobile-Friendly: If your site looks janky on mobile, you’re losing over half of your audience.

• Site Speed Tools: Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to test (and fix) loading issues.

• Compress Images: No one needs a 15MB photo of your air seeder slowing things down (Guilty of this one). Tools like Photoshop and TinyPNG help.

  
  

Step 5: Local SEO – Because You’re Not Competing with Beyoncé

If you're a local business, you don’t need to rank globally. Focus on local SEO instead.

Here’s how:

• Google My Business: Create (or claim) your listing. Complete everything. Make monthly updates using posts, photos, or Q&A.

• Reviews: Ask happy clients to leave reviews. Respond to them. Google loves social proof, and it builds your reputation.

• Location Keywords: Mention your city or service area naturally in your content.

• Local Listings & Directories: List your business on Yelp, Angi’s List, and local chambers. Get in contact with an agency to sync all online listings for you.

  
  

Step 6: Analytics (Yes, You Need to Check Your Homework)

You wouldn’t keep posting content without checking if they’re getting likes, right? Same with SEO.

• Google Analytics: Track traffic, bounce rates, and where people are dropping off.

• Search Console: See what terms you’re ranking for (and where you need work).

• Heatmaps (Hotjar): Want to get fancy? Watch how users navigate your site in real time. Creepy? Yes. Useful? Also, yes.

SEO isn’t magic. It’s strategy and patience.

✅ Use smart keywords.

✅ Write content people actually care about.

✅ Get those backlinks.

✅ Optimize your site speed.

✅ Focus on local SEO if you’re a service-based business.

Now go forth and conquer the first page of results! Or, you know... DM me if you need help. 😉

Grace's Place Passion Project