How to Rank Higher on Google Search: Proven SEO Tips

How to Rank Higher on Google Search: Straightforward SEO Tips That Actually Work

If you’ve ever wondered why your competitors show up on page one while your site lingers in the background, you’re not alone. Ranking higher on Google is one of the most common goals for businesses—and for good reason. It’s where visibility, trust, and conversions begin.

At Alex Furfaro SEO Consulting, we work with businesses across industries who want to improve their search presence without the guesswork. Whether you’re new to SEO or trying to refine your existing strategy, here’s what actually moves the needle in 2025.

Why Google Rankings Still Matter (A Lot)

Let’s face it—no one’s clicking to page two. And even on page one, most users don’t look past the top few results.

Here’s why that matters:

• The higher you rank, the more organic traffic you attract
• Search traffic is typically more qualified (they’re actively looking for what you offer)
• You can build long-term visibility without paying for every click

When your site consistently shows up at the top, you’re seen as the go-to expert. And that credibility can do wonders for your bottom line.

1. Nail Down the Technical Basics First

Before you start blogging or tweaking keywords, make sure your website is built to perform. Think of this as setting the foundation—because without it, even the best content can fall flat.

Speed and Mobile Friendliness Matter

Google rewards fast, mobile-friendly websites. That’s not news, but it’s often overlooked. Run a PageSpeed Insights test. Shrink oversized images. Simplify your layout. These fixes can make your site easier to use—and easier for Google to love. Read our 6 techniques for improving website speed that still applies to current standards.

Make Sure Google Can Actually See Your Site

It’s surprising how many sites accidentally block Google from crawling or indexing pages. Double-check your sitemap, robots.txt file, and make sure your most important pages are showing up in Search Console.

2. Stop Guessing—Start With the Right Keywords

If you want to show up in search results, you need to speak your audience’s language. And that starts with smart keyword research.

Understand What People Are Really Searching For

Forget about just chasing high-volume terms. You want to focus on intent. Are people looking for information? A service? A solution to a problem?
For example:

• “SEO company in Columbus” = ready to hire
• “how to get more traffic to my website” = needs education first

Use Related Terms to Build Context

Google looks beyond exact matches. Using phrases like “increase search visibility,” “improve rankings,” or “how to rank better on Google” helps reinforce what your page is about. Sprinkle them in naturally—they don’t need to be forced.

3. Optimize What You Already Control

Once you’ve nailed your keywords, make sure you’re using them in the right places. This is where a few key changes can go a long way.

Write Titles and Meta Descriptions That Deserve Clicks

You don’t need to be clickbait-y—but your title tag should make people want to click. Pair your main keyword with a benefit or hook:
“How to Rank Higher on Google Search | Tips That Actually Work”

Use Clear Headings and Helpful Links

Break your content into sections with heading tags (H2s, H3s, etc.). It makes things easier to read and tells Google how your content is organized. And don’t forget to link to other relevant pages on your site—it keeps people exploring and spreads authority across your site.

Don’t Sleep on Image Optimization

Rename image files with descriptive keywords (e.g., rank-higher-on-google.jpg) and use clear, useful alt text. It’s good for accessibility and search.

4. Create Content That Earns Trust (And Traffic)

Anyone can throw together a blog post. But content that ranks answers questions clearly, offers real value, and shows that you know your stuff.

Match Content Type to Search Intent

If someone’s looking for a tutorial, they don’t want a sales pitch. And if they’re searching for local services, they’re not after a 3,000-word think piece. Know what they need—and deliver it.

Show You’re an Expert (Because You Are)

Google pays attention to E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
How do you show that?

• Add an author bio
• Link to credible sources
• Share client results or testimonials
• Keep your info accurate and up to date

Update Your Content Regularly

SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. If you wrote a great post two years ago, revisit it. Refresh outdated info, add new insights, and reoptimize if needed. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost rankings without reinventing the wheel.

5. Earn Backlinks the Right Way

Backlinks are still one of the strongest signals to Google that your site is worth ranking. But it’s not about quantity—it’s about relevance and trust.

Why Links Matter

Think of a backlink like a recommendation. When a reputable site links to you, it’s saying, “This content is worth reading.” The more of those you earn—especially from industry-related sources—the more authority you build.

How to Get Them Without Spammy Tactics

• Write helpful guest posts for sites in your niche
• Get quoted in expert roundups or news articles (HARO is great for this)
• Create content people want to link to (think guides, tools, or stats)

Not every link needs to be from a big-name site. A few solid, relevant backlinks go a long way. Make sure you use natural anchor text like “Contact Alex Furfaro SEO Consulting for more information” using your brand name or mix it up with your “brand + keyword” to be a little more aggressive (but don’t over optimize).  

6. Don’t Overlook Local SEO (If You’re Local)

If you serve a specific area—like Columbus, Ohio—then local SEO should be a big part of your strategy.

Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated

It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. Add photos, respond to reviews, update your hours, and choose the right service categories. These details help Google (and potential clients) know who you are and what you do.

Local Listings and Reviews Matter More Than You Think

Consistent business info across directories helps with trust and visibility. And real, recent reviews? They influence rankings and conversions. Make it easy for happy customers to leave feedback.

7. Track What’s Working (And What Isn’t)

SEO isn’t a one-and-done effort. The landscape changes, your competition evolves, and what worked last year might not work now.

Use the Right Tools

Google Analytics and Search Console are your best friends. They’ll show you where traffic is coming from, what’s performing, and where there’s room to improve.

Run Site Audits Now and Then

Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to catch broken links, slow-loading pages, or outdated content. Fixing these issues keeps your site healthy and helps protect your rankings.

Common SEO Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, a few common mistakes can drag your rankings down:

• Keyword stuffing: Repeating the same phrase over and over doesn’t help—it hurts.
• Duplicate content: Make sure every page has something unique to offer.
• Ignoring mobile users: If your site doesn’t work well on a phone, you’re missing out.
• Buying spammy links: It’s not worth the risk.

When to Bring in an SEO Pro

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things just aren’t clicking. That’s when working with an SEO consultant can help. Whether it’s a deep audit, a content strategy, or technical fixes, the right guidance can fast-track your progress.

If you’re feeling stuck, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts: Google Rankings Take Time—But They’re Worth It

There’s no magic switch to jump to page one overnight. But with a focused, consistent approach, you can improve your visibility, drive more traffic, and build long-term growth.

Need help figuring out where to start? Get in touch for a free SEO consultation. We’ll take a look at your site, your goals, and build a plan that works for you.

FAQ

How long does it take to rank higher on Google?
It depends on your current position, the competitiveness of your keywords, and how consistent your efforts are. Many see noticeable improvements in 3–6 months.

Is it possible to improve rankings without backlinks?
To some extent, yes—especially for low-competition keywords. But for competitive topics, backlinks are usually necessary to outrank others.

What’s more important—content or technical SEO?
They go hand in hand. Great content won’t rank if your site isn’t crawlable, and a technically perfect site won’t perform without valuable content.

Do I need to publish content weekly?
Not necessarily. Focus on quality over quantity. A few well-written, optimized pieces can outperform dozens of mediocre posts.

Will running ads help my organic rankings?
Not directly. Paid ads don’t influence organic rankings, but they can increase visibility and help you test messaging.