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Unfortunately, there’s no set timeframe of when you’ll see your website ranking on Google. Because so many factors go into ranking on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP)—including website history, the competitive landscape, Google’s constantly evolving algorithm—there is no exact formula you can use to determine when you’ll rank.

However, there are steps and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies you can take to set yourself up for success.

What Is the Difference Between Getting Indexed and Appearing in the Search Results?

Getting indexed is simply just getting your page into Google’s database. But even though your website has been indexed by Google, that does not guarantee that your website will show up on the first page of search results, or even the fourth page.

Setting Your Website Up for Success

While it’s difficult to put a specific timeframe on when your site will appear on the first page of Google, here are some actions you can take to set your website up for success when it comes to ranking.

WordPress Dashboard

If your website is built on the WordPress platform, there is a setting in your WordPress dashboard stating, “discourage search engines from indexing this site”. It is typical to have this setting activated when a site is in the staging phase. But after launching your website, you must remember to turn this setting off.

Google Search Console

Connect your site with Google Search Console (formerly Google Webmaster Tools). This free service offered by Google analyzes your website and informs you of any errors. Google Search Console permits you to present your sitemap and/or individual page URLs straight to Google for review for indexing in their database.

Google Analytics

Make sure to incorporate Google Analytics with your site. This free service concentrates more on tracking and analyzing your site traffic. Linking your site to Google Analytics is another way to let Google know that your website exists.

On-Site Optimization

One of the most important aspects of on-page SEO is the meta descriptions and title tags since this dictates how your site listing appears on the SERP. Make sure that you create a free Google Business Profile listing.

Google Business Profile

It’s imperative that you have a Google Business Profile set-up if you want visibility in your local market. You will not have an opportunity to rank in the local pack (also known as the map pack) without one.

Backlinks

Another way to get Google’s attention is to have as many other websites as possible linking back to your site. It’s easy to check and update social media profiles like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and ensure they all link to your website. From there, update your profiles on online directories like Yelp or your local Chamber of Commerce. To really move the needle with backlinks, think about how you can leverage community development projects you may already be involved with in order to acquire valuable local backlinks.

Content

Creating high-quality, helpful content on your website will help your search engine visibility in a couple of ways. First, it will provide raw data to Google’s search engine crawlers that they can consume and index in their database. Second, high-quality content can result in backlinks to your site from other website owners or bloggers.

The Benefit of Google Ads

Although the timeline to rank on Google’s top organic search results is fluid, running a Google Ads campaign may present you with an opportunity to still have visibility on page one. If you’re willing to pay for the exposure, a well-designed ads campaign may allow you to “cut the line” and get to the front of Google’s search results.

Getting Your Site to the Top

If you want your business’ site to be at the top of Google’s search results, schedule a consultation with BluShark Digital today to see how digital marketing and SEO can improve traffic to your website!