The Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Google Rankings Without Getting Penalized
Step #1: Get to Know the Google Algorithm
I could jump right into some actionable SEO strategies to use on your site right now.
But I want to set you up for long-term success so you’re not penalized every time a new update rolls out.
Google executives like Gary Illyes and John Mueller confirm Google constantly changes its algorithm, even though most of these changes aren’t publicly announced.
Step #2: Assess Your Current Google Ranking
To improve your Google ranking, you need to know where you stand. This is true even for new sites. Thankfully, there are several tools to help.
Use Ubersuggest to Check Your Site’s Keyword Rank
If you’ve been targeting specific keywords in page content, use my tool Ubersuggest to assess your rank.
Login, then use the “Traffic Overview” under the competitor report. Type in your domain, and you’ll see a list of SEO keywords your rank for, top pages, and an overview of your SEO keywords ranking.
Step #3: Track and Measure the Right SEO Metrics
Next, it’s time to track some vital metrics of your site to find out what other factors you need to improve. Here are the most important metrics to assess.
Organic Traffic
It’s important to know how visitors find your site via Google. In the past, organic search drove most website visitors, crushing non-organic channels like paid search and social media.
Today, social media, email, and paid ads often lead the pack in driving organic traffic — but that can vary drastically by industry.
To find out how many visitors reach your site, log in to your Google Analytics account and check out the acquisition channels report. This helpful Google Analytics guide will guide you.