{"id":1121,"date":"2018-09-26T07:47:14","date_gmt":"2018-09-26T07:47:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/?p=1121"},"modified":"2022-09-05T19:23:52","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T17:23:52","slug":"rank-on-the-first-page-of-google","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/seo-blog\/rank-on-the-first-page-of-google\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Rank on the First Page of Google"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_3-1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-image align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"620\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shutterstock_675851086-e1537947549148.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"DSM Digital School of Marketing - Rank on the first page of Google\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shutterstock_675851086-e1537947549148.jpg 620w, https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shutterstock_675851086-e1537947549148-600x436.jpg 600w, https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shutterstock_675851086-e1537947549148-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shutterstock_675851086-e1537947549148-275x200.jpg 275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>It\u2019s a fact that approximately 80% of online, and more than 45% of offline, purchases all start with a search query. What is a search query you might wonder? Well, it\u2019s any form of an online search happening on a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, etc. So in a nutshell, it\u2019s when you \u201cGoogle\u201d something. Yes, it\u2019s scary to think that search engines have impacted customer behaviour in such a dramatic way over the last few years. That is why it\u2019s so essential to ensure your business can be found online. But the burning question usually is: \u201cHow does one rank on the first page of Google?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately the answer is not black and white. In fact, it\u2019s so complex that Google mentioned there are over 220 factors that their algorithm called Rank Brain takes into account when ranking a website on their search engine. \u00a0For the sake of preventing you from suffering from information overload, we thought it might be best to list some of the most important factors below which will help you rank on the first page of Google.<\/p>\n<h2>Rank on the first page of Google<\/h2>\n<h2><strong>5 Major Ranking Factors That Have a Direct Impact on Your Google Rankings <\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3>Domain Authority<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Your domain age and authority play a huge role when it comes to your Google rankings. This is because thousands of websites get launched every single minute. Google sees domain authority as \u201ctrust\u201d. The higher your domain authority, the more Google \u201ctrusts\u201d your website. It\u2019s only natural that your domain authority will be low in the beginning because let\u2019s face it, no one really trusts the new guy.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3>Backlinks<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A link to someone else\u2019s website or a link pointing to your website is similar to a \u201cvote\u201d in Google\u2019s eyes. A backlink specifically is when another website is linking out to yours. When someone links out to your website, it\u2019s like they are \u201capproving\u201d the fact that your site is trustworthy. The same goes when you link to another website.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3>Keywords<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A keyword is a word that helps articulate what you are trying to rank for on Google. If you have a website for your business then it\u2019s essential that you clearly articulate your products and services on the site. This is not only beneficial in explaining to customers what your business has to offer but it can also help Google understand what your business and website is all about.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1124 size-shop_single\" style=\"font-size: 28px;\" src=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shutterstock_1072023416-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"DSM Digital School of Marketing - Rank on the first page of Google\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3>Meta Tags and Titles<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This is now where things might git a bit techie, however, bear with us. We will try and keep it as simple as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Metadata, when it comes to search engines, refers to information that can help better explain your blog topic, posts or website. The most common metadata search engines require in order to get a better understanding of your site or post are meta titles and meta descriptions.<\/p>\n<h4><em>Meta Title <\/em><\/h4>\n<p>When it comes to providing your website or blog post with a title, you need basically need two titles. You need to provide the actual title of the post. This is the title the reader will see. And then the title you are providing Google (the meta title) is the title that can help Google better understand what your post is all about. Google will use this to match it to a specific search query of a user.<\/p>\n<h4><em>Meta Description <\/em><\/h4>\n<p>Similar to a meta title, a meta description is the overview of your post that you are providing Google. See it as a 160-character summary that sums up the post to provide Google with some extra information about the post.<\/p>\n<h4><em>Why is Metadata so Important?<\/em><\/h4>\n<p>Metadata is crucial when it comes to ranking your website on search engines and getting to rank on the first page of Google. Without it search engines might not have a full understanding of what your blog or post is all about which means that it won\u2019t be able to match your website or post to a specific user\u2019s search query.<\/p>\n<p>As the world of digital becomes increasingly crowded by the day so the need to optimise your website becomes more important. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Web Analytics is not a luxury but an absolute necessity. (Want to know about why you need to define your target market for SEO purposes? Read <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/why-understanding-your-target-market-is-essential-in-an-seo-strategy\/\">our article<\/a> to find out.)<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/contact-us\/\">Contact the Digital School of Marketing<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>Our information-filled <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/courses\/seo-and-web-analytics-course\/\">Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Web Analytics Course<\/a> will you what it takes for your website to reach the number one spot on search engine results pages. If you have a passion for marketing, statistics and technical knowledge of websites then this course is definitely for you!<\/p>\n<p>The Digital School of Marketing (DSM) brings together the best SEO minds in the business to bring you this comprehensive course. It runs over a three-month period. It ensures that you are ready to face the on-page, off-page and technical aspects of SEO and Web Analytics. After completing this course you will be well on your way to be able to enter the job market or increase your position as a comprehensive SEO and Web Analytics specialist. Follow <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/courses\/seo-and-web-analytics-course\/\">this link<\/a> to read more.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cImP9WWJVh4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-758 size-shop_single\" src=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSM_Footer03-600x96.jpg\" alt=\"DSM Digital School of Marketing SEO and Web Analytics course registration\" width=\"600\" height=\"96\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_justify\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_2\" href=\"#enquiry\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Enquire Today<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><h3 class=\"w-text us_custom_6caa4608 has_text_color\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Blog Categories<\/span><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_5cd26a65\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><ul>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-1\"><a href=\"\/blog\/content-marketing\/\">Content Marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-2\"><a href=\"\/blog\/digital-marketing\/\">Digital Marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-2\"><a href=\"\/blog\/cyber-security-blog\/\">Cyber Security<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-2\"><a href=\"\/blog\/graphic-design-blog\/\">Graphic Design<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-3\"><a href=\"\/blog\/public-relations\/\">Public Relations<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-4\"><a href=\"\/blog\/seo\/\">SEO<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-5\"><a href=\"\/blog\/social-media-marketing\/\">Social Media Marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-5\"><a href=\"\/blog\/web-design-blog\/\">Web Design<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><h3 class=\"w-text us_custom_6caa4608 has_text_color\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">You might also like<\/span><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"w-html\"><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/social-media-marketing-blog\/zero-moment-of-truth-benefit-social-media-marketing\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Use the Zero Moment of Truth to Benefit your Social Media Marketing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/digital-marketing-blog\/your-complete-guide-to-ppc-marketing-basic\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Your Complete Guide to PPC Marketing Basics. Find out more.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/blog\/you-can-convey-a-lot-of-meaning-with-just-one-graphic\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">You Can Convey a Lot Of Meaning With Just One Graphic<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/digital-marketing-blog\/would-you-make-a-great-marketing-manager\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Would you make a great marketing manager?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/in-the-press\/win-with-bona-magazine-and-the-digital-school-of-marketing\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Win with Bona Magazine and the Digital School of Marketing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/in-the-press\/win-a-digital-marketing-course-valued-at-r12-000\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Win a Digital Marketing Course Valued at  R12 000<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_medium\"><\/div><h3 class=\"w-text us_custom_6caa4608 has_text_color\"><span class=\"w-text-h\"><span class=\"w-text-value\">Top Selling COurses<\/span><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_5cd26a65\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><ul>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-1\"><a href=\"\/courses\/digital-marketing-course\/\">Intermediate Digital Marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-2\"><a href=\"\/courses\/advanced-digital-marketing-course\/\">Advanced Digital Marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-3\"><a href=\"\/courses\/social-media-marketing-course\/\">Intermediate Social media marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-4\"><a href=\"\/courses\/digital-brand-management-course\/\">Brand Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-5\"><a href=\"\/courses\/graphic-design-course\/\">Basic Graphic Design<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-6\"><a href=\"\/courses\/advanced-graphic-design-course\/\">Advanced Graphic design<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-7\"><a href=\"\/courses\/national-certificate-of-advertising\/\">National Certificate of Advertising<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"cat-item cat-item-8\"><a href=\"\/courses\/national-diploma-of-copywriting-course\/\">National Diploma of Copyrighting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_medium\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-video align_none ratio_16x9 has_iframe\"><div class=\"w-video-h\"><iframe title=\"Youtube video player\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cImP9WWJVh4?autoplay=0&controls=1&origin=https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za&loop=0&mute=0\" allowfullscreen=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div><div class=\"w-video-icon\" style=\"font-size:1.5rem;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);color:#fff\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1123,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[264],"tags":[26,168,27,167],"class_list":["post-1121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seo-blog","tag-online-search","tag-ranking","tag-search-engines","tag-serp"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1121\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}