Online visibility can make or break a business’s success. When someone searches for “best donuts near me” or “electrician in Utah,” you want your business to show up. And if you can get to the top of Google results, that’s the ideal.
Knowing how to get your business on Google is important, but it’s even more vital to understand how to get your business on the top of Google search. By following this step-by-step plan, you can secure your spot, enhance your online presence, and increase your visibility.
How To Get Your Business on Top of Google Search:
- Why Getting Found on Google Matters
- Steps to Getting Your Business Ranking on Google Search
- Step 1: Set Up and Verify Your Google Business Profile
- Step 2: Optimize Your Website for Google Search
- Step 3: Build Authority With Content and Reviews
- Step 4: Use Video and Social Channels to Expand Visibility
- Step 5: Analyze Competitors and Improve Performance
- Getting Your Business to Rank on Google Takes Time
- Get Faster Results with a Marketing Agency
Why Getting Found on Google Matters
When potential customers look for products or services, Google is their first stop. Showing up high in those results increases your credibility and connects you directly to customers who are ready to buy.
Studies show the difference between ranking first and not ranking on the first page can be enormous. One recent study found that the top ten organic results on Google receive 61.5% of all clicks on desktop and 74.3% on mobile. If your business is buried on page two (or beyond), you’re likely missing out on the lion’s share of potential traffic, leads, and conversions.
Ranking high doesn’t just bring more clicks. It builds trust from consumers. A strong Google presence signals that your business is reliable and established. With local search optimization becoming more important, even small businesses can compete in their area.
But visibility doesn’t happen by chance. It requires consistency and a digital marketing strategy with the right mix of optimization, content, and authority-building.
Steps to Getting Your Business Ranking on Google Search
Step 1: Set Up and Verify Your Google Business Profile
The first step in adding your business to Google Search is claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business. This is essential for improving local rankings and appearing in Google’s Map Pack.
How to set up your profile:
- Visit Google Business Profile Manager.
- Add your business name, address, and business category.
- Verify your business on Google (by postcard, phone, or email).
- Add hours, photos, and your website link.
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
An optimized GBP listing helps you appear for searches like “near me” or “[your service] in [your city].” You can also get your business listed on Google Maps for more visibility
Step 2: Optimize Your Website for Google Search
Whether or not your business has a physical storefront, every online business has a digital storefront: your website. Google’s algorithm will judge it carefully. There is power in digital marketing and website optimization.
Here’s how to improve your on-page SEO:
Use strategic keywords: Naturally incorporate terms that apply to your business on your site. For example, if you want to rank for “how to get my business on top of Google search” or “what are the top online marketing agencies near me,” those keyword phrases should appear on your website.
Optimize your metadata: Write concise, keyword-rich title tags and meta descriptions that clearly describe each page’s purpose. Image alt text should also describe the image and include relevant keywords where appropriate.
Improve site performance: Ensure your website loads fast, is mobile-friendly, and uses HTTPS. A smooth, secure browsing experience signals to Google that your site is trustworthy and user-focused.
Write high-quality content: Create informative and well-structured pages that answer real customer questions. When your content provides genuine value, users stay longer, and Google rewards that engagement.
Consider AI-driven search changes: Adapt your content for conversational, natural-language searches. Google’s AI and Search Generative Experience (SGE) prefers clear, well-organized information that directly addresses user intent.
Website optimization is no easy task, and many marketing mistakes can be made in the process. Your time may be better spent building your business in other ways. Want expert help? Learn how ZipLocal’s SEO Services can increase your rankings faster.
Step 3: Build Authority with Content and Reviews
Trust and authority are often forgotten in digital marketing plans, but Google prioritizes businesses that can show it. Two powerful ways to build authority and trustworthiness are through consistent content and strong customer reviews.
Post high-value content regularly
Blogs, FAQs, and case studies help Google understand your expertise. Fresh, original content also signals your site is active and relevant.
Get reviews and respond to them.
Positive reviews build trust with both Google and your customers. Responding to every review (even negative ones) shows professionalism and engagement.
There are ways to improve the quality and quantity of your reviews. This doesn’t just help with building authority. Businesses with frequent, positive reviews often appear in the coveted Google local pack, the top three listings that show under the map.
Step 4: Use Video and Social Channels to Expand Visibility
Video is a proven way to increase audience interaction. A study by MIT found that the brain can identify and react to images in “as little as 13 milliseconds.” Telling your story through video, even a short one, can engage your audience’s visual and audio senses.
Since Google owns YouTube, video content often ranks higher and gains more visibility in search results. Businesses that use video see higher engagement and longer on-site time.
How to leverage video:
- Create short, informative videos about your products and services.
- Add videos to blog posts, articles, and landing pages.
- Share videos on social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Combined with regular posting on social channels, video helps amplify your brand and can even generate backlinks that improve SEO.
Step 5: Analyze Competitors and Improve Performance
Outranking your competitors can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t know what they are doing right.
Here’s how to start:
- Search for your target keywords and note which competitors appear on the first page.
- Review their content (written, photo, video), site speed, and engagement.
- Use free tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor performance.
Then, look for gaps in your own strategy. Maybe your competitors publish more frequently, or their websites load faster. Adjust your website and continually check to improve.
If you’d like help identifying opportunities to improve rankings, ZipLocal can provide a custom competitor analysis and roadmap for improvement.
Getting Your Business to Rank on Google Takes Time
Ranking on Google isn’t instant. It’s a marathon, not a 100-meter sprint.
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, it could be due to not having a verified business profile, weak SEO, or a lack of authority signals like reviews or backlinks. The good news is that it’s fixable!
So, how long does it take to rank higher on Google?
With consistent SEO, many businesses can start seeing measurable results within three to six months. The timeline depends on your competition, industry, and budget.
How much does it cost to get your website on the first page of Google?
Costs vary widely. Some businesses manage SEO on their own, while others invest in professional services that can speed up results and maximize ROI.
Keep in mind that you can pay for Google Ads to appear at the top temporarily, but you can’t pay Google to rank higher organically. Those top spots are earned through strategy and trust.
Get Faster Results with a Marketing Agency
Doing everything yourself can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to run a business. If you’re looking to outsource to a solid marketing agency, ZipLocal can help.
We partner with businesses to deliver digital marketing solutions that drive growth and enhance brand awareness, making marketing simple and effective.
We take the guesswork out of SEO so you can focus on serving your customers. Contact us today and start your climb to the top of Google Search.
