How to Start Ranking on Google

If your business isn’t showing up on Google, you’re missing out on valuable traffic and potential leads. Ranking on Google is essential for increasing visibility, especially for local businesses and service providers. At WebChef.io, we help small to medium-sized businesses create smart, high-performing websites that are built for search. In this post, you’ll learn how to start ranking on Google with foundational SEO strategies that actually work.

1. Build a Strong Website Foundation

Google favors websites that are fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Before chasing keywords or backlinks, ensure your site is professionally built and optimized for performance. Your website should serve both your users and search engines equally well.

  • Mobile responsiveness: Make sure your site looks and functions well on all devices.
  • Fast load time: Compress images, use caching, and minimize unnecessary scripts to reduce load speed.
  • Clear site structure: Logical navigation helps Google crawl and index your pages efficiently.
  • Use SSL: Secure websites (HTTPS) are favored in search rankings.

2. Target the Right Keywords

Effective keyword research lays the groundwork for SEO success. Instead of broad, competitive terms, focus on long-tail and location-specific keywords relevant to your business and services.

  1. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find relevant topics.
  2. Target keywords with clear search intent like “kitchen remodeling in Denver” or “licensed HVAC company near me.”
  3. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content.

3. Optimize On-Page SEO Elements

On-page SEO is the practice of fine-tuning your web pages so they rank better in search results. This includes optimizing both visible content and HTML elements behind the scenes.

  • Page titles and meta descriptions: Include your target keyword and a compelling reason to click.
  • Use H1, H2, and H3 headings to structure your content for readability.
  • Alt tags for images: Describe images with relevant keywords to support SEO and accessibility.
  • Internal linking: Guide users to related pages on your site, helping Google understand your site structure.

4. Create Quality, Localized Content

Consistently publishing valuable content not only supports your SEO but builds trust with your audience. For local businesses, it’s crucial to write for your geographical area to attract nearby customers.

  1. Develop service pages tailored to each location you serve.
  2. Publish blogs answering common customer questions (e.g., “How much does bathroom remodeling cost in Austin?”).
  3. Showcase completed projects with photos and customer reviews to build credibility.

5. Get on Google Business Profile

If you’re a local service provider, having a complete and optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) can significantly impact your local map rankings. Often, this is how customers discover businesses like yours.

  • Claim and verify your listing at google.com/business.
  • Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is accurate and consistent across all directories.
  • Add business hours, high-quality photos, and service areas.
  • Regularly collect and respond to customer reviews.

6. Earn Relevant Backlinks

Backlinks—links from other trustworthy websites to yours—act as endorsements in Google’s eyes. Quality matters more than quantity, so focus on gaining links from sources that are relevant to your industry or region.

  1. Partner with local contractors, associations, or service directories to list or reference your website.
  2. Write guest posts for industry blogs or submit articles to local publications.
  3. Create helpful tools or content others naturally want to share, like home maintenance checklists or project calculators.

7. Monitor Your Performance & Make Adjustments

SEO is not a one-time task — it requires ongoing attention. Use data tools to track your progress and find areas for improvement.

  • Google Search Console: Monitor how your website appears in search results and identify crawl errors.
  • Google Analytics: Track visitor behavior, conversions, and traffic sources.
  • Review rankings regularly to spot trends and refine your keyword strategy.

Conclusion

Getting your business to rank on Google doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy and support, it’s absolutely within reach. Focus on building a high-performance website, optimizing your content, and targeting the right keywords. At WebChef.io, we specialize in building custom websites and SEO strategies for local service businesses — all designed to convert visitors into paying customers. If you’re serious about increasing visibility and leads online, connect with us today to start your path to better rankings.