5 Proven Ways to Rank Higher on Google

When someone searches online, they rarely scroll past the first page of results. That’s why showing up near the top on Google is more than just a vanity metric, it’s about driving traffic, building trust, and staying competitive. While Google’s algorithm is always evolving, the basics of SEO still hold strong. 

Let’s break down five proven strategies that can help your website climb the rankings.

1. Optimize for User Intent

Before you use keywords, think about why someone is searching in the first place. Are they looking for information? Trying to find a specific site? Ready to make a purchase?

Tailoring your content to match this intent is key. For example, a blog post about “how to choose the right running shoes” meets informational intent. A product page about your best-selling sneakers speaks to transactional intent.

Look at the top search results for your target keyword. What kind of content is Google ranking? Tools like AnswerThePublic or even Google’s own suggestions can give insight into what people really want to see.

Want help crafting content that speaks to your audience? Check out our content marketing services.

2. Improve On-Page SEO

You don’t need to be an expert to handle the essentials. Start with the following:

• Meta titles and descriptions: Make them clear, concise, and include your main keyword.

• Headings: Use H1 for your main title and H2/H3 for sub-sections. Break content into scannable chunks.

• Internal links: Link to other relevant pages on your site. For example, guide readers to your SEO services page.

• Keyword use: Use keywords naturally, don’t cram them.

• Image optimization: Add alt text and compress your files so they load fast.

Using tools like Yoast SEO or SurferSEO can make this process easier. Still, don’t get caught up in “green light” chasing, focus on quality over checklists.

If you're unsure where to start, consider running a full on-page audit. Our team at GRO can help identify what’s missing.

3. Build Strong Backlinks

Backlinks, links from other websites to yours, still play a big role in rankings. They show Google that others trust your content.

But not all links are created equal. A few high-quality links from reputable sites are worth way more than dozens from spammy ones. Focus on strategies like:

• Writing guest posts for industry blogs

• Getting featured in local news or niche publications (a form of digital PR)

• Finding broken links on other sites and suggesting your content as a replacement

We use these methods every day. See how we approach link building at GRO.

4. Speed Up Your Website

Site speed doesn’t just affect SEO it impacts whether people stick around. A slow-loading page can lead to higher bounce rates and frustrated users.

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to see what’s dragging your site down. Then, make some quick wins:

• Compressing images without sacrificing quality

• Use a content delivery network (CDN)

• Minify unnecessary code (CSS, JavaScript)

If you're not sure where to start, our team can help with a full technical audit.

5. Create High-Value, Fresh Content

SEO isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. You need to consistently publish new, helpful content and refresh older pages to keep them relevant.

Here’s how:

• Create a mix of evergreen content (e.g. “How to Choose a Web Host”) and trending posts (e.g. “SEO Trends for 2025”).

• Update outdated stats, add new links, and rework headlines every few months.

• Focus on quality. Thin, keyword-stuffed content doesn’t perform well and can hurt your site’s credibility.

For help developing a content calendar that works for your audience, check out our content marketing services.

Final Thoughts

Improving your Google ranking doesn’t happen overnight, but you can start seeing progress by taking small, intentional steps:

1. Match your content with what users are really looking for

2. Nail the SEO basics on every page

3. Build meaningful backlinks

4. Make sure your website runs fast

5. Publish fresh, relevant content consistently

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with just one tactic or reach out for a free SEO audit. We’re here to help you grow.