How to improve your website’s pages for better Google results is a challenge that many Australian businesses face, especially as more people use search engines to find products and services. If your web pages aren’t showing up where you want them to in Google search results, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are clear, practical steps you can take to help your site rank higher and reach more people-without needing to be a technical expert.
This article will walk you through the essentials of on page SEO, breaking down what matters most and how you can apply these steps to your own website. You’ll learn how to make your pages easy for search engines and users to understand, how to create content that answers real questions, and how to use simple tools to track your progress. By the end, you’ll have a page technicalSEO checklist you can use to keep your site moving up the search engine results page.
Why Your Website’s Pages Might Not Be Ranking Well
Many business owners put time and effort into their websites, only to find their pages buried deep in Google search results. This can be frustrating, especially if you know you have something valuable to offer. There are a few common reasons why this happens:
Search engines can’t easily figure out what your pages are about.
Your content doesn’t match what people are searching for (search intent).
Technical issues, like slow page speed or broken links, are holding you back.
Your site isn’t set up to help search engine bots crawl and index pages efficiently.
If any of this sound familiar, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you how to address these issues step by step.
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Laying the Groundwork: Tools and Setup
Essential Tools for Website Owners
Before you dive into keyword research or content creation, set up the right tools:
Google Analytics: Track how people find and use your website. This helps you see which pages get the most organic traffic and where visitors come from.
Google Search Console: Monitor your site’s performance in Google search. This tool shows which search terms bring people to your site, highlights any issues, and helps you improve your search engine results.
Google Business Profile: If your business has a physical location, this tool makes it easier for local customers to find you in search results and on Google Maps.
Structuring Your Website
A clear site structure helps both users and search engines navigate your website. Use simple menus, group related pages together, and make sure every page is easy to find. Internal links-links from one page on your site to another-help users discover more content and help search engines crawl your site more efficiently.
Finding and Using Relevant Keywords
How to Find Relevant Keywords
Keyword research is a core part of any effective SEO strategy. Start by thinking about the search queries your target audience might use. Tools like Google Search Console and Google Keyword Planner can show you which search terms are popular and how much search volume they get.
Focus on:
Long tail keywords: These are specific phrases, like “best plumber in Canberra,” that are easier to rank for and more likely to attract people ready to take action.
Related keywords: Use terms that are closely linked to your main topic. This helps you cover relevant topics and appear in more search engine results.
Using Keywords the Right Way
Once you’ve found your target keyword and related keywords, use them naturally in your content. Place your main keyword in the page titles, headings, and throughout the text where it makes sense. Avoid keyword stuffing-repeating the same word too often can make your content hard to read and may hurt your rankings.
Creating Content That Ranks
Writing High Quality Content
When you create content, focus on what your audience wants to know. Answer common questions, solve problems, and provide clear, helpful information. This not only helps users understand your business but also increases your chances of being featured in a featured snippet spot at the top of Google search results.
Blog posts: Regularly publishing blog posts on relevant topics keeps your site up to date and gives you more opportunities to rank for different search terms.
Descriptive file names and alt text: When you add images, use descriptive file names and alt text. This helps screen readers and gives search engines more information about your content.
Optimising On-Page Elements
Page titles and title link: Make sure every page has a unique, clear title that includes your main keyword.
Meta description: Write a short summary for each page. This appears in search engine results and can encourage people to click.
Header tags: Use headings (like H2 and H3) to organise your content. This makes it easier for users to read and helps search engines understand your page structure.
Improving Technical SEO
Speed and Usability
Page speed is a key ranking factor. If your site loads slowly, visitors may leave before they even see your content. To improve site speed:
Optimise images: Use the right size and format for web images.
Check page load speed: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can show you where to make improvements.
Core web vitals: These are measurements of how quickly your site loads and how smoothly it works. Keeping your site fast and easy to use helps both users and search engines.
Keeping Your Site Healthy
Fix broken links: Regularly check for links that don’t work and update or remove them.
Internal links: Link to other relevant pages on your site to help users find more information.
Mobile-friendly design: Make sure your site looks good and works well on phones and tablets.
Building Trust and Authority
The Role of Backlinks
Links from other websites to yours-known as high quality backlinks-show search engines that your site is trustworthy and valuable. Focus on:
Link building: Reach out to other sites in your industry and offer to share useful content.
Anchor text: When linking to your site, use descriptive words that tell users and search engines what the page is about.
Staying Up to Date
Google’s algorithm changes regularly, so it’s important to keep your SEO strategy current. Review your content, update old information, and follow an SEO checklist to make sure you’re covering all the basics.
Measuring Your Progress
Tracking SEO Metrics
To see how your efforts are paying off, monitor key SEO metrics:
Organic traffic: The number of visitors who find your site through search engines.
Keyword rankings: Where your site appears in search engine results for your target keywords.
Conversion rate: How many visitors take action, like filling out a form or making a purchase.
Analysing and Adapting
Use competitor analysis to see what other sites are doing well and find opportunities to improve your own content. Adjust your strategy based on what works-SEO is an ongoing process, not a one-time task.
Local SEO for Australian Businesses
Reaching Your Local Audience
If you have a physical location, local SEO helps you connect with people nearby. Use your city or region in your keywords and content, and make sure your business details are consistent everywhere online.
Google Business Profile: Keep your details accurate and encourage customers to leave reviews.
Local content: Write about local events or news to show your part of the community.
Actionable SEO Checklist for Beginners
Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Research and use relevant keywords and long tail keywords.
Write high quality content that matches search intent.
Optimise page titles, meta descriptions, and headings.
Use internal links to connect related pages.
Check and improve page speed and core web vitals.
Fix broken links and avoid keyword stuffing.
Build high quality backlinks from other sites.
Keep your content up to date.
Track your SEO metrics and adjust your strategy as needed.
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Conclusion
Getting started with SEO tips for beginners doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on relevant keywords, creating content that answers your audience’s questions, and making your website easy for both users and search engines to navigate, you can significantly boost your site’s presence in Google search results.
We know that managing SEO while running your business can be a challenge. If you want to take the guesswork out of search engine optimization and see real results, our team at ACT Marketing is here to help. We offer straightforward, effective SEO strategies tailored for Australian businesses-so you can focus on what you do best.
Ready to grow your online traffic and reach more customers? Contact us today to get started with a simple, effective SEO plan that works for you.