HOW TO SHOW UP ON GOOGLE: DO THESE 3 THINGS

If you’ve been wondering why your website isn’t showing up on Google search results, or why you just aren't getting the traffic you want, it most likely comes down to these critical things every business needs.

No matter how good your business is, what types of life-changing products you're selling, or have a killer brand identity, if Google can’t find you, or doesn’t trust your site, no one else will either.

How to show up on Google - the 3 essentials you need:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

You’ve probably heard the term “SEO” thrown around, but what does it actually mean?

SEO is the process of optimizing your website so that search engines (like Google) understand what you do and sell so that it can appropriately rank you on it's search results.

It would be SO SO nice if Google just did it for you and got you to the first search result listing for all the wonderful things you do, but unfortunately you have to play a strategic game in order for Google to really index you in the way that you want.

When you do SEO, you need to hire someone (or learn to do is yourself) to:

• Use the right keywords on all your pages

• Write clear, useful content

• Structure your site so it’s easy to navigate

• Get links from other reputable websites

• Focus on local SEO if you're in a specific area

• Add in technical SEO for meta and title tags

Without SEO, your website is just a digital brochure floating in space. SEO puts you on the map, literally and figuratively.

2. A Complete & Active Google Business Profile

Want to show up in local searches or on Google Maps? Then your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable.

This free tool is often the first thing people see when searching for services like yours. But here’s the key: It needs to be fully filled out and regularly updated.

And even if you don't have a brick and mortar store, or help people in a certain area, having a Google Business Profile that's optimized and connects back to your website will only boost your search rankings.

To optimize your Google Business Profile make sure you:

• Add accurate business information (name, location, hours)

• Upload photos of your work or space

• Collect reviews from happy clients

• Post updates, offers, or events

When optimized, your Google Business Profile can be a powerful traffic and trust booster.

3. A Responsive, Error-Free Website

Even if you do get found on Google, visitors won’t stick around if your site is slow, broken, or looks bad on mobile. Google knows this too, and it factors into your rankings.

You want your site, specifically your homepage, to be completely optimized to encourage visitors to click and scroll. The more time on your site the more Google will favor you in rankings!

Your site must:

• Load quickly on all devices

• Be mobile-friendly (responsive design)

• Be free of technical errors (404s, broken links, etc.)

• Have clear compelling content

• Have engaging Calls to Action (buttons, downloads, signups)

Think of your website like your digital storefront. If the door is jammed or the lights are flickering, people won’t come in!

Google’s job is to deliver the best results to its users. Your job is to make it easy for Google to see that your business deserves to be one of them.

Start with these three essential items, and you’ll be way ahead of most small business owners trying to figure out online visibility.

Want help getting these in place? That’s exactly what we do. Schedule a free consultation to chat more about getting seen on Google.

Keep on growing -

Michelle Johnson

Owner, CEO, and Chief Marketing Guru of STAK Marketing

(and Your Future Fractional Marketing Director)

Michelle Johnson is a small business marketing expert and the founder of a results-driven marketing agency based in Utah. With 15 years of experience in corporate marketing, Michelle now focuses on supporting female-owned and operated businesses by taking marketing off their plate so they can focus on what they do best. Through fractional marketing services, Michelle acts as an extension of your team, providing everything from SEO marketing for small businesses and email marketing packages to comprehensive marketing audits and SEO copywriting services. Whether you're launching something new or looking to scale your growth, Michelle helps you craft and execute a clear, effective strategy that actually gets results If you're looking for a small business marketing agency that understands the challenges (and opportunities) of entrepreneurship, Michelle is your go-to partner in Salt Lake City and beyond.