Top 10 on Google, Guaranteed…Really?

A simple search in Google reveals just how popular this statements is, BUT, is it really that easy and can a Top 10 spot on Google really be guaranteed? The answer is, YES and NO, so why the contradicting answer?

Think about it for a second, the internet is a HUGE global highway filled with millions of websites an just about all of them are competing for that same spot. Just having a website online doesn’t cut it, you have to market it, optimise it for search engines and more importantly optimise it for your users. Getting to that top 10 spot is no easy task, but it is most definitely possible. There are 3 factors involved on your journey to that top spot, Time, Dedication an optionally Money.

For a good example with regards to time and dedication I am going to use MyPE as an example. MyPE is a tightly focused Port Elizabeth based community site, and what got MyPE to the top is pure dedication and hours of hard work. MyPE ranks in the top 10 of Google for a very very competitive keyword, Port Elizabeth. One of the main reasons MyPE ranks so well is it’s constant stream of fresh and relevant content related to Port Elizabeth, this is an important factor where Google is involved. One of the main reasons Google is such a preferred search engine is because of the fact that it serves up relevant and up to date information related to you search query. So having a source of constantly updated and relevant content is one way of working your way to the top, the key is to stay consistent and dedicated.

So what about websites that do not get updated so regularly… like my company website?

Most business websites don’t get updated on a frequent bases, even if they have an on-site blog that does get updated frequently they might be in a very competitive industry.  Here search engine optimisation (SEO) is the key. You will need a well optimised website that has frequent visits and other websites that link back to your website (This is known as Link Building). And this where the money bit comes in. Most business owners either do not have the time or necessary knowledge to perform well rounded SEO tasks or tackle long term link building campaigns.

What is the best way for me to to rank well on Search Engines like Google? Short answer, Link Building.

Link building is one of the most powerful ways to both market your website and get proper ranking in search engines. There are plenty of companies and SEO freelancers out there that market link building campaigns, some even say: Top 10 Guaranteed or Your Money back. Watch out for statements like that.

The idea is to rank well for competitive keywords, noncompetitive keywords are easier to rank well for, so it will be easy for someone to say that they will get you on the top 10 of Google but end up using  noncompetitive keywords.

I will be talking more about ranking and link building in my next article.