How to Improve Website SEO to Rank Higher on Google (2025 Guide)

🗓️ Published: June 28, 2025 | Updated: June 28, 2025

Learn how to improve website SEO to rank higher on Google with actionable strategies backed by experience, tools, and proven techniques.

Introduction: The Battle for Google’s Page 1

Want to know how to improve website SEO to rank higher on Google? You’re not alone. Every business, blogger, and brand is fighting for top spots in search results. But here's the hard truth: if you're not on Page 1, you're invisible.

According to Backlinko, the first result on Google gets 31.7% of all clicks. The second? Just 24.7%. And by the time you hit the tenth result, that number drops below 3%. So ranking high isn't optional—it’s essential.

The good news? With the right SEO strategies, you can climb the rankings and beat your competitors. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how.

What Is SEO and Why It Matters

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of enhancing your website so that it appears higher in organic (non-paid) search engine results. It’s the foundation of modern digital visibility.

SEO is made up of three key pillars:

• On-page SEO: optimizing content, HTML tags, and user experience
• Off-page SEO: backlinks, domain authority, and external signals
• Technical SEO: website speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawlability

Now let’s dive into how to improve website SEO to rank higher on Google, step by step.

✅ 1. Conduct an SEO Audit

Before you improve, you need to know what’s broken.

How to Run a Website SEO Audit

• Use tools like Ahrefs Site Audit, Semrush, or Google Search Console
• Check for:
  • Missing or duplicate meta tags
  • Broken links (404 errors)
  • Crawl errors
  • Site speed issues
  • Mobile usability problems

Regular audits ensure you're not losing ranking power unknowingly.

✅ 2. Optimize for Core Web Vitals

Google now uses Core Web Vitals as a ranking factor. These measure page speed, visual stability, and responsiveness.

Improve Page Experience:

• Use PageSpeed Insights
• Compress images (via TinyPNG)
• Enable browser caching and minify CSS/JS
• Use lazy loading for images and videos

Sites that load in under 2.5 seconds are more likely to rank higher.

✅ 3. Nail Your Keyword Research

What Are People Searching For?

• Google Keyword Planner
• Ubersuggest
• Answer the Public

Look for:

• Long-tail keywords (e.g., how to improve website seo to rank higher on google)
• Buyer intent keywords (e.g., best SEO consultant for eCommerce)
• Local keywords if relevant (e.g., SEO agency in Cebu)

Then naturally include these throughout your content.

✅ 4. Create Quality, Human-Centric Content

Content is still king—but only if it’s useful and trustworthy.

Follow Google’s E-E-A-T Guidelines:

• Experience
• Expertise
• Authoritativeness
• Trustworthiness

Content Optimization Tips:

• Use H1 for the title, H2 for sections, H3 for subpoints
• Write at least 1,000 words of high-quality text
• Include internal and external links to trusted sources
• Add original images, infographics, or videos
• Answer FAQs that users are likely to search

Pro Tip: Use the People Also Ask section in Google to find what real users are asking.

✅ 5. Master On-Page SEO Best Practices

Checklist for On-Page SEO:

• Title Tag: Include the keyword near the start, under 60 characters
• Meta Description: Use keyword, make it click-worthy, under 160 characters
• URL Structure: Short and clean
• Internal Linking: Link relevant content logically
• Image Alt Text: Describe clearly, use keywords naturally

✅ 6. Build High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are still one of Google’s top ranking signals.

How to Get Authoritative Backlinks:

• Guest post on reputable blogs
• Create original data or research
• List your business on directories
• Use HARO
• Promote content on social media

Aim for links from sites with DA 50+ using Moz's tool.

✅ 7. Make Your Site Mobile-First

Tips to Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly:

• Responsive design
• Readable fonts
• Clickable buttons
• Test with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Tool

✅ 8. Leverage Schema Markup (Structured Data)

Schema markup helps Google understand your content and display rich snippets.

Use Tools Like:

• Merkle's Schema Generator
• Google’s Rich Results Test

Apply schema to:

• Articles
• Reviews
• FAQs
• Events
• Products

✅ 9. Keep Content Fresh & Consistent

Google loves updated content. Keep pages fresh by:

• Updating stats and links annually
• Refreshing headlines and structure
• Adding FAQs or depth

Maintain a blogging schedule like:

• 1 blog post per week
• 1 update per quarter for older posts

✅ 10. Track Performance & Adapt

SEO is not a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing game.

Use These Tools:

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
• Google Search Console
• Ahrefs / Semrush

Regularly analyze what’s working and adjust strategy.

Related FAQs

❓ How long does it take to rank higher on Google?

It depends on competition, domain age, and SEO efforts. Most websites need 3–6 months to see gains.

❓ What’s more important: content or backlinks?

Both matter. But without great content, you won’t earn backlinks.

❓ Can I do SEO myself?

Yes! Many tools make DIY SEO possible for small websites. For advanced strategies, consider hiring an expert.

Final Thoughts: Start Ranking Today

If you're serious about digital growth, learning how to improve website SEO to rank higher on Google is a must. Here's a quick recap:

• ✅ Audit your site and fix technical issues
• ✅ Focus on Core Web Vitals and mobile UX
• ✅ Use data-driven keyword research
• ✅ Create helpful, E-E-A-T-friendly content
• ✅ Build links and monitor your SEO progress

🔎 Whether you're a business owner, blogger, or marketer, these strategies can help you stand out in search results.

Ready to climb Google’s Page 1?
Start by auditing your website today and watch your rankings grow!