Have you ever received an email or a cold call telling you that your website isn’t working and has multiple issues? You’re not alone. Understanding website performance can be confusing and overwhelming for many small to medium businesses. Yet, 99% of the businesses we work with have one primary goal: to rank on Google. Without this, all other website metrics are pointless.
What if I told you there’s one simple trick to see how your website is performing? It’s super easy, and you can do it right now. All you need to do is
open Google on your computer or phone and search like a consumer. This means looking for your product or service and your location. For example, search for “Blinds Torquay” or “Septic tank cleaning Daylesford.”
Why ranking on Google matters
Ranking on Google is crucial for your business’s online success. It helps potential customers find you easily, increasing your chances of turning them into paying clients. This process is known as search engine optimisation (SEO). If your business isn’t appearing on the first page of Google search results, your website might need some attention. In the world of SEO, if you’re not visible, you’re practically invisible! Or, as we like to say at GOOP Digital. “if you want to hide a dead body, put it on page 2 of Google. 🙂”
The importance of local SEO
This simple search is part of what’s known as local SEO. Local SEO is about optimising your business’s online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. It’s essential for small business websites because it ensures that people in your area can find you when searching for the products or services you offer. When your business website shows up on the first page of Google search results, it means your website SEO is on the right track.
How to conduct your own website performance test
Here’s how you can conduct your own performance test:
- Search for your service and location: Type in what you do and where you do it. For example, if you own a desludging business in Central Victoria, search for “septic tank cleaning Daylesford.”
- Check the search results: If your business appears on the first page, congratulations! Your website is performing well. If not, it’s time to make some improvements.
- Look for competitors: Note who appears on the first page. These are your competitors, and understanding their strengths can help you improve your own SEO strategy.
What to do if your website isn’t ranking
If your website isn’t ranking on the first page of Google, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to improve your website SEO and boost your ranking:
- Optimise your content: Make sure your website content is relevant and includes keywords that potential customers are likely to search for when they are potentially looking for your business by product or service, i.e., what you do and where you do it.
- Improve your website’s design and structure: A clean, user-friendly design can improve your website’s performance and make it more appealing to visitors.
- Use SEO tools and services: Consider using professional SEO tools and services to help you understand and improve your website’s performance.
At GOOP Digital, we pride ourselves on being local SEO experts. If your web developer can’t help you rank on Google, feel free to give us a call.
The next steps: Beyond ranking
Once you’ve nailed this simple test and your business is ranking on Google, you can dive deeper into other important aspects, such as conversion rates and user engagement. These metrics will help you understand how effectively your website is turning visitors into customers.
Conclusion
Ranking on Google is the first step toward a successful online presence. This simple test can give you valuable insights into your website’s performance and help you take steps to improve it. If you need assistance with optimising your business website, GOOP Digital is here to help. Our expert team specialises in enhancing website SEO and ensuring that your business ranks where it matters most.