Any SEO expert or content marketer will inevitably hear the question, “How long will it take for my website/webpage to reach the top of Google’s rankings?” Many of us have gotten used to getting what we pay for instantly, or at least in a couple of days. Services and goods are praised and valued for their speed and efficiency. It should come as no surprise that this mindset is transferred into content marketing and the rest of the online world. However, in the online world, things work a little differently.
Follow the Rules
Google is in no rush. Google aims to provide users with the best experience possible. It does so by looking at the quality of a site or page. If you want to reap the rewards of optimized content and get the coveted top spots in search results pages, it is crucial to change the way you look at ranking. There are no shortcuts or magic steps to reach the top. Getting there is an achievement that requires a planned, meticulous, and patient approach.
High ranking pages are there for a reason, and that is because their creators took the time to play by Google’s rules. On average, it is estimated that top-ranking pages are at least 2 to 3 years old. Occupying these coveted spots includes staying ahead of the competition for various ranking factors. While that might discourage some, it is a reminder that the top spots are open for anyone who is willing to put in the work.
What Are You Ranking For?
Anyone that sets out to conquer the online market probably wants to rank for everything. However, in some cases, ranking can mean nothing. Ranking is complicated, and the speed with which you improve your ranking depends on a lot of factors.
Firstly, ranking is only meaningful if it brings some sort of value to your site. Ranking first for a keyword that has little to no search volume is not very beneficial. While there are long term plans that gradually build upon this sort of ranking, many people mistake this for the end goal. You want the terms you rank for to carry potential customers to your pages.
Where Are You Currently?
Secondly, the rate at which you climb up to the top of SERPs depends a lot on your starting point. If you are already established and have a popular name, satisfied clients, a good website, etc., then you are only a few factors away from getting to the top.
Doing research on top sites and comparing what aspects they have that you lack is a good starting point. Check an SEO website that can help you analyze specific factors. Once you clarify what they are, take the time to incorporate them into your pages. Popular brands that already have a presence can expect to see results anywhere from one to six months, depending on the keywords they are targeting.
However, those starting from scratch have a lot of work ahead of them. They need to establish their name and slowly carve out their reputation in Google’s eyes. This can take a lot longer, but it does give the benefit of a fresh start. If you pay attention to ranking factors and patiently build up your online presence, you can eventually beat older sites. New sites can expect results anywhere from 3 to 12+ months.
As you can see, ranking has a lot more to it than meets the eye. It takes repetition and dedication to succeed. There is no simple cut and dry technique to secure a top spot, but the opportunity is open to those that are willing to push forward.
To start the journey right and not waste time fixing mistakes, reach out to a professional that can help you. If you wish to start enjoying good results for your business faster, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to discuss your marketing strategy and help in any way I can.
Rob Dunford is a Marketing Consultant in the Great Toronto Area with over 20 years of experience in implementing marketing plans for small businesses.