Improving Your Ranking on Google After Completing SEO Setup Checklist
Completing the SEO Setup Checklist helps search engines crawl and index your site, but it doesn't guarantee that your pages will appear on the first page of Google for your keywords. If your site is already indexed, the next challenge is improving where your pages rank in search results.
Google uses many factors to determine which websites to display on results pages. Keywords are one of them, but so is the age of your site, the number of websites linking to you, the location of the searcher and many more. In many cases when your site is indexed correctly, it is competing against other pages for the same search terms.
Understanding indexing vs. ranking
Indexing means Google has found your pages and added them to its database. Ranking refers to where those pages appear when someone searches for a word or phrase related to your business.
A site can be indexed and still rank low for competitive keywords. This is normal, especially for newer sites or businesses in crowded markets.
Tip:
If you want a quick definition of common SEO terms, see our Index of Terms for SEO.
Improving your ranking over time
SEO is a long-term strategy, not a one-time setup. Even with strong content and good keyword targeting, it can take time for Google to understand your site and compare it with other pages in the same search space.
This is especially true if your site is new or if you are competing with established businesses. Consistent updates, stronger content, and relevant backlinks can help improve your ranking gradually.
Note:
One page appearing in Google does not mean every page on your site will rank the same way. Search engines evaluate pages individually.
If you entered your keywords into a Google search box but you can’t find your site, here are some things to consider to improve your ranking:
Verify that your site is indexed
To check if your site is indexed by search engines, search "site:" followed by your site's domain with no spaces. For example: site:wix.com
If any of your domain's pages are listed in the search results, those pages have been indexed. If there are no results for your domain, your website has not been indexed yet. Check that you have allowed search engines to crawl your site.
Make sure you've chosen the right keywords
Quality content is essential to ranking higher in Google. If you are not ranking on Google for your keywords, you may want to reconsider your list of target keywords. When choosing keywords, ask yourself, “What would one of my customers type into Google when looking for a business like mine?”
Next, take a look at your site and check that you have used your keywords as much as possible, while always making sure that your content sounds natural. Use your keywords in your domain, in your headlines, within the text on each page, as alt text in images etc.
Use long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords often have lower competition and can attract more relevant visitors. Update your content to target more specific phrases that match what potential customers are likely to search for. For example: Instead of 'magicians', try 'children's party magicians in [city name]'.
Generate traffic to your site by creating fresh content and backlinks
Google tends to favor sites that are well-written and frequently updated content. Regularly publishing blog posts, ones that your target audience will enjoy or find informative, is a very effective way of doing so.
It also helps to get links (backlinks) to your site from relevant or reputable sites. This improves your online reputation and credibility, increasing your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Learn more about getting backlinks for your site.
Search engines crawl pages of your site, not the entire site
If you're wondering why you can see some of your site's pages in Google, while you may not see other pages (e.g. your homepage), this is because search engines crawl each individual page. Each page, therefore, is treated as separate and individual and each page is crawled for its keywords.
Be patient - Ranking high in Google takes time and effort
SEO is a long term strategy and changes rarely happen within days or even weeks. Your site won’t show up in Google results for your keywords overnight and the more competitive your market, the tougher it will be to rank high. Once you’ve chosen great keywords to target, you want to put fresh content on your website as often as possible. Consider adding new pages, images or blog articles that incorporate your keywords.
For additional tips and ideas to optimize your site, check our SEO Learning Hub.
FAQs
Click a question below to learn more about improving your ranking on Google.
Why I am not ranking number one for my business type?
Ranking depends on how competitive your market is, how much authority your site has built over time, and how helpful your content is for the keywords people search. It often takes time to compete with older, more established websites that already have stronger content and more backlinks.
Does upgrading my site improve its ranking?
Upgrading your site gives you the ability to accept payments, access additional features and remove ads, but Google does not rank sites based on billing status. Google evaluates the content on your pages and other SEO signals when deciding where to place your site in search results.
How long does it take for my site's ranking to improve?
For new websites, it can take up to 6 months of consistent SEO work to build a stronger ranking position. In more competitive markets, it may take longer.
Hire a Wix Partner
Get a professional from the Wix Marketplace to help with your SEO.
Learn more about SEO
Subscribe to the SEO Learning Hub to get the latest updates on optimizing your site's content and SEO.