How to Be Searchable on Google

by Elizabeth Smith
Focused content helps users find your website on Google searches.

Focused content helps users find your website on Google searches.

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For businesses that depend on website traffic to bring in customers or sell products, Google search results can make or break a marketing strategy. If customers can find your website, it is easier for them to get information and engage with your business. While there is no way to ensure that you will show up on Google's search engine results, there are steps you can take to make your site more Google-friendly.

Organization and Focus

The organization and content of your website can go a long way in helping it show up on Google search results. The navigation should be organized in a hierarchy that includes at least one link to each page on the site. When it comes to content, everything should be focused on the keyword phrases that users would type into the search engine. When every element of a page -- from image names to body text and header text -- is related to the same topic, it is more likely to have a higher ranking. Google advises webmasters to strive to provide useful, unique content.

Website Content

When Google's search engine spiders look at your website, they see only text. If your website uses a large amount of imagery, Flash, JavaScript or frames, it can prevent Google from reading it properly. To boost the site's relevance, increase the amount of text you use on each page. Use ALT tags to explain image and video content. Change the file names of each element to include page keywords. Add titles and descriptions to the meta tag section of each page. Instead of using images for links and navigation, use a text-based design. To ensure that all of your content is visible to Google spiders, open it in a text-based browser.

What Not to Do

Some development tricks can penalize your Google ranking, making it more difficult for customers to find your site through searches. Items that can damage your ranking include duplicate content, hidden text or hidden links, pages that redirect to unrelated content and pages that are created specifically for search engines. Google frowns upon pages that are loaded with keywords, as well as pages that include items like malware or phishing viruses.

Submission to Google

Once you have completed the website development process, Google encourages you to submit the website and a sitemap to its online index. On the submission page, Google allows you to add your URL to the index, label your content and customize the snippets of text that show up on the search results page. If you sell products, you can add information about the items you have for sale and provide product reviews. The Google Local submission tools allow you to add a Google Maps listing, create floor plans and add photos of your business. By providing Google with additional information about your business, you can increase your chances of showing up in search results and make it easier for customers to find your website.

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