Getting your website to rank on Google can feel like a big challenge, especially if you’re not an SEO expert. But here’s the truth—on-page SEO isn’t rocket science. With the right approach, you can boost your site’s visibility and start pulling in more traffic.
If you’ve ever asked, “How do I get my WordPress site to rank higher on Google?” or “What are the key elements of a website page?”—you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Is On-Page SEO and Why Does It Matter?
On-page SEO is what you do on your website to help it rank higher in search results. This includes optimising content, improving structure, and ensuring Google can understand what your page is about.
Unlike off-page SEO (where you need backlinks from other sites), on-page SEO is completely under your control. That means if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your rankings, this is where to start.
But the big question is: What really moves the needle?
The Main Elements of an Optimised Page
Want Google to like and rank your site? Try these:
- Title Tags That Get Clicks
Your title is the first thing users (and Google) see. Make it compelling and include your main keyword. Keep it under 60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off in search results.
- Meta Descriptions That Sell
While meta descriptions don’t directly affect rankings, they influence clicks. A great description gives people a reason to choose your page over the competition.
- Headers That Make Sense
Use H1, H2, and H3 tags to structure your content. Your H1 should include your main keyword. Subheadings should naturally introduce related terms, making it easy for readers and search engines to follow along.
- URLs That Are Clean and Clear
Avoid long, messy URLs. Instead of something like yourwebsite.com/p=12345, go with yourwebsite.com/seo-tips—simple, descriptive, and keyword-friendly. - Keywords That Feel Natural
Place your main keyword in the first 150 words and sprinkle related terms throughout the content. No keyword stuffing—just natural, reader-friendly placement. - Internal Links That Keep Visitors Engaged
Link to other relevant pages on your site. This helps Google understand your content structure and keeps visitors exploring, which lowers bounce rates. - Image Optimisation (Because Google Can’t “See” Images)
Always use alt text that describes your images. This helps search engines understand what’s in them and improves accessibility.
You can use these techniques on your website service pages and when you create SEO optimise blog articles.
How Long Does SEO Take to Work?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors influence how quickly your site will rank, including the competitiveness of your keywords, the quality of your content, and your overall SEO strategy.
Typically, you might start seeing some improvements in 4 to 6 months, but it can take up to a year to achieve significant results. Having a monthly SEO plan will make things a lot easier and keep track of how your site is improving.
Patience and consistent effort are key. But if you want quicker results you can always consider Google ads and compare the results with organic SEO to see which works for you.
Does WordPress Rank Better on Google?
WordPress gives you an edge if you use it correctly. It offers great SEO-friendly features, but just installing WordPress won’t magically boost rankings.
To get results, you need to:
- Use an SEO plugin (like Yoast SEO or Rank Math)
- Keep your site fast and mobile-friendly
- Publish quality content regularly
Why Isn’t Google Indexing My WordPress Site?
If your site isn’t showing up on Google, check these:
- Did you submit it to Google Search Console? If not, do it now.
- Is there a “noindex” tag? Make sure your pages aren’t set to block search engines.
- Is your site structure a mess? A well-organised site is easier for Google to crawl.Do you have backlinks? While on-page
- SEO is crucial, backlinks help establish authority.
Is On-Page SEO Enough?
Short answer: No. On-page SEO lays the foundation, but for real success, you need a full SEO strategy that includes:
- Off-page SEO (backlinks) to build authority
- Technical SEO (site speed, security, mobile-friendliness) to improve usability
- Think of on-page SEO as the first step. It’s essential, but to get to the top of Google search, you’ll need a comprehensive SEO strategy that includes on-page, off-page, and technical SEO.
The Best Free SEO Ranking Tools to Get You Started
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a go-to tool for anyone looking to do keyword research for free.
It’s designed primarily for advertisers, but it’s incredibly useful for SEO as well.
You can enter a keyword or a URL to get suggestions for related keywords, along with their search volumes and competition levels. It’s a great starting point to find “best keywords” and ideas for “local SEO near me.”
2. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest, developed by Neil Patel, is another excellent free tool for keyword research.
It provides insights into keyword volume, competition, and seasonal trends. Ubersuggest also offers a feature to track your website’s ranking over time.
This tool is particularly helpful for finding “long-tail keywords” and monitoring how well your pages perform in search engine results.
3. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is indispensable for tracking your website’s SEO performance.
It allows you to see which keywords are driving traffic to your site and where your pages rank in search results.
With Google Search Console, you can also identify issues that might be preventing your site from being indexed by Google, making it essential for ongoing SEO maintenance.
4. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a unique tool that generates keyword ideas based on what people are actually searching for.
It visualises these questions and phrases in an easy-to-digest format, making it great for content ideation.
It’s especially useful for understanding the questions your audience is asking, such as “how do I optimise my WordPress site for Google search?”
5. Moz’s Keyword Explorer
Moz’s Keyword Explorer offers 10 free keyword searches per month, providing comprehensive insights into keyword difficulty, opportunity, and potential organic CTR.
It also helps you prioritise keywords based on your goals. This tool is beneficial if you’re looking to balance competitiveness with search volume to identify the “best SEO tips” for your strategy.
These tools provide valuable insights without the need for a paid subscription, making them ideal for anyone looking to improve their website’s SEO on a budget.
Final thoughts
SEO isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. If you’re serious about ranking higher, focus on the basics and stay consistent.
So, what’s your next step? Will you apply these SEO strategies yourself, or would working with an expert help speed things up?
Whatever you decide, remember this: the businesses that dominate Google don’t just “hope” for rankings—they take action.
Are you ready to do the same?
