6 steps to ensure Google ranks your WordPress site on the internet (Guaranteed!)

Ever felt the frustration of your website playing hide-and-seek on search engines, nowhere to be found on Google pages? We get it, and we’ve got your back.

Visibility is the name of the game for your WordPress website’s success. There are simple steps anyone can take to make sure their website not only shows up but grabs some serious traffic.

That’s why we’ve crafted this guide – to help you build that visibility and ensure your website takes its well-deserved spot on the internet.

Step 1: Create an Organized and Well-Structured Website

Alright, before we even talk about why Google might be giving your website the silent treatment, let’s chat about the importance of having your digital space in order. Imagine this: Google is like a super busy librarian, and your website is a book in a massive library.

Now, if your book doesn’t have a clear title, a table of contents, or well-defined chapters, that librarian (Google) is going to have a tough time figuring out what your book is all about. That’s why having an organized and structured website is your golden ticket to visibility.

Here’s my personal roadmap to make sure my WordPress site is as organized as a neatly shelved library:

1. Permalinks: It’s like choosing the right title for your book. Head over to settings, click on reading, and pick a permalink structure. Now, here’s a little secret: when you create each post or page, give it a good, easy-to-understand slug. This slug is like a chapter name for that specific page. Google loves simplicity, and a clear slug is your way of saying, “Hey Google, this is what this page is all about.”
2. Essential Pages: Think of these as the must-have chapters in your book – Home, Services, About, Contact Us. But wait, there’s more! Toss in a Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions if you’re offering services. It’s like telling Google, “Hey, I know my stuff, and I’m playing by the rules.” Authority points unlocked!
3. Menu Navigation: Now, picture your menu as the map to your library. Whether someone’s exploring on a big computer or a tiny phone, make sure that the menu is like a GPS, guiding them effortlessly to any page they fancy.
4. Interlinking: Think of interlinking as weaving a web between the pages of your book. Link your blog posts or even your simplest pages. It’s like making Google’s journey through your content super smooth and efficient. Try to link your blog posts/pages by highlighting certain keywords in your blog post etc.

So, there you have it – the first step to Google falling head over heels for your WordPress site: make it organized, make it structured, and watch as your digital book becomes a favorite in the vast library of the internet!

Step 2: Generate and Submit a Sitemap

Alright, let’s talk about a magic key to getting noticed by Google – creating and submitting a sitemap for your WordPress website. Think of a sitemap as the treasure map that guides Google through the hidden gems of your site.

Here’s the deal: A sitemap is like a neat table of contents, showcasing the structure of your website. But here’s the kicker – it’s not just for show; it’s your invitation to the Google party.

Many clients stroll in, puzzled why their website isn’t showing up when they type the domain name into Google. My first question? “Did you create and submit a sitemap?” And guess what – 99.99% of the time, the answer is a sheepish “no.” That right there is often the reason why Google hasn’t bothered to index their site.

Now, here’s how you can fix it and watch your website pop up on Google like magic:

How to Create and Submit a Sitemap:

1. Using a Plugin (Yoast SEO: Recommended!): There’s a handy tool called Yoast SEO that I highly recommend. Install it, generate your sitemap effortlessly, and voila – you’ve got your treasure map. You can even bid farewell to the plugin afterward if you don’t need it for more.
2. Submit to Google Search Console (via G Site Kit): Now, here’s where the real magic happens. Create an account on Google Search Console and link it to your WordPress site. I personally recommend using G Site Kit for this. Once connected, simply submit your shiny new sitemap there.

Guaranteed, if your website is well-structured and optimized, in just 3 to 7 days, you can type your domain name into Google, and there it is – your website proudly shining on the first page.

Now, that’s the kind of visibility we’re talking about!

Step 3: Write Relevant Content About Your Niche (Keyword Research)

Now, let’s talk about the heartbeat of your website – the content. Writing to be visible on Google isn’t a walk in the park; it’s more like a marathon. But trust me, every keystroke is worth it.

Here’s the scoop: If you want your website to pop up when someone searches for “how to cook rice” or any other topic in your wheelhouse, you’ve got to become the go-to source. You want your blog post on rice cooking to outshine all others in the search results. And how do you do that? Enter the world of keyword research.

How to Master the Art of Writing Content that Shines:

1. Know Your Niche: Whether you’re a food blogger or a tech guru, understand your niche. What are people searching for? What answers are they seeking? Be the expert in your digital domain.
2. Keyword Research: Dive into the world of keywords. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or even simpler ones like Ubersuggest can be your trusty companions. Find those golden keywords that drive traffic.
3. Consistency is Key: It’s not about writing one stellar post and calling it a day. It’s about consistency. Regularly churn out quality content, and Google will start noticing you. It’s like saying, “Hey Google, I’m here, and I’ve got the good stuff.”
4. Nail the Post: Your content isn’t just about keywords; it’s about being informative, engaging, and shareable. When readers love what you offer, they’ll share it, and Google loves that.

So, yes, writing for visibility takes time. It’s a journey, not a sprint. But with strategic keyword research and a consistent publishing schedule, you’ll start seeing that magical traction on your website.

And before you know it, you’ll be the first thing people see when they search for what you’ve got to offer.

Step 4: Use SEO Plugins (Content Optimization)

If you’re diving into the world of content creation and want your website to sparkle on search engines, here’s a shortcut for you – SEO plugins. Think of them as your virtual content cheerleaders.

Why SEO Plugins Matter for Beginners:

1. Guided Content Creation: SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math are your content GPS. They guide you as you write, suggesting how your content should look – from headings to words.
2. Correction and Suggestions: They won’t just stand on the sidelines. These plugins jump in, correct you when needed, and offer suggestions to make your content shine.

So, are SEO plugins essential for visibility? Not exactly, but they’re your trusty guides, ensuring that your content is in tip-top shape for the digital stage.

Step 5: Request Indexing (Google Console)

Alright, picture this: You’ve done all the hard work, followed the steps, but your website is still playing a bit too much hide-and-seek. No stress, we’ve got a ninja move for you – requesting indexing.

How to Give Your Page a Second Chance:

1. Check Your Watch: If the waiting game has stretched beyond 1-2 weeks, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.
2. Visit the Google Search Console: Head over to the Google Search Console, find those elusive pages, and hit the “Request Indexing” button.
3. Give a Gentle Nudge: It’s not being pushy; it’s more of a friendly tap on Google’s digital shoulder. “Hey Google, take another peek at my page; it’s ready for the spotlight.”
4. Investigate Any Hiccups: If the magic doesn’t happen, time to play detective. Check for any content tweaks needed or see if a technical gremlin is causing the delay.

So, if your website feels like it’s stuck backstage, a little polite request to Google can often be the key to bringing it back into the limelight. Give it a shot, and watch the magic unfold!

Step 6: Monitor Your Website Using G Site Kit Plugin

Alright, you’ve got your website out there, and now it’s time to keep tabs on how it’s doing. Enter the G Site Kit plugin – your friendly neighborhood monitor.

Why Keep an Eye on Things?

1. Traffic Check: Know how many folks are stopping by your site. G Site Kit spills the beans on your website visitors.
2. Impressions Insights: Wondering how many eyes are on your content? G Site Kit shows you the impressions, so you can gauge your online presence.
3. Growth Tracking: Is your website growing? G Site Kit keeps tabs on your progress, showing you where you’re excelling and where there’s room to grow.
4. Why G Site Kit? Simple – it’s like having a backstage pass to your website’s performance. No frills, no fuss, just straightforward insights. I recommend it because it gets the job done without the headache.

So, plug in G Site Kit, kick back, and let the insights roll in. It’s like having a digital dashboard for your website!

Conclusion:

There you have it!

Navigating the landscape of the internet can be tricky, especially when your website seems to be playing hard to get. But fear not – with these straightforward steps, you’ve equipped yourself to conquer the visibility game for your WordPress site.

Remember, it’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about fine-tuning it. So go ahead, implement these tips, monitor your progress with tools like G Site Kit, and watch as your website steps into the spotlight.

Your online presence matters, and now, armed with this guide, you’re set to make waves on the vast sea of the internet. Here’s to your website taking its well-deserved place on the digital stage!

And hey, if you ever find yourself needing more assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at WPSiteMakers. We’re here to help you navigate the journey to online visibility.

Happy optimizing!