SEO basics: Why Being on page 1 of Google is critical

If your just starting out in business or are thinking about opening up an online store or have been around for a long time there is one thing you need to be aware about and that’s the importance of being on page 1 of Google.

If you have no idea why it’s so good for your business to be on the first page of this amazing search engine then following are some basic reasons why page 1 rankings are considered gold.

Before I dive into these reasons it’s probably a good idea that the readers out there know a few facts about Google. The most important fact is that there are over 3 billion searches on Google every day. This is an incredible amount and it’s only going to get larger. In fact, the word ‘Google it’ has crept into the English language when someone is referring to looking up something online. We all say: ‘let’s Google it’. This is how popular this search engine is. It’s astonishing how quickly it’s popularity has grown world wide.

In July 2017, Google market share of search engines sites at over 75%. Consider how powerful they are wand what dominance they have in this space when their nearest competitor Bing holds just 7% of the market. Clearly, Google is the biggest player here and this is why it’s vital for all businesses to have an understanding of the capabilities of this engine and how you should utilise it to help build your business.

A common expression among many SEO companies and businesses is when someone says: ‘where is the best place to hide a body’? The simple answer is; the second page of Google. This is so true and if you want to get lost online all you need to do is fall off the first page as no one and I mean no one will search past this page. It’s a common fact and it’s just the way the consumer behaves. The second page of Google is a death zone for any business.

Basically, around 95% of consumers looking to engage with a business will call those on the first page. The other 5% will try second page businesses. Based on these stats I know where I would want to be.

Getting to page 1 is good but it does not stop there. Once your at position 10 the aim is to get to the first position and this requires more effort as the higher you climb the more competitive the space.

Related post: Why You’re Websites Not # 1 on Google

I like to use the analogy of climbing Mt Everest. It’s easy to get to base camp, but the higher you climb the more effort is needed and once your at the top where the oxygen levels are thin, you need to put more effort into staying at this position. On top of this once your rivals see you up there they are going to do everything they can to dislodge you from this position. Add into the mix, Google changing algorithm and you have got a really dynamic and shifting environment. This is the reason why SEO is a constant battle. It never ends and it never get’s any easier. You have to be on your game, pushing your rankings 24/7. A slight let up and you will start to see your rankings fall. It’s the battle of all battles and to be victorious you need to be fully aware of the SEO landscape and the nuances involved in keeping Google happy.

So what are the advantages of being on page 1?

#1. You have increased visibility. This is a no brainer. Obviously, more people are going to come to your site through increased traffic which is exactly what businesses need. Think of it like a store front in a busy shopping mall. You want to be right in the centre of all the action. Tucked away on page 2, down a dark, lonely alley is not where you want to position your business in the digital space.

# 2. The likelihood of you attracting new business sis much higher if your on page 1. People are lazy and they are not going to want to click to another page if they can find what they are looking for when they arrive on page 1. This is the age of instant information so give people what they are wanting and you will be rewarded. The only way to do this is get your website to page 1. Simple as that!

# 3. Increased trust. People trust Google and if it’s placed you on page 1 then your business must be trustworthy. This is an open invitation for people to buy from you as you are deemed trustworthy. There are only 10 coveted spots on page 1 and those that work hard to get there and nurture their online presence will reap the benefits. Google is so sophisticated in providing the best results, that it has eliminated any form of dodgy online behaviour. Essentially, if your not a legitimate and genuine business then don’t expect to rank. This is the beauty of Google and this is why it’s brand has so much trust and confidence with the public.

Being on page 1 is like being given a massive recommendation or tap on the shoulder from one of the most powerful and recognised brands in the world.

In conclusion, if your prepared to put the effort into your SEO campaign and are willing to engage to decent and trustworthy SEO agency that you have found on Google’s page 1 (like us here at SEO Sydney Experts) and pay a proper price for SEO  then and only then will you be on your way to getting more online traffic and business. Remember, the more times a consumer views your site on page 1 the greater likelihood there is of them clicking on your site and getting in touch with you.