If you’ve been publishing content, building backlinks, and following SEO basics, but still not showing up on the top of Google, then this blog is for you. I’ve been in the SEO game long enough to know that small shifts in strategy can push your pages higher on search results.
Here’s exactly what I do (and recommend) when it comes to improving search engine positioning. These are real strategies that I’ve applied on my own projects and with clients, and they work.
1. Understand the Difference Between Ranking and Positioning
Let’s clear this up first – ranking simply means your page appears somewhere in the search results. Positioning is about where it appears, especially on the first page.
For example, being in position #9 versus #2 can mean the difference between 50 visits a month or 5,000. That’s why I focus not just on getting to page one, but climbing as high as possible.
2. Nail Your Keyword Research with Intent in Mind
I used to just chase high-volume keywords, but I realized that’s not enough. These days, I go after search intent – what the user actually wants.
If someone searches for “best budget DSLR for beginners,” they don’t want a generic camera guide—they want product comparisons or recommendations. I target long-tail keywords with clear intent because they convert better and face less competition.
Tools I use:
- Google Search Console
- Ahrefs
- Keyword Surfer (for quick checks in-browser)
I’ve written a full breakdown on keyword mapping and targeting strategies here: Keyword Mapping Guide
3. Optimize for the User, Not Just Google
Google wants happy users. I make sure every piece of content answers the query clearly, keeps people on the page, and helps them find what they came for.
For example, if I’m writing about “SEO Audit for ecommerce,” I’ll include a checklist, link to tools, and break things into easy sections, because that’s what I’d want as a reader.
I use internal linking to keep people engaged. You’ll notice throughout my site, I connect related posts so readers don’t hit a dead end.
4. Fine-Tune On-Page SEO Like a Pro
Your title tags, meta descriptions, URL slugs, and headings all matter. But here’s something most people miss: semantic keywords.
If I’m writing about “email marketing,” I also include terms like “open rate,” “email list,” “campaign,” etc. It makes the content more relevant.
I also format for readability, short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear CTAs. Skimmable content wins.
5. Improve Site Speed and Core Web Vitals
Search engines care about how fast and stable your site is. I use:
- PageSpeed Insights
- Cloudflare CDN
- ShortPixel for compressing images
When I improved loading time on one of my pages by just 1.2 seconds, bounce rate dropped by 18% and average position improved by two spots.
6. Create Strategic Content Clusters
Instead of publishing random blog posts, I group content into pillars and clusters. This boosts topical authority and helps Google understand my site better.
For example:
- Pillar: SEO for Beginners
- Cluster 1: Keyword Research
- Cluster 2: On-Page SEO
- Cluster 3: Link Building
I link these posts internally and optimize them to support each other.
You can read my detailed guide on building content pillars here: Content Pillars Guide
7. Keep Updating Old Content
Old content often slips in rankings. I use Google Search Console to spot pages that are dropping in impressions or clicks, and I update them.
I add new stats, fix broken internal links, and rework the structure. One blog I updated recently jumped from position #12 to #5 within three weeks, just by refreshing it.
8. Build Smart and Relevant Backlinks
I don’t spam links. I build relationships. I’ve written guest posts, created free tools, and shared content that others naturally want to reference.
For example, I published a resource list for local SEO tools and local marketers started linking to it in their blogs. It’s about value, not volume.
9. Add Schema Markup for Extra Visibility
Schema helps your content stand out with rich snippets like star ratings, FAQs, or how-to steps. I use Rank Math for WordPress to easily implement schema.
One of my FAQ pages started appearing in the rich results just by adding schema. It didn’t just improve CTR, it made my brand look more trustworthy in search.
10. Track, Test, and Tweak
Search positioning isn’t a set-it and forget-it game. I constantly monitor results in Google Search Console, test new meta titles, and analyze how visitors interact with my content.
I look at:
- CTR (Click-through rate)
- Dwell time
- Exit rate
Small tests – like rewriting a meta title can push a page from position #7 to #3.
Conclusion
If you want better positioning in search engines, it’s not about tricks, it’s about doing the right things consistently. Every strategy I’ve shared above comes from hands-on experience. I apply these same methods across my projects..
Start by fixing what’s easiest, then build from there. The results will follow.
