So you want to promote your website to the number one page, and ideally top spot of that page, on Google? Doesn’t everyone? So what is it that the people who are there now are doing right?

They are following the standards set out by Google regarding SEO (search engine optimisation).

Although it isn’t quite as simple as that, following the rules and adhering to the standards set out by the world’s biggest search engine can only greatly improve your chances of not only reaching the top rank, but gaining more website traffic and an online sales increase.

Not sure what the Google rankings standards are? Here are some do’s and don’t set out by the search giants:

Google Says Do:

Make your site stand out with unique aspects that set you apart from the competition.

Use relevant and well researched keywords in your content. Get to know what your potential customers would typically search for if they were looking for one of your products or services, and include all related keywords where appropriate in content.

Remember it has to make sense to the reader and be high quality, not just babble with lots of keywords thrown in for good measure.

Make sure tags and meta data are all unique and relevant, and internal links are quality and related. Where links are concerned, quality should be considered over quantity.

In Google’s Webmaster Tools, sign up to receive emails so Google can easily communicate with you if something is wrong.

Encourage social signals to create a buzz. This means gaining natural links, FaceBook Likes, Follows, ReTweets, Shares, +1s, etc. People engaging with and sharing your content is always a good sign in Google’s book.

Keep content relevant and updated. Fresh content is one of the main things Google’s search bots look for, and it can be an updated webpage, a new post on social media, anything that shows you are an active and well maintained brand online.

Google Says Don’t:

Assume your site deserves the top rank of Google’s first search page without knowing what makes your site deserve that spot and what sets you apart and above the competition.

Don’t be tempted to use hacks or get caught up in quick fix trends that ‘apparently’ boost your SEO. There are plenty of best practices that help you make Google SEO simpler and easier without breaking any rules or making life harder in the long run.