How to Outrank Your Competition on Google

Securing a high ranking on Google is crucial for attracting quality traffic to your website. In highly competitive industries like real estate, achieving top rankings for popular keywords can be challenging. Here's how to evaluate your current position against your competitors and strategies to elevate your ranking.

Understanding Keyword Ranking

Before assessing your rankings, it's essential to grasp the fundamentals of keywords. Keywords are words or phrases that define your content and business, aligning with users' search queries on Google.

Start with comprehensive keyword research to identify your current ranking keywords, those you have a good chance of ranking for, and new keyword opportunities. A proficient SEO specialist or agency should have already conducted this research for you. Additionally, tools like Google Keyword Planner or Semrush can aid in this process.

Here are some tips for effective keyword research and planning:

Focus on Hyperlocal Keywords

Targeting hyperlocal keywords, such as specific neighborhoods instead of cities, can improve your chances of ranking. For instance, 'Tribeca real estate' may have lower search volume than 'Manhattan real estate,' but it also has lower competition and more focused search intent.

Monitor Branded and Non-Branded Keywords

Keep track of both branded (including your business name) and non-branded keywords related to your offerings for a comprehensive view of your performance.

• Assessing Your Rankings

Evaluate your real estate website's Google rankings using these tactics:

• Manual Google Search

Conduct manual searches on Google using relevant keywords to see where your website ranks compared to your competitors. Use an incognito or private browsing window for accurate results.

• Keyword-Tracking Tools

Utilize tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to track your website's performance for specific keywords over time. These tools also provide insights into your competitors' rankings and identify keyword gaps.

• Google Analytics

Leverage Google Analytics to monitor user interactions on your website, comparing your performance with competitors. This tool offers valuable insights into visits, bounce rates, and user engagement.

• Google Search Console

Utilize Google Search Console to analyze your website's performance in Google search, including impressions, clicks, and click-through rates. It also allows you to compare your performance with competitors.

• Backlink Analysis

Assess your backlink profile using tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Majestic to understand how many backlinks you have compared to your competitors and their quality.

Reasons for Competitor's Higher Rankings

Several factors could contribute to your competitors' higher rankings:

• High-Quality Content

Ensure your content is high-quality and relevant to improve its relevance for search queries.

• Optimized Website Structure

A well-designed website structure and user experience can lead to better rankings by reducing bounce rates and increasing user engagement.

• Strong Backlink Profile

Quality backlinks from authoritative websites can significantly impact rankings. Identify valuable backlinks from your competitors and work on acquiring similar ones.

• Local Search Optimization

Optimize your website for hyperlocal keywords to enhance visibility in local search results.

• Social Media Presence

Active participation in social media can indirectly impact your SEO performance by driving traffic and engagement.

• Keyword Optimization

Optimize your website for target keywords relevant to your industry.

• Other Factors

Consider other factors like domain age, SEO experience, page prominence, avoiding duplicate content, and integrating video content to improve your rankings.

By focusing on these strategies and factors, you can improve your Google ranking and surpass your competitors in the real estate industry.