There is Only One Page 1 in Google Search Results… You’d Better Be on It!
In the early days of Google, users often sift through multiple search engine results pages (SERPS) to find the information they need. Today, with the advancement of search engine algorithms, people can get the answers they need on page one. If a website is not on the first page, users might not go to the other pages and overlook it entirely.
The first SERP page is akin to the front page of a newspaper – it is what captures people’s attention. Similar to how headlines have the biggest impact in print, securing a spot on the first page of Google SERPs ensures your business is prominently displayed to users seeking relevant information.
Understanding Search Engine Results Pages
The SERP is the page you see after entering a query on search engines. SERPs display links to websites that contain the information the user needs. The search algorithm ranks the results according to their relevance to user keywords and intent. The more relevant, helpful, and authoritative the content, the higher it ranks on the search results.
Before, Google only displayed website links on the SERPs with a meta description briefly detailing the content information. Now, modern SERPs have different features that give users direct answers to their questions:
- Featured Snippets – Concise answers pulled from top websites. These are displayed at “position zero” or above the organic results
- Top and Bottom Ads – Text-based advertisements placed above or at the bottom of search results
- Video/Top Stories Carousels – Swipeable or rotating collections of relevant videos or news
- Rich Snippets – Enhanced information in search results, which may include recipes, reviews, and ratings
- People Also Ask – Related questions to the initial query with answers
- Knowledge Panels – Informative boxes that display on the right side of the SERPs when searching about places, people, and things
- Local Pack – listings and map for local businesses relevant to the search query
- Image Packs – Grids of thumbnails featuring relevant images
Page 1: The Holy Grail of SEO
Once a user enters their query on the search bar, they expect answers to show up immediately. Research by Backlinko found that around 50% of people click on results as fast as 9 seconds, with the average time to click taking only 14.6 seconds. The average search session takes 76 seconds to finish, half of which is completed within 53 seconds.
The time users spend on a search is enough to prove the value of being the first. If your website does not appear on the top of the first search result page, users might never find it.
There is a good reason why digital marketers say you can hide treasure on the second page of Google SERPs: because no one goes there. Only 9% of users scroll to the bottom of the page, and 0.44% check the second page. A website placed beyond the second page is considered undiscoverable.
But getting on the first page is not impossible. Securing a spot on the first page is achievable through search engine optimization (SEO), a tactic primarily used to help websites rank high on SERPs.
The Impact of Page 1 on Business Growth
Businesses compete for the first page because of the advantages they offer, including:
Visibility and Traffic
Businesses on the first search engine results page receive the majority of search traffic and click-through rates (CTR). CTR refers to the number of users who see and click on online content. A large portion of users will browse only the first page, with most clicking on the first result that pops out.
Credibility and Brand Authority
Search engines are strict with the quality of the sites they index, which means only those that have established authority in their niche through optimization are placed there. This builds trust and credibility since they satisfy the criteria for quality and helpful content.
Brand Recognition
Websites that consistently appear on the first page become more familiar to users. This familiarity increases the chances of customers remembering and revisiting them for specific needs.
Competitive Edge
Businesses on the first page have a significant advantage over competitors since they have a stronger command of customer attention. This allows them to generate better sales and recognition.
The Battle for the Organic Top 10
Search results are classified into two main categories: organic and paid. Paid results include the traditional pay-per-click (PPC) ads, Google Shopping ads, and Google Local Services ads. These are placed on the top of search results, promising maximum visibility.
However, only 10% click on sponsored results. Consumers often overlook paid listings because they believe these are less about relevance and more about self-promotion.
The other 90% go to organic listings.
Organic search results are displayed based on the algorithm and are not affected by bidding processes. Search algorithms consider various factors when indexing sites for organic listings. These include content quality, keyword optimization, and domain authority.
The high traffic captured by organic listings makes them highly coveted among businesses, but some limitations make them hard to secure:
- Limited Space – Google prioritizes the most relevant and authoritative content, limiting the organic search slots to only ten per page.
- User Behavior – 5% of traffic focuses only on first-page listings and does not visit the second page.
- Competition – The top three organic results receive 4% of clicks, with the number one result garnering 33% of click-through rates (CTRs). As rankings go down, so do CTRs. This and the limited real estate of only ten spots make competition fierce.
How to Achieve Page 1 Ranking
Vying for a spot on the first page of SERPs is a tough challenge, let alone the top three organic listings. If you want your website to become visible on the front row, you’ll need a strong strategy.
SEO Best Practices
One of the most effective ways to boost your website ranking on SERPs is to use search engine optimization (SEO). A powerful marketing strategy, SEO optimizes websites and improves visibility and traffic. Below are the best practices your business can use in your Plainfield SEO:
- Match Search Intent – Align your site’s content with user search intent.
- Use Primary Keywords – Leverage primary SEO keywords into your title tag, meta description, main on-page heading, URL slug, and body content.
- Optimize Media – Choose the best file format for your images (PNG or JPEG), compress them, and add alt text.
- Improve Site Speed – Hire a web development company in New Jersey to help you refine your slow website.
Backlinks
Backlinks pertain to links from another website to yours. Quality backlinks act like endorsements, signaling to the search engine that your site is reputable and an authoritative source in the industry.
Getting backlinks is tricky, but here are tips you can use:
- Write guest blogs for the website you want to get backlinks
- Look for broken links on relevant sites and offer your links as replacement
- Create easily linkable content (e.g., infographics and guides)
- Obtain backlinks from your local business association
Local SEO
Local SEO involves targeting local traffic from your area. Google has a proximity factor when crawling websites, giving the algorithm an idea of the precise location of your business.
Using local SEO can help you get to the first page of SERPs faster when a user searches for specific products or services in a given area. This strategy is beneficial for landing in local packs. For example, using Jersey City SEO can lead New Jersey residents to your site.
Headline the Front Page of Digital Marketing
The first page of a SERP is where all the highest quality, most relevant sites are collected and displayed. Getting to the top of the first page is instrumental in the success of your business, giving you the digital equivalent of the advantages of a newspaper’s front page: maximum visibility, trust, and brand recognition.
If you are not the first on Google’s search engine, the possibility of your website being found is close to zero. Don’t let your site slip down the rankings; talk to Landau Consulting at https://landauconsulting.com/seo-internet-marketing/ for professional SEO services and push your business to the top.
References:
SERPs: The Benefits of Being No. 1
Here’s What We Learned About Organic Click-Through Rate