10 SEO Strategies to Rank in Google’s Top 10 in 2025
If you're a creative entrepreneur or caring professional, you know how important it is to have a beautiful and welcoming website. But what’s the point if no one can find it, right? That’s where SEO (search engine optimization) comes in!
In this post, I’m sharing the 10 best EO strategies that will help you climb your way to Google’s top 10. Whether you're a total newbie or already a little SEO-savvy, I’ve got everything covered in this post—from the basics to advanced tips. I’ll dive into everything you need to know, including how to make your site more discoverable and optimized for long-term lead generation & growth.
So, what’s SEO all about? 🤔 It’s all about improving your website so it shows up higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Luckily, Squarespace and Wix give you a ton of built-in tools for SEO, but it’s totally up to you to use them wisely and follow the best practices. And trust me, from my experience since 2018, I can confidently say that the content and optimization efforts you put into your site matter WAY more than the platform itself. 🙌
Why is it so important to rank in Google’s top 10? Well, did you know that nearly 90% of all search traffic clicks go to the first page of Google? Yep, that’s why you’ve gotta aim for the top 10!
Let’s dive in and get your website noticed!
Before You Dive Into Optimizing Your Site, Let’s Get These Essentials Covered! 📝
Before you start making your website all SEO-friendly, there are a few important steps you need to follow to set yourself up for success. Trust me, it’ll make a world of difference!
1. Conduct Keyword Research:
First things first—keyword research! This is step #1 in improving your SEO and getting those Google rankings up. Keyword research helps you figure out what terms your target audience is actually searching for. Once you’ve got that info, you’ll be able to sprinkle those keywords throughout your site.
Here’s what you should be focusing on:
Phrases related to your services: Think of keywords that describe what you do. For example, if you're a business coach, try using phrases like "business coach for women" on your main pages (like About, Portfolio, Services, etc.).
Topics you cover in your services: If you’re giving advice on specific things like "finding clients online" or "Instagram strategy," use those terms in your blog posts and service pages.
Pro tip: Focus on long-tail keywords. They’re like little gems for small business owners! Long-tail keywords are more niche-specific (usually 3 or more words), meaning they’re less competitive and have a higher chance of getting you to the top of search results.
Here’s why you should avoid focusing on super broad keywords:
If you try to rank for one word like “coach” or “photography,” you’re going up against huge sites like The New York Times or HuffPost. Yikes! 😱 That’s like trying to race a Ferrari in a tricycle.
But by targeting long-tail keywords, you’re competing in a much smaller pond, so your chances of ranking higher are way better. For example, if you’re a photographer, instead of just trying to rank for "photographer" (which is way too broad), focus on something more specific like:
Destination wedding photographer
Couples portrait photographer in Calgary
Engagement and wedding photography in Alberta
By using these niche-specific keywords, you’ll show up in the search results for people who are looking for exactly what you offer!
2. Choose Your Primary and Secondary Keywords for Each Page:
Okay, now that you’ve done your keyword research, it’s time to get a little more strategic. You’ll want to designate a primary keyword for each of your core pages, plus some secondary ones to back it up. This is where the magic happens!
Here’s how to make it work:
Step 1: Pinpoint Your Primary Keyword
For each of your main pages (like About, Services, Portfolio, etc.), pick a primary keyword. This keyword should be the star of that page. 🌟 The goal is to have each page focus on one unique primary keyword so you're not competing with yourself in search results. No one wants that, right? 😅
Step 2: Criteria for Your Primary Keyword
Make sure your primary keyword meets these three important criteria:
At least 100 searches per month
Low competition (under 50) (this gives you a better chance of ranking)
Commercial intent (meaning people are looking to buy or take action based on this search)
Step 3: Add Secondary Keywords
Now that you’ve got your primary keyword, find a few secondary keywords that are related. These are typically variations of your primary keyword or more specific phrases that can still drive traffic. They might have lower search volumes, but that’s okay! They still help boost the relevance of your page.
For example:
Primary keyword: "Counsellor for women"
Secondary keywords: "women's counselling," "female counsellor" "counsellor for females"
Once you have your primary and secondary keywords all mapped out, you’re ready to start using them in the SEO settings for each page. ✅
Now you’ve got a solid foundation, and you're all set to make your pages shine in Google’s search results! 🌟 Go you! 💪
Understanding On Page Squarespace SEO
To rank in Google's top 10, your Squarespace website needs high-quality content and effective on-page optimization.
3. Weave Your Keywords into Your Page Content:
Now that you’ve got your keywords locked in, it’s time to make them shine in your actual content. In the world of Squarespace SEO, how you use those keywords in your page text matters big time for your Google ranking. Let's make sure your content is as effective as possible!
Here’s How to Incorporate Keywords Like a Pro: Use Your Primary Keyword Naturally 🌿
It’s super important to include your primary keyword throughout your page, but don’t go overboard! 😬 Keyword stuffing (aka using your keyword in every other sentence) can make your page feel spammy, and Google doesn’t like that. Your audience won’t either—after all, you want your content to feel natural and helpful, not robotic. 🤖
4. Enhance Your Page Title Tags:
Title tags play a vital role in Squarespace SEO. A well-crafted title tag can attract potential visitors from Google search results and gives Google a clearer idea of what your page is about. To boost your chances of ranking higher in search results, make sure to include your main keyword in the title tag.
Here’s a simple format to follow:
• Homepage: [business name] - [keyword]
• Other pages: [keyword] - [business name]
5. Craft Engaging Meta Descriptions:
Okay, bestie, let’s talk about meta descriptions! These little snippets are super important for your SEO strategy—they’re like the first impression your page makes in search results. While they don’t directly affect your ranking, they play a big role in your click-through rate (CTR), which is basically how many people actually click on your page when it shows up in search results. 📈
Here’s How to Craft Meta Descriptions That’ll Get Clicks:
Keep It Short and Sweet: Meta descriptions should be brief—aim for around 155 characters or less. This way, they fit perfectly in Google’s search results without getting cut off. You want to catch people’s attention, but you’ve gotta be concise!
Write in Full Sentences: Don’t just throw a bunch of keywords together. Craft 1-2 complete sentences that clearly explain what your page is about. Think of it like a mini elevator pitch that entices people to click.
Example: "Get personalized coaching for women entrepreneurs looking to scale their online business. Learn strategies to attract clients and grow your brand."
6. Establish a Clear URL Structure:
Okay, let’s talk URLs! A well-organized URL is key to making sure Google understands exactly what your page is about, and it helps users find you more easily. A clean and clear URL structure boosts your SEO and gives your website a more professional vibe.
Here’s How to Set Up Your URLs Like a Pro:
1. Keep It Simple for Main Pages:
For your core pages (like Services or About), you want to keep the URL short and sweet. No need to overcomplicate it—just focus on the essentials!
Examples:
yourdomain.com/services
yourdomain.com/about
2. Use Folders for Organized Pages:
If you have multiple related pages (like service options), you can organize them by adding folders to your URL. This makes it even clearer to Google and your visitors where they are on your site.
Example: A business coach might use URLs like:
yourdomain.com/services
yourdomain.com/services/group-art-classes
yourdomain.com/services/private-art-classes
yourdomain.com/services/master-painter-program
This way, you’re organizing your content in a logical way and helping Google (and your users) navigate your site more easily!
3. Clean Up Blog Post URLs:
When it comes to blog posts, you want your URLs to be clean and focused on your primary keyword. Skip over extra words like dates or filler words (e.g., "to," "and," "from," "the," etc.), because they just add clutter.
Bad example:
yourdomain.com/post/2025/how-to-find-art-class-students-for-your-art-consulting-business
Good example:
yourdomain.com/blog/finding-clients-online-art-consulting
This simple, keyword-focused URL is much cleaner and will help you rank better!
7. Build a High-Quality Content Hub:
Let’s talk about building a content hub—basically, a blog full of super valuable content that speaks directly to your audience and ideal clients. Not only does this help you connect with your followers, but it’s also a crucial factor in getting to that top spot on Google!
Why You Need a Content Hub to Help with SEO:
Creating consistent, high-quality content is key to ranking well for the keywords you care about. You want to make sure your blog content aligns with what your audience is searching for on Google—this is how you become the go-to authority in your niche.
Here’s How to Make It Happen:
1. Content Length and Frequency:
Google loves long, in-depth content—especially when it’s well-researched and useful. Aim for blog posts that range from 1,000 to 3,000 words. Yes, that’s a bit more of a commitment, but it’s so worth it. Quality always trumps quantity, so instead of posting a ton of short 500-word articles, focus on producing two comprehensive posts each month that really dive deep into your topics. These will help establish you as a true expert in your field.
2. Make Your Content Unique and Valuable:
Google’s not a fan of duplicate content, so always ensure what you write is original. If you’re checking out what’s ranking on the first page for your desired keywords, ask yourself:
How can I improve upon this?
What unique perspective can I add?
How can I expand on this topic?
By doing this, you’re ensuring your content is top-notch, unique, and adds more value than anything else already out there.
3. Blog Post Titles That Grab Attention:
Let’s be real: if your blog titles are vague or unclear, no one’s gonna click on them. You want titles that make it crystal clear what readers will gain from your post.
One mistake I often see is business owners trying to get too cute or clever with their titles, but the best strategy is to be direct and clear. You want your title to be as enticing as it is informative! For example:
Bad title: "Ways to Grow Your Business"
Good title: "10 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Coaching Business in 2025"
The second one is clear, compelling, and lets readers know exactly what they’ll get.
8. Enhance Your Images for Better Performance:
Optimizing your images can help your site load faster, rank better, and give your visitors a smoother experience. So let’s get those images in tip-top shape!
Here’s How to Optimize Your Images Like a Pro:
1. Image Size Matters:
While high-quality images are essential for creating a beautiful website, large images can slow your site down. And when it comes to SEO, site speed is a BIG deal. A slow-loading website can negatively impact your rankings and user experience.
To avoid this, reduce the file size without sacrificing quality. Here’s what I do to optimize my images:
Resize the image: For wide banner images, I aim for 2000-2500 pixels wide.
Compress the image: I use tools like JPEGmini Pro to minimize file size while keeping the quality intact.
Use TinyPNG/TinyJPEG: These are great for further reducing the image file size without losing clarity!
For horizontal images (like backgrounds), aim for a file size under 500KB. For regular images, even smaller is better. Trust me, your site will thank you for the faster loading times. ⚡
Pro Tip: Don’t upload blurry images! Using the right size and compression tools ensures that your images look crisp and professional. I’ve reduced 20MB images down to 300KB or less—without losing quality!
2. Image File Names:
Another SEO win is optimizing image file names. Instead of using default names like IMG_84329, rename your image files with descriptive keywords related to the content. Google can't read images, but it can read the image file names and alt text. So, give them some helpful context!
Example:
Before: "Image1234.jpg"
After: "art-teacher-women-calgary.jpg"
For blog posts, I also like to use the title of the post as the image file name. That way, the images align with the content of the post and help Google understand the page better.
Optimizing Your Images: Alt Text & Captions for SEO and Accessibility
When you optimize your images, it’s not just about resizing them or compressing them—adding descriptive alt text and captions is just as important for both SEO and accessibility. Here’s why:
1. Alt Text: Helping Search Engines & Users:
Alt text is like a mini description of your image that helps search engines (like Google) understand what the image is about. But it’s also important for users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to navigate your site. So, it’s a win-win!
How to write alt text:
Focus on describing the image clearly and accurately, without overloading it with keywords.
Keep it simple and straightforward. Don’t try to force in a bunch of keywords, as that can be a turn-off for both users and Google.
2. Captions: Providing Context
Captions aren’t as critical for SEO, but they still play a huge role in user experience. Captions can help explain the image or add context, which is especially helpful for users who might have difficulty viewing or interpreting the image.
Captions also give your readers an additional reason to stay on the page and engage with your content. Plus, well-written captions make your website feel more professional and accessible to everyone!
Why It Matters for SEO and Visibility
By taking a few extra minutes to add alt text and captions, you're not just improving accessibility. You're also boosting your SEO. How? Well, Google indexes images—and when you provide clear, descriptive alt text and captions, you're helping Google show your images in Google Image Search and alongside regular search results for relevant keywords.
9. Embrace Mobile-First Design:
Mobile-first design used to be a “nice to have” for business pre-2015. But, today, it’s a must. With so many people browsing the web on their phones and tablets, search engines (like Google) have shifted their focus to mobile-friendly sites. So if you want to rank high in Google search results, your website has to be optimized for mobile.
Why Mobile-First Design Is Non-Negotiable:
Google Loves Mobile-Friendly Sites: Google now uses mobile-first indexing, meaning it looks at the mobile version of your site for ranking purposes. So if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re seriously hurting your SEO! 😬
More Mobile Users Than Ever: The majority of users are browsing the web on mobile devices, so optimizing for mobile isn’t just about SEO—it’s about user experience. A smooth mobile experience keeps people on your site longer, which can help boost your rankings!
How to Create an Effective Mobile-First Design:
1. Use Headings and Subheadings
Structure your content with clear headings and subheadings to improve readability on smaller screens. This makes your content easy to skim, especially on mobile where space is limited. 📲 Users will thank you for making it easier to digest!
2. Fast Loading Time
Speed is everything on mobile. No one likes waiting for a slow-loading page, especially on mobile networks. Aim to keep your pages loading quickly, even on slower connections. Compress those images, minimize heavy scripts, and keep things running smoothly. The faster the page, the better your chances of keeping people on your site!
By prioritizing mobile design, you’re not only optimizing your website for SEO but also ensuring that visitors have a seamless experience across all devices. More visitors = more leads, and more leads = success! 🙌
So let’s make your Squarespace site mobile-friendly, and watch your rankings soar! 📈 You’ve got this!
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Off-Page SEO and Link Building 🔗
Off-Page SEO—this is one of the key strategies to help boost your rankings on Google! While your on-page SEO (like optimizing your content and images) is super important, off-page SEO takes it up a notch by improving your website’s authority and trustworthiness.
Here’s how you can get started with Off-Page SEO for your Squarespace website:
Link Building: The Power of Backlinks
One of the most powerful ways to boost your off-page SEO is by building backlinks—these are links from other reputable websites pointing to your site. The more quality backlinks you have, the more Google will trust your site, which can really boost your ranking. 🔝
One awesome strategy for getting backlinks is guest blogging. Basically, you write valuable content for another site (think of it as sharing your expertise) in exchange for a link back to your Squarespace site. This helps you:
Increase your visibility.
Establish yourself as an expert in your niche.
Drive more traffic to your website.
Social Media Marketing: Visibility & Traffic
Another key component of off-page SEO is social media marketing. Engaging with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest can help drive traffic to your site and build brand awareness. Plus, more traffic = more opportunities to get those valuable backlinks!
By posting content that resonates with your audience—whether it’s tips, inspirational quotes, behind-the-scenes peeks, or client success stories—you’re not just gaining followers, but you’re also building connections with potential customers. 🤝 So make sure your social media is part of your overall SEO strategy!
Establish Local SEO
If you’re a local business or service provider, then local SEO is a total game-changer! You want to make sure you’re easily discoverable by people near you who are searching for your services.
Here’s how to enhance your local SEO:
1. Claim Your Google Business Profile
Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential for local SEO. This helps you show up in local search results when people search for keywords relevant to your business. Pro tip: Make sure all your info is up-to-date, including your address, hours, website, and contact info.
2. Use Local Keywords
Incorporate local terms into your website content, titles, and meta descriptions. Think along the lines of:
“Business coach in [City]”
“Creative entrepreneur services in [Area]”
These keywords will help you rank higher in local searches.
3. Get Listed in Directories
You should also get listed in popular local directories like Yelp or industry-specific directories. Being included in these platforms boosts your local visibility and can bring more potential customers your way.
By combining link building strategies with social media marketing and local SEO, you’ll make your website a powerhouse that not only ranks well but also drives traffic and converts visitors into loyal clients. Let’s get your SEO game on point and watch your business thrive! 💯
