#1 on Google!!

[Greg Borchardt - Web Designer]

I did it! I touched the Holy Trail, grabbed the brass ring, did the "impossible.

A few weeks ago, as mentioned in a previous article, I launched a website in February for an Inside919 business networking group I joined, called Raleigh Business Connections. This was the first website I created while weaving in search engine optimization (SEO) concepts. I was a little intimidated doing this, since SEO is somewhat cryptic - to the point that even SEO gurus readily admit that they don't really understand every aspect of SEO. Nevertheless, I put my best foot forward, simply following the instructions from various "mentors" I have come across, like Eric Erikson, with Lizardwebs Computer Solutions, and Pat Howlett. I monitored the ranking of "my" website since launching it and got excited the first time it even ranked on Google (page 8!). A few weeks later, it was at the bottom of page 1 and I thought I would have to learn more to get it to rank higher.

I was wrong.

Last week, not only was our website #1 on Google's page 1 for the keywords “Raleigh business networking group”, but our Facebook page was also #1 on Google's page 1 for the same keywords, but in a different order (business networking group Raleigh). I didn't see that one coming!

I have noticed that the people in my business networking group are excited by the appearance and performance of our website. Even though I have been a member of our group for a short time, there seems to be an atmosphere of renewed interest in the group. Members are showing up more regularly and they tend to be more engaged within the group. I think part of this new excitement within the group comes from the implication that come from have a high ranking and effective website: our group is really going to grow this year. Not only that, but our members are getting some great advertising for their businesses through our website, since we all post our logos, headshots, and business information on our "Our Members" page.

Needless to say, I still have much more to learn about SEO. There are other keyword combinations I want to work on, so that our webpage and/or our Facebook page comes in near or at the top of those search engine results. However, it is exciting to learn new concepts, implement them, and then see successful results – particularly when those results are going to benefit a lot of people.

At our last meeting, I was publically thanked by a member of the group for making the website. I simply responded that I was thankful they allowed me to make the website for them, since it has provided valuable experience for me. Not only in effective web design, but also in effective SEO implementation. It is fun to learn something new every day, put that new learning into practice, utilize my creative side, and then see great results - which benefit other people in a myriad of ways.

I love my job!

Greg Borchardt

Barking Bird Media

[Pat Howlett]

Really Nice job Greg - however as the owner of the #1 spot on Google for "raleigh business networking group" when the quotes are not used (most users don't use ") Inside919 claims the TOP spot (our "Raleigh Town Group" page) - you're still doing really well though at #10 ;-]

We can set up a time to get on the phone again and I can share a couple little things that should help.

PS. you see how I got a nice link into this comment to fortify that #1 spot :)

[Greg Borchardt - Web Designer]

@Pat. I have noticed that Google rankings can be quite fickle. As you can see from the embedded pic here - my networking group is number one for: raleigh business networking groups (no quotes). I simply added an "s" to the word "group."  Without the "s" we drop down. I have tried other variations - with similar, peculiar results.  

Looking forward to talking with you again. I wish I could have been at Final Friday, but we were on our way down to Charlotte

[Michelle Gower-WordPress Mentor]

@Greg, congrats! Yes as you will soon find out, Google is a fickle friend ;)

[Bob Walton]

Great job Greg!!!

[Rob Laughter]

Greg, don't forget that you're searching with personalization on, too. Personalization affects the search results that are displayed in your browser, based on your search patterns and browsing history.

For a more accurate view of your rankings, you might want to try searching in a private browser, like Chrome's "Incognito" mode. For on-page SEO for your websites, check out our SEO Website Grader.

[Pepper P Oldziey]

Yes congratulations. It does feel good. And I agree indeed that it is quite fickle. Personalization means that one must cover many aspects to be seen on first page for various tags and from various personal interests and locations. There is no longer one ranking list. But with this start you will no doubt discover the fun step by step as you travel in the front page circles. You have kind compatriots here who share their secrets openly and often. There is room at the top for all those willing to work at it.

The first step is indeed being there (page one for the right phrase) to be visible, and then you need to be the match to the aesthetic design and topic that works for the customer segment that frequents that page. They need to see you, choose you and then click on you. That done, they need to like what they find on your site, stay on your page, and choose to buy or contact you. It is a labyrinth of stages on behalf of your clients. And each step is a real victory. Enjoy the journey!!