Start using these tactics today to make your site more competitive, authoritative, and intuitive, and see your rankings and traffic climb in no time.<\/p>\n
How does Google rank pages?<\/h2>\n
Google\u2019s ranking algorithms are complex systems that scan billions of pages to deliver the most relevant and useful results as quickly as possible. At their core, they aim to match search intent<\/a>, ensuring that the content aligns precisely with what the user is looking for.<\/p>\n Google evaluates a wide range of factors to determine a page\u2019s quality, relevance, and usefulness. These include keywords, content quality, mobile responsiveness, page load speed, backlinks, and engagement metrics like click-through rates and time on page. Additionally, algorithms consider contextual signals such as user location, device type, and search history.<\/p>\n Despite their complexity, these algorithms follow a simple guiding principle: delivering value to the user. Pages that provide clear, authoritative answers and a seamless experience are more likely to rank higher.<\/p>\n Understanding these ranking factors is essential for your success. By aligning your SEO strategy<\/a> with Google\u2019s priorities and applying the tactics outlined in this article, you can navigate the intricacies of Google\u2019s algorithms and improve your search rankings.<\/p>\n Climbing to the top of Google\u2019s search results requires a strategic approach to search engine optimization. By focusing on targeted improvements, you can improve your website’s visibility, attract more organic traffic<\/a>, and meet the evolving standards of Google\u2019s algorithms. Here are nine practical SEO enhancements to help you secure a higher ranking and outshine the competition.<\/p>\n One of the most critical aspects of a successful SEO is ensuring your content aligns perfectly with search intent, which is the underlying reason behind a user\u2019s query. Understanding and catering to this intent is essential, especially as Google\u2019s algorithms like RankBrain and others have become increasingly sophisticated at evaluating whether a webpage satisfies user needs.<\/p>\n There are four main types of search intent:<\/p>\n Informational intent is the most common in SEO, but it\u2019s not enough to simply create generic educational content. You need to match the depth and format that users expect. For instance, someone searching for \u2018how to bake sourdough bread\u2019 isn\u2019t just looking for a brief definition. They need a detailed, step-by-step guide, complete with troubleshooting tips, ingredient explanations, and perhaps a video tutorial. Content that lacks these elements is less valuable and less likely to rank.<\/p>\n To ensure your content aligns with search intent, analyze the top-ranking pages for your target keyword. What makes them successful? If they feature in-depth explanations, images, or practical use cases, your content should incorporate these elements and do it better. Addressing gaps in existing content or providing unique insights will position you as a stronger resource.<\/p>\n Similarweb’s Keyword Generator<\/a> can help you assess search intent effectively. Its Intent metric provides insights into what users are looking for when they search for a particular keyword, allowing you to refine your content strategy accordingly.<\/p>\n This report categorizes search intent for each keyword as informational, navigational, local, transactional, or job search<\/b>, providing valuable insights into what users are looking for. Leveraging this data allows you to tailor your content to align with user expectations, making it more relevant and engaging.<\/p>\n Addressing search intent not only enhances user experience but also signals to Google that your page is the best answer for specific queries. Since Google’s primary goal is to deliver value to users, content that directly meets their needs naturally has a higher chance of ranking well.<\/p>\n In short, matching content with search intent isn\u2019t just best practice, it\u2019s the foundation of effective SEO<\/b>. When your page perfectly aligns with a query, Google is more likely to prioritize it in search results, driving more traffic to your site.<\/p>\n Ranking well on Google starts with thorough keyword research<\/a>. Before writing, identify the best keywords, those that align with your audience\u2019s search queries. This includes primary keywords<\/b> and long-tail<\/a> variations, which are often less competitive but highly specific, helping you attract qualified traffic.<\/p>\n To discover long-tail keywords, use the Keyword Generator<\/b> tool. Click on Question queries<\/b> to find relevant question-based keyword ideas for your topic.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve selected your keywords, the next step is to strategically integrate them into the right places to optimize your content for both search engines and readers.<\/p>\n A well-optimized title tag<\/a> signals relevance to Google, while an enticing meta description should have a compelling call to action to encourage click-throughs.<\/p>\n For instance, if your keyword is \u2018vegan dessert recipes,\u2019 a strong title tag might be, \u201810 Easy Vegan Dessert Recipes You\u2019ll Love.\u2019 The meta description could highlight benefits, such as simplicity or healthiness to make it irresistible to readers, and then end with a CTA such as, \u2018Start your guilt-free indulgence now!\u2019 or \u2018Click now for plant-based perfection!\u2019<\/p>\n The H1 heading<\/a>\u00a0should clearly define the main topic of your page and include your primary keyword. Subheadings (H2, H3, etc.) help structure your content and improve readability while providing opportunities to incorporate variations of your keywords.<\/p>\n For example, if your main keyword is \u2018home workout tips,\u2019 subheadings might include \u2018Best Home Workout Equipment\u2019 or \u2018Effective Bodyweight Exercises.\u2019<\/p>\n Images enrich your content, but they also offer SEO potential. Use descriptive alt tags that include relevant keywords to help search engines understand the content of your images. This can improve your visibility in image search results and contribute to your page\u2019s overall relevance.<\/p>\n For instance, an image of yoga poses could have an alt tag like \u2018yoga poses for beginners at home.\u2019<\/p>\n When linking internally or externally, use anchor text strategically. Choose keywords or variations that describe the content of the linked page without overloading it with exact-match keywords.<\/p>\n For example, instead of \u2018click here,\u2019 use descriptive anchor text like \u2018learn more about SEO best practices.\u2019<\/p>\n Sprinkle your keywords naturally throughout the content, focusing on readability and user experience. Avoid keyword stuffing<\/a>, which can harm both your rankings and your readers\u2019 trust. Instead, use synonyms and related terms to reinforce your topic organically. The content should always prioritize serving the reader, providing valuable insights that align with their intent.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> If you\u2019re starting your SEO journey, target low-competition<\/a>, low-volume keywords to build momentum. Over time, this strategy helps establish your domain\u2019s authority, making it easier to compete for higher-volume terms.<\/p>\n The most optimized content is worthless if it\u2019s not easy to read. In today\u2019s fast-paced digital environment, users demand clarity and efficiency when consuming information. A study on website engagement found that visitors spend an average of just 54 seconds on a webpage. This means you have less than a minute to capture their attention and deliver value. If your content is dense, disorganized, or difficult to follow, readers will quickly abandon it, and Google will take note.<\/p>\n To improve readability and engagement, prioritize simplicity and structure<\/b>. Use concise, active-voice sentences<\/b> to communicate your message clearly. Break up long blocks of text with subheadings<\/b>, and use bullet points or numbered lists<\/b> to highlight key information. This improves skimmability<\/b>, making your content more accessible for readers who prefer to scan rather than read every word.<\/p>\n Another essential strategy is to incorporate visuals<\/b>. Charts, infographics, images, and videos help simplify complex information while keeping users engaged. These elements also act as visual breaks<\/b>, improving overall readability and making your content more appealing.<\/p>\n Readability isn\u2019t just for users, it\u2019s for search engines too. Google increasingly prioritizes content that can be quickly understood and answers users the user\u2019s queries. To optimize this, make sure that your headings are descriptive and structured with proper HTML tags, such as <h2> and <h3>. Avoid overly playful or vague language in your headings. Instead, focus on clarity and specificity. Readers and Google alike should be able to glean key points just by scanning the headings.<\/p>\n Under the Website Explorer section, click on Keywords, and choose \u2018High Traffic Opps.\u2019 This filter will find keywords with untapped potential that are prime candidates for optimization. Alternatively, the \u2018Low Potential Keywords\u2019 filter indicates a minimal traffic potential, so you can deprioritize them in your strategy.<\/p>\n These techniques make information more accessible, whether it\u2019s to a hurried reader or an algorithm analyzing content for relevance.<\/p>\n Images play an important role in making your content engaging and memorable, and they can significantly impact your SEO. Original visuals, such as infographics, graphs, and high-quality photographs, not only make your content stand out but may also give your page an edge in Google\u2019s rankings. Studies have shown that pages with original images tend to outperform those relying solely on stock photos. But creating impactful visuals doesn\u2019t require a full-scale creative studio. Simple tools and strategies can help you generate unique, optimized images for your content.<\/p>\n Google appears to favor pages that feature original multimedia, including images. Custom visuals signal effort and quality, which aligns with Google’s priority of providing users with valuable content. Additionally, original images often better align with your specific content and keywords, making them more relevant to both users and search engines.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need an extensive budget or advanced design skills to create custom images. Tools like Canva or Adobe Express offer user-friendly templates that can be tailored to fit your needs. Build a library of templates for recurring content types and update them with fresh data or designs as needed. Infographics are particularly effective for simplifying complex concepts and encouraging shares, which can drive backlinks and improve your site\u2019s authority<\/a>.<\/p>\n For DIY solutions, take your own photos or screenshots to illustrate your points. These can add a personal touch and enhance the relevance of your content.<\/p>\n Optimization is key to ensuring your images contribute to your SEO efforts. Use descriptive, keyword-rich alt text to help search engines understand the content of your images. For instance, if your blog is about \u2018vegan dessert recipes,\u2019 an image of chocolate mousse could include an alt text like \u2018vegan chocolate mousse recipe made with avocado and cacao.\u2019 Use a keyword research tool<\/a> to identify the best terms for your alt text, focusing on those relevant to your content.<\/p>\n Additionally, ensure your images are web-optimized. Compress file sizes without sacrificing quality to improve load times, which is a critical ranking factor. Tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh can help streamline this process.<\/p>\n Research the search engine results pages for your target keywords to understand the types of images users expect. If a query like \u2018January marketing ideas\u2019 shows event graphics or social media screenshots, tailor your visuals accordingly. Aligning with searchers\u2019 expectations increases the likelihood of your images being featured in search results or snippets.<\/p>\n Tip: <\/b>If visuals dominate the SERP for a keyword, adapt your content strategy to include rich media. For example, add an infographic, video, or title card image to ensure your page meets user expectations and search intent.<\/p>\n Backlinks<\/a>, links from other websites pointing to your page, are one of the strong ranking factors in Google\u2019s algorithm. They signal trust, authority, and relevance, which are key elements for achieving high search engine rankings. However, earning high-quality backlinks requires more than just creating good content. It requires proactive strategies to encourage other sites to link to yours.<\/p>\n Similarweb\u2019s Backlinks Checker<\/a> can be used for identifying high-quality backlinks to improve your site\u2019s performance. It provides detailed metrics like Page Trust Score (PTS)<\/b> and Domain Trust Score (DTS)<\/b> to help you evaluate the quality of potential backlinks.<\/p>\n Here’s how you can use this tool effectively:<\/p>\n Unlinked brand mentions, instances where your brand is mentioned without a hyperlink, are low-hanging fruit for backlinks. When you find an unlinked mention, reach out to the author or site owner with a polite, friendly email. Express gratitude for the mention and suggest adding a link to help their readers access your site more easily.<\/p>\n Publishing exceptional content is essential, but it won\u2019t gain traction without visibility. Don\u2019t adopt a \u2018publish and hope for the best\u2019 strategy, actively promote your content to encourage backlinks. Share it on social media, email it to your network, and engage in discussions on relevant forums or communities. The more exposure your content gets, the greater the chances of earning backlinks.<\/p>\n Resource pages, web pages dedicated to listing the best resources on a particular topic, are excellent opportunities for backlinking. To find these pages in your niche, use search queries like \u2018intitle:resources + [your niche]\u2019 on Google. Once you identify relevant pages, reach out to the site owners and suggest including your content as a valuable resource.<\/p>\n Linking to a diverse range of websites signals to search engines that your content is well-connected and credible. However, not all backlinks hold the same value<\/b>. Prioritize securing links from authoritative, high-quality websites<\/b> that are relevant to your niche.<\/p>\n A single backlink from a trusted, reputable source<\/b> can have a significantly greater impact than dozens from low-quality sites. Quality always outweighs quantity<\/b> when it comes to building a strong link profile.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> Infographics, data-driven reports, and comprehensive guides are highly shareable and naturally attract backlinks. The more useful and visually appealing your content, the more likely it is to be linked by others.<\/p>\n Internal linking<\/a> is one of the easiest and most effective strategies to improve your Google rankings. By linking one page on your website to another, you create a network of connections that not only enhance navigation for users but also signal to search engines which pages on your site are most important. This strategy boosts the visibility of your high-priority pages and helps distribute link equity throughout your site.<\/p>\n Internal links play a critical role in SEO by improving the discoverability of your content. They help search engine bots crawl and index your site more effectively, ensuring that all your pages are accounted for in rankings. Additionally, internal links strengthen the context and relevance of a page for specific keywords, which can help improve its rankings for targeted search terms.<\/p>\n To leverage internal linking effectively, start by identifying your high-priority pages, those you want to rank higher for specific keywords. Using Similarweb\u2019s SEO tools<\/a>, like the Organic Landing Pages feature, you can filter and pinpoint the top-performing pages based on metrics like clicks or traffic volume.<\/p>\n This helps you strategically link to pages with the highest potential to increase your visibility and ranking, as you align your internal linking efforts with performance insights.<\/p>\n When adding internal links, context matters. Place them within the main content of the page rather than in footers or sidebars for maximum impact. Ensure the anchor text, which is the clickable text of the link, includes relevant keywords or phrases, as this helps search engines understand the content of the linked page. However, avoid over-optimizing the anchor text; keep it natural and user-friendly.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> Use tools like Google Search Console to track how internal links are influencing page rankings. Identify gaps where important pages may lack internal links and address these opportunities to strengthen your overall site structure<\/a>.<\/p>\n For newer or less-established websites, off-page SEO techniques like email marketing and social sharing can be game-changers in driving traffic and improving rankings. While these methods are often viewed as secondary to on-page optimization, they play a crucial role in signaling to Google that your content is valuable and engaging. Increased traffic to your page can positively influence indexing and rankings, helping your site gain the visibility it needs to compete.<\/p>\n Email marketing is a powerful way to drive traffic to your web pages. By sharing your latest blog posts, product launches, or special offers with your subscribers, you not only engage your audience but also encourage them to visit your site. Create compelling email campaigns that include CTAs directing readers to specific pages. For example, an email titled \u20185 Tips to Boost Your Fitness Routine\u2019 could link directly to a blog post with those tips. The resulting traffic signals to Google that your page is relevant and worth indexing.<\/p>\n Social platforms are another essential off-page SEO tool, especially for newer sites looking to establish authority. Sharing your content on platforms like Facebook, X.com, LinkedIn, and Instagram increases its reach and likelihood of engagement. When users like, share, or comment on your posts, it amplifies your content’s visibility and can drive significant traffic back to your site. Additionally, if your content resonates with your audience, it may attract backlinks, which further boost your SEO efforts.<\/p>\n Partnering with influencers or engaging in niche communities can extend the reach of your content. Influencers with established followings can share your content with a broader audience, lending credibility and generating traffic. Similarly, participating in forums, groups, or platforms like Reddit or Quora allows you to share your expertise while subtly linking to your content where relevant.<\/p>\n Encourage your audience to share your content or create their own around your brand. Contests, challenges, or campaigns that require users to share your content with their networks can create a ripple effect, driving traffic back to your site. The more people interact with and share your content, the more likely Google is to take notice.<\/p>\n Track the performance of your off-page efforts using tools like Google Analytics or social media insights. Identify which platforms or strategies drive the most traffic and engagement, and focus your efforts there. For example, if a particular type of email or social post performs well, replicate that approach in future campaigns.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> When Google detects increased traffic to a webpage, especially when the visitors stay engaged, it interprets this as a sign of high-quality content. This can lead to better indexing and higher rankings, particularly for newer sites still building authority.<\/p>\n Your website\u2019s overall performance has a direct impact on the rankings of its individual pages. Google evaluates your site as a cohesive unit, meaning issues like broken links, poor speed, or orphan pages (pages without internal links) can hinder your rankings, no matter how well-optimized individual pages are. To ensure your pages rank well, you need to maintain a technically sound website by following SEO best practices and conducting regular audits.<\/p>\n Start by running a technical SEO audit<\/a> to identify any issues that might affect your site\u2019s performance. Use tools like Google Search Console or Similarweb to check for broken links, crawl errors, or indexation issues. Fixing these problems ensures that search engines can efficiently crawl and understand your site.<\/p>\n With most web traffic coming from mobile devices, mobile usability is more important than ever. Use Google\u2019s Mobile-Friendly Test and manually test your site on various devices to ensure it renders properly. Check for elements like buttons, menus, and forms that should be easy to use on smaller screens.<\/p>\n Orphan pages<\/a>, those not linked to other pages on your site, can be hard for search engines to find and index. Use internal linking to connect these pages to your site structure, ensuring they contribute to your SEO efforts. A well-linked site helps Google prioritize which pages are most important.<\/p>\n Google\u2019s Core Web Vitals<\/a> measure page speed, loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability. Addressing these metrics can significantly enhance your rankings. Use tools like Google Search Console and Lighthouse to monitor and optimize these vitals.<\/p>\n Organize your site so it\u2019s easy for both users and search engines to navigate. Use a logical hierarchy with categories, subcategories, and internal links that guide visitors to relevant pages. A clear structure improves user experience and ensures search engines can efficiently crawl your content.<\/p>\n You can use Similarweb\u2019s Folders<\/b> (found under Website Structure<\/b>) to refine your site architecture<\/b>. This feature provides a visual snapshot<\/b> of your website\u2019s structure based on specific URL segments, helping you identify the most visited areas.<\/p>\n By analyzing this data, you can optimize your site\u2019s hierarchy<\/b>, improve navigation, and enhance user experience. Additionally, benchmarking your site structure against competitors<\/b> ensures your website remains competitive and accessible<\/b>. Leverage this data-driven approach to create a more efficient, user-friendly website.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> Technical SEO isn\u2019t a one-and-done task. Schedule regular audits to catch and fix new issues promptly. Websites evolve, and staying proactive ensures your site remains optimized and competitive.<\/p>\n Tracking your website\u2019s performance is crucial<\/b> for evaluating the effectiveness of your SEO efforts and maintaining strong rankings. Identify low-performing<\/b> or quick-win keyword rankings<\/b> to refine your content strategy and focus on areas with the highest potential for improvement.<\/p>\n Your site\u2019s overall performance directly impacts the rankings of individual pages, making it essential to monitor key metrics regularly<\/b>. Tools like Google Search Console<\/b> and Similarweb\u2019s <\/b>Rank Tracker<\/b><\/a> provide valuable insights into visibility, traffic, and search engine performance<\/b>, helping you make data-driven decisions to strengthen your SEO strategy.<\/p>\n Google Search Console<\/b> provides invaluable insights into your website\u2019s performance in Google Search<\/b>. Two key metrics to track are:<\/p>\n These metrics reveal how effectively your content captures user attention and highlight opportunities for improvement.<\/p>\n Beyond impressions and clicks, Search Console<\/b> helps you identify specific keywords and queries<\/b> driving traffic to your site. This insight allows you to refine your keyword strategy<\/b> and optimize underperforming pages.<\/p>\n Additionally, the tool flags technical issues<\/b> such as crawl errors<\/b> and mobile usability problems<\/b>, enabling you to resolve them quickly and maintain your site\u2019s health.<\/p>\n Similarweb\u2019s Rank Tracker complements Google Search Console by offering detailed tracking of your organic ranking positions. With daily updates, this tool helps you monitor how your pages rank for targeted keywords and identify trends in ranking changes. By tagging and grouping keywords, you can easily track performance in specific campaigns or focus on critical business areas.<\/p>\n A standout feature of Similarweb\u2019s Rank Tracker is its ability to monitor up to five competitors. This enables you to benchmark your performance against rivals and gain insights into their strategies. You can also identify new competitors appearing on the first page of search results and analyze their ranking positions. Armed with this information, you can adapt your content and SEO tactics to stay competitive.<\/p>\n While Google Search Console provides direct data on your site\u2019s visibility in Google, Similarweb\u2019s Rank Tracker offers a broader view of your ranking positions and competitive landscape<\/a>. Together, these tools enable you to:<\/p>\n Tip:<\/b> With daily updates from Similarweb, you can act swiftly on declining rankings or identify opportunities for optimization. Combined with Search Console\u2019s in-depth data on impressions and clicks, you\u2019ll have a complete view of your SEO performance and the ability to make data-driven decisions.<\/p>\n Improving your Google rankings takes time, effort, and a strategic approach. By implementing these nine SEO improvements and constantly tracking your performance, you can elevate your website\u2019s visibility and attract more organic traffic.<\/p>\n Remember, SEO isn\u2019t a one-time task but an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your site\u2019s performance, adapt to changing algorithms, and refine your strategy based on data-driven insights. Tools like Google Search Console are invaluable for understanding your site\u2019s performance, but for a comprehensive analysis, we recommend Similarweb. Its rank tracking capabilities, competitor analysis, and keyword insights provide actionable data to fine-tune your SEO efforts and stay ahead of the competition.<\/p>\n Start making these improvements today, and watch your site climb the search rankings.<\/p>\n 9 SEO improvements to rank high on Google<\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image8.png\")
<\/p>\n1. Match your content to the search intent<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Similarweb's](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image4.png\")
<\/p>\n2. Use keywords in the right places<\/h3>\n
![\"Question](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image6.png\")
<\/p>\na. Title tag<\/h4>\n
b. H1 heading and subheadings<\/h4>\n
c. Alt tags for images<\/h4>\n
d. Anchor text for linking<\/h4>\n
e. Content integration<\/h4>\n
3. Make your content readable<\/h3>\n
![\"Keywords](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image7.png\")
<\/p>\n4. Create original and optimized images<\/h3>\n
a. Why original images matter<\/h4>\n
b. How to create original images<\/h4>\n
c. Optimizing your images<\/h4>\n
d. Aligning images with search intent<\/h4>\n
5. Build backlinks to your pages<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
![\"new](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image9.png\")
<\/p>\na. Turn unlinked mentions into backlinks<\/h4>\n
b. Actively promote your content<\/h4>\n
c. Leverage resource pages<\/h4>\n
d. Focus on quality over quantity<\/h4>\n
6. Build internal links to your pages<\/h3>\n
a. Why internal links matter<\/h4>\n
b. How to use internal links effectively<\/h4>\n
![\"Organic](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image5.png\")
<\/p>\nc. Strategic placement of internal links<\/h4>\n
d. Best practices for internal linking<\/h4>\n
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7. Use email marketing, social shares, and other off-page SEO techniques<\/h3>\n
a. Email marketing<\/h4>\n
b. Social media shares<\/h4>\n
c. Collaborate with influencers and communities<\/h4>\n
d. Encourage user-generated content<\/h4>\n
e. Use analytics to refine your strategy<\/h4>\n
8. Make sure your site follows technical SEO best practices<\/h3>\n
a. Conduct a technical SEO audit<\/h4>\n
![\"Conduct](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image1.png\")
<\/p>\nb. Check for mobile usability<\/h4>\n
c. Address orphan pages<\/h4>\n
d. Focus on Core Web Vitals<\/h4>\n
e. Maintain a clear site architecture<\/h4>\n
![\"Similarweb\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image2.png\")
<\/p>\n9. Track your performance<\/h3>\n
Google Search Console<\/h3>\n
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Similarweb\u2019s Rank Tracker<\/h3>\n
![\"Similarweb\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/attachment-image3.png\")
<\/p>\nUsing both tools together<\/h3>\n
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Watch your site climb the search rankings<\/h2>\n