3 Major SEO Changes in 2025 and How To Optimise in 2026
Top 3 Google Ranking Factors Explained (in layman’s terms)
June 8, 2025
Marketing
Have you ever wondered how Google decides which websites rank at the top of the search results? For small and medium-sized business owners, understanding how Google ranks websites organically is important to attract more customers online without spending huge advertising budget.
Google uses over 200 different signals to decide which websites to show first, but the good news is that you do not need to master all of them. In this blog, we will explain the top three ranking factors that matter the most. We will explain what they are in layman’s terms and how you can improve them on your website.
What is Google Ranking Factor?
A ranking factor is something Google looks at when deciding where to place your website in the search results. The better your website performs in these areas, the more likely it is to appear higher in search results when someone is looking for what you offer.
Here are the three most important ranking factors explained in simple terms.
1. High-Quality, Relevant Content
What It Means:
Google wants to give people the most helpful and relevant information for their search. That means your website should provide the information your potential customers are looking for or answer the questions they might have.
For example, if someone types in “best financial broker in Brisbane,” Google wants to show them a page that clearly explains why your brokerage service is a great choice.
How to Improve:
-
- Write content that is useful and easy to understand.
-
- Answer common questions your customers have.
-
- Use clear headings and short paragraphs.
-
- Include the words people are likely to search for (but don’t overdo it).
-
- Keep your content up to date. If something changes in your business and becomes no longer valid, update your pages or blog posts.
Example:
If you are a plumber in Brisbane, instead of simply listing your services, create a page titled “Emergency Plumbing Services in Brisbane” that explains your availability, what you cover, and how customers can book.
2. Backlinks from Other Trusted Websites
What It Means:
A backlink is when another website links to your website. Think of it as a vote of confidence in an election. If trusted websites are linking to you, Google sees your website as more trustworthy too.
The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your website may rank.
How to Improve:
-
- List your business in trusted local directories like Yellow Pages, Hotfrog, or TrueLocal.
-
- Ask industry partners, suppliers, or local organisations to link to your site.
-
- Write helpful blog articles that others might want to share.
-
- Avoid paying for low-quality links from unrelated websites, as this can hurt your rankings.
Example:
If your restaurant is listed in a “Top restaurant in Brisbane” article from a local food blog, that is a great backlink. It helps your reputation and your credibility in the eyes of Google.
3. Technical SEO (The Foundation of Your Website)
Technical SEO refers to how well your website is built and whether it is easy for search engines to access and understand your pages. Even if your content is great, Google may not rank your site well if there are technical issues.
Key Elements:
-
- Fast loading speed
-
- Mobile-friendly design
-
- Secure website (HTTPS)
-
- Easy-to-follow structure
-
- No broken links or errors
How to Improve:
-
- Test your website speed using free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
-
- Ensure your website works well on phones and tablets.
-
- Use clear menu navigation so users (and Google) can find important pages.
-
- Ensure your website has a secure connection with an SSL certificate.
-
- Fix any broken links or pages that return errors.
Example:
Imagine someone visits your website from their mobile phone and it takes 10 seconds to load. They are likely to leave and check a competitor instead. Google notices that and may rank your site loweEn
Bonus: Local SEO
For small and medium businesses, Local SEO is just as important. Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully set up and accurate. This helps your business appear in Google Maps and local searches like “mechanic near me.”
Also, try to get reviews from happy customers. Google sees positive reviews as a sign of trust and can help boost your local visibility.
Summary
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) might sound technical, but it does not have to be complicated. Focus on doing a few things well:
-
- Create clear, relevant and helpful content for your customers.
- Earn trust by getting links from other respected websites.
- Make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy for Google to understand.
If you work on these three areas consistently, your website will become more visible to people searching online and help bring more business through your digital door.
Need help with any of these? Feel free to get in touch and we’re happy to support small business owners on their SEO journey.
Tag Post :
Marketing
Share This :