There are two types of search engine results: organic and paid. Paid search engine results are basically paid advertisements. Conversely, organic, or natural, search results are listings that most closely match a search query based on relevance, and generating organic search results should be the primary objective of SEO as the goal of every business is to show up on or near the top of search results.

Why should you want to be at the top? Because every day literally millions of people utilize search engines to help them find what they are looking for, such as information about products and services and a business that provides them. In fact, most people will use search engines before doing business with a large company and when planning to make local purchases from smaller businesses, making organic search results a necessity for any business. Fortunately, obtaining organic search results can be accomplished with three relatively simple steps.

No. 1: Identify and create a targeted keyword list. Keywords are the cornerstone of organic search engine results. Additionally, it is essential to target keywords that a business’ target client is most likely to search for when looking for the product or service you offer. Use specific keywords that not only describe your business but its location. For example, if you’re an insurance salesperson in Los Angeles, don’t just use the keywords “insurance agent,” use “Los Angeles insurance agent providing x, y and z.” Your goal is to rank for the keywords with the most traffic, so make a list of the most relevant terms and repeat keywords in your content, without going overboard. 

No. 2: Maintain a blog on your website. Blogging on your business’ website enables you to always have fresh content on your site, and search engines favor websites that are frequently updated. Furthermore, every new blog enables you to share it through social media, which will drive more traffic back to your website. In fact, Google will rank your blog posts and website higher if it sees that you are a credible source. Keep in mind, however, that blogs should always be relevant, and answer common questions about your business, its products and its services. If you don’t have a blog, it is highly recommended you start one, as well social media pages such as Facebook and Google+ because social media profiles are often amongst the top results in search listings for brand names. Google, naturally, favors Google+, and factors in your presence on it, so take time each day to spend on your Google+ page.

No. 3: Obtain high-quality links. Attracting quality links to your site is widely regarded as the most crucial aspect of SEO, as they can and will help you reach the top of organic search results. In order to achieve this, use link-building strategies such as guest blogging on another site. Also, don’t be shy about asking the powers that be from other respectable sites that are akin to yours to link back to your pages. It is also imperative to refrain from spam-type SEO, as Google perpetually initiates algorithm updates and refreshes in order to hinder spam from ranking. 

Once you have achieved all of the aforementioned and reached the top, or near it, monitoring your keyword rankings is important. By doing this, you will be able to determine what is working and what is not working, even if you have achieved the top of organic search results. Neglecting your SEO strategy will leave the throne open for a new king or queen.