1) Q: Why are my search results different on my computer compared to my friends or coworkers results?
A: Your customizations are probably enabled. Click on “web history” at the top right of the page in Google. Make sure it says “enable customizations based on search history.” This will ensure this feature is disabled and you are receiving accurate rankings. If you want to see rankings that are persistent with what you typically search for online, go ahead an enable that feature.

2) Q: How long will it take for me to rank in the top pages for my keywords?
A: This is a question that has no definite answer. Several things come into play when determining how quickly and how high up a site is going to rank, such as; keywords, on-page optimization, content, etc. Anything is possible and there are ways to get rankings quicker, but typically a new website in a moderately competitive area can be properly optimized and see top page rankings in anywhere from 6 months to a year. An established site can rank relatively quicker. Anyone who tells you different is probably using black hat SEO tactics that will hurt your site in the long run and possibly get it banned.

3) Q: What are organic rankings?
A: Organic rankings are the result of SEO. When you type a keyword into a search engine, for example type “organic mattress” in Google, you will see a shaded box at the top of the results and then a series of websites listed below. The ones below are the organic rankings. The shaded box above these are the paid advertisements or Pay Per Click ads. Organic results come up according to how the site is optimized and how relevant to your search terms Google thinks the site is. PPC ads are a result of someone paying Google for that ad to appear at the top. PPC ads change frequently and can be quite costly while organic rankings are long term.

4. Q: Why isn’t my site showing up anywhere in Google?
A: This is probably for a variety of reasons. Did you submit a sitemap to Google? How about your on-page optimization? Are your titles, tags, descriptions and content all optimized? Probably not. How long has your site been around? If it’s new and you don’t plan on doing any optimization then just hope your brand is about as popular as lets say, Coca-Cola or Nike. If all the above steps are taken one main reason it might not be showing up is lack of content. Content is king and without GOOD content with keywords, Google really won’t be giving you much love.

5) Q: What’s the quickest way to optimize my website and get organic rankings?
A: There are ways to do things quickly, but they are usually the wrong way. To properly optimize a website it should be nurtured and built into a site that is loved by not only the search engines but for visitors/customers as well. Things like link building, content creation and social media take time and it’s imperative to have a useful, relevant site that is constantly being updated and cared for. If you have an established site, give yourself a minimum of 2-3 months to do some proper SEO before you will see some rankings. And we’re not talking a few hours a month…this is your new full time job.