The Journey to Getting Your Website to the Top of Google - From the Ground Up

Getting your website to the top of Google isn’t just about technical SEO - it’s a full journey of building a solid foundation, creating high-quality content, and delivering an outstanding user experience. This article will guide you from the most basic steps to long-term strategies for sustainably conquering Google.

Why do we need to "get on Google"?

Every action of searching for information, products, or services starts with… Google. From consumers and students to CEOs, everyone “Googles first, acts later.” A website that doesn’t appear on Google – or appears on page 10 and beyond – is like a store hidden deep in a back alley: no matter how nice it is, no one sees it.

Therefore, “getting a website on Google” is no longer an option but a prerequisite if you want to join the digital game. But it’s not just about appearing – you have to appear the right way, to the right people, at the right time.

So how can you do that?

Understanding Google: The gatekeeper of information

Google is the world’s largest search engine, but it’s not a simple directory. It’s a complex ranking system that uses hundreds of factors to determine which websites appear first and which get buried.

Google’s process involves three main steps:

• Crawl: Googlebot – Google’s search crawler – scans the Internet to find new pages.
• Index: Pages that meet quality standards are stored in Google’s database.
• Rank: When users search, Google evaluates thousands of relevant pages and ranks them based on relevance, trustworthiness, and user experience.

This means: Getting your website on Google is not just about “posting and waiting,” but about optimizing the entire digital experience – from technical structure to content, loading speed to user interaction.

Starting with the foundation: Build your website right from the beginning

Before talking about SEO or content, you need a solid “digital house” that Google can recognize and value.

1. Choose an SEO-friendly platform

Some platforms like WordPress, Webflow, Shopify… are built with SEO in mind, offering features like:

• Customizable URLs
• Meta title and meta description fields
• Integrated sitemap.xml and robots.txt

Note: Custom-built websites can also be good for SEO, as long as the developer ensures key elements like speed, clear URL structure, and HTTPS security.

2. Set up the basic technical foundations

• SSL (HTTPS): Google favors secure websites.
• Responsive design: Your website must display well on mobile devices.
• Sitemap and robots.txt: Guide Googlebot on how to crawl and index your site.
• Clear URL structure: Example: https://vietseo.com/en/basic-seo-techniques-to-help-your-website-rank-on-google/ instead of www.yourdomain.com/abc123?id=987.

3. Page load speed

Speed is a ranking factor. Google recommends websites load in under 3 seconds.

Suggestions:

• Optimize images (use WebP format)
• Use high-quality hosting
• Limit unnecessary plugins

Register with Google: Don’t make Google guess

Once your website is ready, you need to help Google find it.

1. Create a Google Search Console account

This free tool helps you:

• Check if your site is indexed
• Submit your sitemap
• Monitor crawl errors
• Track keyword performance

2. Submit your sitemap (sitemap.xml)

This helps Google understand your website structure and index your pages more efficiently.

3. Create a proper robots.txt file

Allow or disallow Googlebot to access certain areas of your site. Don’t block your entire site! Many make this mistake by copying sample code without understanding it.

Content: The soul of your online presence

Technical optimization can help you appear, but content is what keeps users engaged and builds Google’s trust.

1. Develop a content strategy

Instead of posting randomly, you need a structured content plan focusing on:

• Primary and secondary keywords
• Real problems users care about
• A consistent publishing schedule

Example: If you're in the travel niche, don’t just write “Top 10 Places to Visit in Da Lat.” Also write:

• “Detailed 3-day Da Lat travel budget”
• “Tips for booking cheap flights”
• “Comparing homestays and hotels for groups”

2. Follow the E-E-A-T principle

Google is increasingly focused on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

Show that by:

• Clear author information
• Credible sources
• In-depth content, not shallow articles
• Real reviews, actual images, personal experiences

Links and trust: You can’t just praise yourself

Google doesn’t believe you just because you say you’re good. It trusts you when others say so too.

1. Build high-quality backlinks

Links from reputable websites help Google understand that your site has value.

How to do it:

• Guest post on related blogs
• Submit to industry directories
• Collaborate with influencers or experts

2. Internal links matter too: Smart internal linking

Ensure every article links to other relevant articles on your site, creating a solid content network.

User experience: Google isn’t just a machine

Today, Google tracks user behavior such as:

• Bounce rate
• Time on page
• Interaction with elements on the page

So, you need:

• A clean, easy-to-use interface
• Clear call-to-actions (CTAs)
• Multi-device compatibility

Analyze & optimize: Nothing is “set and forget”

SEO is a long game. Once your site is “on Google,” you need to regularly:

• Track keyword rankings
• Update old content
• Optimize speed and UX
• Monitor user behavior (via Google Analytics)

Long-term strategy: SEO is not “instant noodles”

Don’t believe promises of “top ranking in 7 days.” SEO is a process of continuous optimization, testing, learning, and adjusting.

1. Combine SEO with branding

A strong website isn’t built on technique alone – it also needs:

• A unique content style
• Consistent brand visuals
• Multichannel presence (social media, press, email…)

2. SEO is just one part of a digital marketing strategy

Combine it with:

• SEO (organic search)
• Google Ads (paid search)
• Content marketing
• Social media marketing

Getting on Google is just the beginning, not the end

Successfully getting your website on Google requires technical knowledge, great content, strategic thinking, and patience. But the rewards are worth it: you’ll build a sustainable digital foundation that brings in long-term customers – without relying entirely on ads.

“Google doesn’t reward those who spend the most – it rewards those who deliver real value.”

Be that person. Start today.