A site’s natural position in search results for a given keyword.
Why an Organic Ranking Matters
An organic ranking is the most important metric in SEO. It matters because it is a direct signal of a website’s authority and relevance. A website with a high organic ranking is a clear signal that a search engine’s algorithm believes the website is a high-quality resource. This can lead to a significant increase in organic traffic and revenue. A low organic ranking, on the other hand, can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed, such as a technical SEO issue, a penalty, or a lack of a clear content strategy. It is a powerful leading indicator of your SEO performance.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of an organic ranking is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can significantly enhance their organic rankings by utilizing powerful SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These tools not only provide in-depth analysis of your content but also offer actionable insights to optimize your keyword usage, ensuring a diverse range of relevant terms that can improve your search visibility and attract more targeted traffic.
Shopify
On Shopify, an organic ranking is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for an organic ranking. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated SEO strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your SEO performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use an organic ranking will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use an organic ranking to attract a wide range of customers. A site that sells running shoes can use keywords like “running shoes,” “men’s running shoes,” and “running shoes for flat feet.”
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use an organic ranking to attract local customers. A plumber in Dubai, for example, can use keywords like “plumber Dubai,” “emergency plumber Dubai,” and “plumbing repair Dubai.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use an organic ranking to attract a wide range of customers. A company that sells project management software can use keywords like “project management,” “project management software,” and “project management tool.”
Blogs
Blogs have the potential to leverage organic rankings effectively to engage a diverse audience. For instance, a cooking blog can strategically incorporate keywords such as “sourdough bread,” “how to bake sourdough bread,” and “sourdough bread recipe” to enhance its visibility. By focusing on these specific terms, the blog can attract not only seasoned bakers but also novices eager to learn the art of sourdough baking. This targeted approach not only broadens the readership but also fosters a community of cooking enthusiasts who seek valuable insights and practical tips.
Dos and Don’ts of an Organic Ranking
- Focus on a user’s intent: The best way to use keywords is to weave them into your content in a way that sounds natural and is easy to read.
- Use a variety of keywords: A good keyword strategy includes a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords.
- Write high-quality, in-depth content: This is the best way to signal to machine learning algorithms that your website is a high-quality resource.
- Avoid keyword stuffing: This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Avoid using keywords that are not relevant to your content: A keyword should be relevant to your products or services.
- Avoid focusing on a single keyword: This is a risky and outdated approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Neglecting keyword research: Conducting thorough keyword research is fundamental to any successful SEO strategy. It allows you to identify the terms and phrases that your target audience is actively searching for, enabling you to tailor your content effectively. Without this measurement, you cannot accurately assess or enhance your website’s performance.
- Disregarding user intent: Understanding the intent behind a user’s search is crucial when selecting keywords. Each keyword should align with what the user is looking to achieve, whether it’s seeking information, making a purchase, or finding a service. By prioritizing user intent, you can create content that resonates with your audience and meets their needs.
- Overemphasizing short-tail keywords: While short-tail keywords can drive traffic, they are often highly competitive and may not convert as well as long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive, can be easier to rank for and often attract a more targeted audience. By incorporating a balanced mix of both short-tail and long-tail keywords, you can enhance your organic traffic and improve your site’s overall visibility.
FAQs
How is an organic ranking different from a paid ranking?
An organic ranking is a website’s position in unpaid search results. A paid ranking is a website’s position in paid search results, which is based on a bidding system.
How do I improve my organic ranking?
You can improve your organic ranking by creating high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent. You should also have a strong backlink profile and a fast, mobile-friendly website.
Is a high organic ranking the same as high organic traffic?
No, a high organic ranking does not always mean a high organic traffic. A keyword can have a high ranking but a low search volume. You must also consider the click-through rate (CTR) and the search volume of a keyword.
What is the difference between an organic ranking and a “long-tail” keyword?
An organic ranking is a website’s position in unpaid search results. A long-tail keyword is a long and specific keyword phrase that a user is searching for.
Can a website with a low domain authority still rank?
Yes, a website with a low domain authority can still rank. The key is to create high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
