What Gets My Website Ranked?
..And Why Your Fancy New Site Might Still Be Invisible on Google
So you finally got your website up and running. Looks good. Clean design. Your logo’s popping. Your cousin says it’s “fire.”
But… no one’s finding it.
You’re probably wondering, “What gives? Why isn’t my site showing up when people Google me?”
Great question. Let’s break it down—without the techie jargon, just the real stuff you actually need to know. My business partner and I at Tidal Ryse Designs have helped dozens of businesses go from ghosted to Google-approved, and we’re here to explain how it all works without putting you to sleep.
1. Content is Still King (But Not Just Any Content)
You can’t just throw up a few sentences and expect Google to be impressed. Think of it like this: Google’s a picky matchmaker. If your content isn’t answering the exact questions your customers are asking, you’re not getting a date.
We write content that answers real-life questions your customers are typing into Google—not Shakespeare, not fluff. Just clear, useful, real talk.
2. User Experience = “Does Your Website Annoy People?”
- Does your site load slowly?
- Is it weird on mobile?
- Are there 47 popups?
If your site frustrates visitors, Google notices. It’s like inviting someone into your store and then blasting music, hiding the checkout, and making them wait for five minutes. They’re gonna bounce. And Google will bounce you off page one too.
3. On-Page SEO is Like Brushing Your Teeth
You don’t have to understand the science behind fluoride to know it’s good for your smile.
Same with SEO basics. Clean titles, proper headers, good image descriptions—it’s the hygiene of your website. Not sexy, but necessary. We do that part so you don’t have to.
4. Backlinks = Street Cred
The more reputable websites that link to yours, the more Google trusts you.
It’s like being vouched for by the cool kids at school. No links? No love.
At Tidal Ryse, we help build those connections (the real way—no sketchy overseas link farms that’ll tank your ranking faster than a bad Yelp review).
5. Local SEO: Own Your Block First
You’re in San Diego (or wherever you are). Your goal? Own your local corner of the web.
- Get your Google Business Profile set up right.
- Get reviews from happy clients (we’ll help you ask).
- Keep your info consistent across the internet.
That’s how you show up in “near me” searches—and that’s money.
6. Schema Markup..(aka: The Secret Language Google Loves)
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know how to code this.
Just know that we can structure your content so that Google knows exactly what your page is about — whether it’s FAQs, reviews, or events. This helps you show up in those fancy answer boxes you see at the top of search results.
It’s nerdy. We handle it. You get the glory.
7. AI Content vs. Human Touch
We use AI tools to speed things up, but we still believe in the power of real human stories, humor, and honesty. Google’s not just ranking robots. It’s looking for real experience and trust.
That’s why every word we write for you sounds like a human (you, specifically)—not a BuzzFeed article written by a toaster.
8. Is Your Site Safe & Accessible? (It Better Be)
Secure sites (the ones with HTTPS) get love. Sketchy ones? Not so much.
Accessibility also matters—not just legally, but ethically. Everyone should be able to use your site. Plus, it’s another ranking signal, so yeah… it’s a win-win.
9. Technical SEO: The Stuff You’ll Never See, But Google Will
There’s a bunch of behind-the-scenes stuff like sitemaps, index files, and “crawlability.” You don’t need to learn it—just know that if it’s not done right, Google treats your site like it doesn’t exist.
We handle this like quiet ninjas in the background. Silent, efficient, and crucial.
10. People Need to Stay on Your Site, Not Flee in 3 Seconds
If someone lands on your homepage and bounces faster than a kid on a trampoline, Google notices.
That’s why good design, helpful content, and clear next steps keep people engaged. And the longer they stay, the more Google says, “Hmm… maybe this site is legit.”
So, What Do You Do Now?
If all of this still sounds like “blah blah tech stuff,” that’s fine. That’s what we’re here for.
We make websites that don’t just look pretty—they get found.
And we can do it with your style, your voice, and your vision—no cookie-cutter crap.
Ready for people to actually find your website?
Let’s start with a free website audit — no strings, no nerd speak, just real answers and a game plan.
Ready To Rise Above The Competition?
Tidal Ryse Designs is here to help you navigate the digital waters. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our custom solutions can help your business grow.
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