How to Get 1st Position on Google: Simple 2025 Strategies for Businesses

How to Get 1st Position on
Google: Simple 2025 Strategies
for Businesses

Introduction

Appearing on the first position of Google search results isn’t just a vanity goal — it’s a powerful way to drive traffic, increase credibility, and grow your business. In 2025, where most customers in Kerala and beyond start their buying journey with a Google search, ranking #1 can mean the difference between being found or being forgotten.

But with constant algorithm updates, rising competition, and evolving user behavior, how do you secure and maintain that top spot? As a freelance digital marketer, I’ve compiled simple yet powerful strategies that actually work in 2025 — even if you’re a local business with a limited budget.

1. Choose the Right Keywords (Think Like Your Customer)

Choosing the right keywords is the first step to SEO success. Focus on what your potential customers are actually searching for, not just industry jargon.

Use Trusted Keyword Research Tools – Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator help you discover valuable search terms based on real user data and competition levels.

Target Long-Tail, Low-Competition Keywords – Focus on specific phrases like “affordable wedding photographer in Kochi”. These long-tail keywords attract more qualified traffic and are easier to rank for.

Include Local Keywords in Your Strategy. Incorporate town names, neighborhood terms, and “near me” variations. For example, “best ayurvedic spa in Malappuram” targets customers actively searching in your area.

Pro Tip: If you’re a digital marketing expert in Malappuram, target phrases like “digital marketing services in Malappuram” instead of just “digital marketing”.

2. Create High-Quality, Helpful Content

Google prioritizes content that truly helps users. In 2025, creating valuable, problem-solving content tailored to your audience’s intent is still the most powerful way to rank.

Answer questions your audience is asking – Research common questions in your niche and create content that answers them clearly. This boosts relevance, time on page, and your chances of appearing in featured snippets.
Include keyword-rich headings (H1, H2, H3) – Use your target keywords naturally in your headings to help Google understand your content. Structured headings improve readability and increase your SEO performance.
Use images, infographics, or videos to boost engagement – Including images, infographics, or videos keeps users engaged and improves dwell time. Visual content also makes complex topics easier to understand and share.
Keep your language clear, helpful, and local if needed – Write in a simple, helpful tone and consider localizing your content. Local terms and locations can improve search relevance for region-specific queries.

Example: A blog titled “Top 5 Cafes in Kozhikode for Budget Foodies in 2025” has higher chances of ranking than just “Best Cafes”

3. Optimize Your Website (On-Page SEO)

Technical and on-page SEO are critical for ranking. No matter how great your content is, poor technical SEO can hold you back. A fast, optimized, and well-structured site is key to achieving top Google rankings.

Prioritize Site Speed and Fast Hosting – Slow websites frustrate users and hurt rankings. Choose a reliable, fast hosting provider and compress images to improve loading speed across all devices.
Optimize Meta Titles and Descriptions – Write unique meta titles and descriptions for each page, using relevant keywords naturally. These elements help search engines understand your content and improve your click-through rate.
Use Alt Tags for Every Image – Add descriptive alt tags with keywords to all images. This not only boosts SEO but also makes your site more accessible for users with screen readers.
Ensure Mobile-Friendliness – With mobile-first indexing, your site must work seamlessly on all devices. A responsive, mobile-friendly layout is now a non-negotiable factor for top rankings.
Strengthen Internal Linking – Connect related pages and blog posts through internal links. This improves site structure, user navigation, and distributes authority across your site for better SEO performance.
Secure Your Site with HTTPS – Switch to HTTPS to ensure data security and build trust. Google favors secure websites, and it also protects your visitors’ information from potential threats.

Tools to help: Google PageSpeed Insights, Yoast SEO, and Screaming Frog help you identify and fix technical issues, optimize content, and track performance effectively.

4. Build Local SEO (Especially Important for Kerala Businesses)

If your business serves a local audience, Local SEO is a game-changer. It helps you appear in “near me” searches and boosts visibility in your service area.

Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile – Set up and fully optimize your Google Business Profile. Add business hours, services, photos, and updates to increase trust and improve your local search performance.
Keep NAP Details Consistent Everywhere – Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms — your website, directories, and social profiles. Inconsistencies can hurt your local rankings.
Build Local Backlinks – Get backlinks from Kerala-based websites, blogs, or directories. These locally relevant links signal to Google that your business is trusted and active in the area.
Encourage and Manage Google Reviews – Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Respond to all feedback. A strong review profile increases your credibility and helps you stand out in local search results.

Local SEO delivers quicker results than broader strategies. Ranking for “near me” keywords helps nearby customers find you when they’re ready to buy — don’t miss this.

5. Earn High-Quality Backlinks (Authority Boosters)

Backlinks Signal Authority to Google. When reputable websites link to your content, Google sees it as a sign of trust. Backlinks remain one of the most powerful ranking factors in 2025.

Guest Post on Local Blogs or Directories – Contribute useful content to Kerala-based blogs or business directories. It builds backlinks, boosts local relevance, and positions you as an expert in your niche.
Reach Out to Industry Influencers – Share your content with influencers or local businesses. If they find value in it, they may link to it — boosting both your authority and traffic.
Get Listed on Kerala Media and Directories – Listings on local news sites, startup directories, or chamber of commerce websites in Kerala can drive relevant traffic and strengthen your local backlink profile.
Create Link-Worthy Content – Publish original, high-quality content like guides, statistics, or case studies. When your content is helpful, others will naturally reference and link to it.

Avoid Spammy or Irrelevant Links. Don’t buy backlinks or use link farms. These can trigger Google penalties. Focus on building relevant, organic, and authority-driven backlinks for long-term SEO success.

6. Optimize for Voice Search and Featured Snippets

Voice Search Is Growing Fast. With the rise of Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, voice search is changing how people find answers. Optimizing for voice is now essential for top rankings.

Use Conversational Language – Write like you speak. Natural, easy-to-understand language performs better in voice search results and helps users quickly grasp your message.
Answer Common Question Phrases – Target questions starting with “how to,” “what is,” or “why does.” These are commonly asked via voice search and are more likely to appear in featured snippets.
Format Content with Clarity – Use bullet points, numbered lists, and short paragraphs. Clean formatting improves readability and increases your chances of being chosen for the featured snippet box.

Add a Helpful FAQ Section. Include a Frequently Asked Questions section using natural, question-based queries. This improves voice search visibility and helps you address user intent more precisely.

7. Track, Improve, Repeat

SEO Is an Ongoing Process. Getting to the first position on Google isn’t a one-time task. Consistent monitoring and updates are essential to maintain and improve your rankings.

Use Google Search Console – Track clicks, impressions, and keyword rankings with Google Search Console. It helps you identify what’s driving traffic and where you can improve.
Leverage Google Analytics 4 – GA4 gives detailed insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and conversions. Use this data to understand how visitors interact with your site and content.
Try SEO Tools Like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs – Platforms like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs help track backlinks, keyword rankings, and competitor strategies — giving you a full picture of your SEO health.

Refine Based on Results. Don’t guess — analyze what’s working and what isn’t. Continuously optimize your content and strategy to stay ahead of algorithm updates and competitors.

Conclusion

Getting to the #1 position on Google in 2025 is very achievable — even for small and local businesses — if you follow the right, consistent strategies. It’s not about tricking the algorithm, but about genuinely helping users, being clear about your offerings, and maintaining a well-optimized, fast, mobile-friendly presence.

If you’re looking for expert help to boost your rankings, whether you’re a café in Kozhikode or a clothing brand in Malappuram, I can help you craft a personalized SEO strategy that works.