Have you ever searched for a keyword online, only to find that the wrong page on your website is ranking? If so, you're not alone. It happens more often than you might think, and it can be frustrating to figure out why and how to fix it. This blog post will explore the reasons why this happens and what you can do about it.
So, read on if you want to learn more!
Don't Panic It's Not the End of the World if the Wrong Page Ranks for a Keyword
Contrary to popular belief, a wrong page ranking for a keyword isn't necessarily the end of your SEO world. In many cases, it's an easy fix. By following the correct steps and understanding why the wrong page is ranking, you can quickly get back to ranking on the most desired pages.
When those dreaded incorrect keyword rankings arise, take a deep breath and read through our guide to determine what you need to do to get things back on track. Not only will this guide help you figure out how to fix your current problem, but it also shows you ways to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
1. Do Some Research to Figure Out Why the Wrong Page Is Ranking
When a page ranks for the wrong keyword, it can be difficult to understand why. To identify the cause of this issue, conduct some research by analyzing different factors, such as the content currently ranking and other similar words used on your site.
Additionally, compare your website with competitive sites to see why they're getting better rankings. Knowing why the pages aren't ranking is essential in developing an effective remedy. With enough effort, you can figure out why the wrong page is ranking and take steps to fix it.
Here is an example. The third result shows LensCrafters' "Women's Eyeglasses & Designer Glasses" page ranking for the keyword "metal frame eyeglasses".
Image Source: Moz
2. Optimize the Content on the Wrong Page
Once you've identified what is causing the wrong page to rank, the next step is to optimize it. It may involve adding new content, tweaking existing content, or even completely changing it.
For example, if your page isn't keyword optimized or contains irrelevant information, you should consider editing and rewriting it. Additionally, you can add more relevant keywords and phrases to the content to help it better match the search intent of your target audience. Finally, ensure that all of the information is well-structured with headings and subheadings so that it's easier for search engines and users to understand.
Image Source: Radd Interactive
How to Deoptimize a Page?
In some cases, the wrong page may be ranking due to over-optimization. If you've used too many keywords or other optimization tactics on a page, it can cause search engines to think that it's more relevant than other pages for certain keywords.
To deoptimize a page, start by removing any keyword stuffing and excessive use of backlinks that may be affecting the page's rankings. Additionally, you can reduce or remove any meta tags and other HTML elements that could be causing the problem.
Also, consider adding more content to your page so that it is better able to stand out from the competition and effectively answer user queries. With these steps, you can deoptimize a page and make it more likely to rank for the right keywords.
1. Promote the Correct Pages
Once you've deoptimized a page, it's time to focus on promoting the correct pages. It can be done through various SEO tactics such as link building, content optimization, and keyword research.
Once you've identified why the wrong page is ranking, it's time to move on to figuring out how to make the right page rank. To do so, there are several steps you can take.
A. Create Quality Content
First and foremost, create quality content relevant to your target keyword and optimized for search engines. Ensure the content is well-written and properly formatted with relevant title tags, meta descriptions, and headings. Additionally, create backlinks to your content from high-authority websites to increase its visibility.
B. Employ SEO Best-Practices
In addition to creating quality content, use best SEO practices such as link-building and social media promotion. Link building involves acquiring incoming links to your website from other websites, which can help your ranking. Social media promotion is also important for generating visibility and increasing search engine rankings.
C. Identify the Best Keywords
You should use keyword research tools to identify the best keywords to target for your content. By doing this, you will be able to optimize the content on your pages so that it ranks higher than competitors' pages.
Following these steps will ensure that your desired pages are ranking for the right keywords and that you're getting the organic traffic you need. So take the time to do your research and properly optimize your content, and you should see your page ranking in no time!
Image Source: Mangools
2. Use Negative Keywords to Prevent the Wrong Page From Showing up in Search Results
Keeping your website's traffic directed to the correct pages is an important part of optimizing user experience.
One approach to ensure the right keywords are driving the right pages is to use negative keywords, which help identify and exclude those terms you don't want to be associated with any of your content.
Adding negative keywords will not trigger your page in search results, allowing you to tailor what appears for a particular query.
Knowing how to detect and add negative keywords properly can pave the way toward preventing wrong pages from appearing, ultimately boosting your website traffic and providing a better user experience.
3. Monitor Your Progress and Adjust Your Strategy as Needed
Checking progress is an essential part of a successful keyword ranking strategy. According to experts, it's best to regularly monitor and adjust as necessary to ensure you are achieving the results desired and staying on track with your goals.
Keyword rankings constantly change, and it's important to stay ahead by checking every few weeks or months. Keeping an eye on progress helps identify issues early so they can be addressed before they hurt your rank and visibility.
Image Source: Databox
After all, understanding whether or not your campaign is working helps determine if changes should be made to optimize performance. What worked yesterday in SEO may not work tomorrow.
Wrapping It Up
If the wrong page on your website is ranking for a keyword, don't panicait can be fixed. By identifying the causes and fixing them, you can quickly rewire your SEO efforts and get your website back on track.
You can also hire DashClicks for SEO services. Our white label SEO fulfillment services will make sure you rank for the right keyword and your SEO doesn't go off track. Sign up today to access our highly-efficient, user-friendly platform for advanced SEO and other digital marketing strategies for your business.