Improve Your Keyword Rankings With This Easy 10-Step Guide

Have you ever hit “Publish” on a blog post you were proud of, only to watch it disappear into Google search results? I remember that feeling. So much effort and…silence.

It felt like I was doing all this work for nothing. I would check my stats each day and the traffic just wasn't coming.

It turns out, I was missing a key piece of the puzzle: a clear and focused strategy for improving my keyword rankings. Wanting higher rankings is one thing. Knowing and executing the steps to get them is another story.

In this guide, I’m going to share the exact steps I used to boost my rankings and drive organic traffic. This is the guide I wish I had when I was starting out!

Let’s get started.

Why You Need to Improve Your Keyword Rankings

Let's be honest. Ranking in Google is harder than ever. And you’re doing SEO because you want to get more traffic, customers, and conversions, right?

Well, building organic traffic is one of the best ways to grow your business. 

Here’s why investing in your SEO rankings matters:

• Increases Visibility & Traffic: High-ranking keywords bring your website to people who need it. More qualified traffic means more chances for customers.
• Builds Trust & Authority: When your website shows up in search results, potential customers trust you more. It’s simple psychology: Google wouldn’t show untrustworthy results.
• Attracts Qualified Leads: When viewers are already researching something, they're already thinking about the purchase.
• Provides Sustainable Growth: Unlike paid ads, organic search traffic continues to deliver results over time.
• Keeps You Ahead of the Competition: If you're not ranking, a competitor will.

Ultimately, improving your keyword rankings isn’t just about SEO— it’s about creating a sustainable, thriving business for the long haul.

How to Improve Your Keyword Rankings in 10 Easy Steps

Okay, you’ve decided to prioritize keyword rankings. Awesome!

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Set Up Rank Tracking

First thing’s first: you need to know where you stand. 

Without tracking, you're essentially flying blind. It's like driving with your eyes closed.

Rank tracking is the process of monitoring your website's position for specific keywords in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is important because it gives you a baseline to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.

For a long time I manually checked my keyword rankings. It was a time suck. 

Then I discovered tools that do it automatically.

If you’re a WordPress user, this is where All In One SEO (AIOSEO) comes in.

AIOSEO is a comprehensive plugin that helps with all aspects of SEO, from optimizing your content to generating sitemaps and tracking your performance.

But it’s not just about the fancy features. It's also super easy to use. 

AIOSEO allows you to easily track your keywords right from your WordPress dashboard. No complicated setups or manual keyword uploading required.

The plugin has a powerful Keyword Rank Tracker, which integrates with Google Search Console.

What I like about the Keyword Rank Tracker is that you can upload the keywords you want to track in 1 of 3 ways:

1. Straight from Google Search Console
2. From your list of focus keywords in WordPress
3. With a CSV file that you upload

You can even assign groups if you’re tracking a lot and want to organize them. However, it’s not required, especially if your list is small.

Once you’re ready, click Add Keywords.

The tool will then monitor your SEO performance and track your keywords automatically.

AIOSEO uses real-time GSC data, meaning you always have access to your latest rankings.

Step 2: Conduct Keyword Research

Now that you know where you stand in Google search results, it's time to expand your keyword rankings list.

This starts with finding the right keywords to target in your content.

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. It’s the process of identifying the words and phrases people use when searching for information related to your niche.

I used to spend so much time chasing after high-volume keywords and never made it to page 1. My clickthrough rate (CTR) was abysmal, and I was frustrated.

That's why I want you to do something different (and it's what I do today). 

Your goal is to identify keywords with high search volume and low competition. I call them “low-hanging fruit”.

For this task, I highly recommend a tool like LowFruits.

LowFruits helps you identify long-tail keywords that others are overlooking. These are longer search queries (3 words or more) that have very specific search intent.

Targeting these types of keywords is a game-changer because you can:

1. Attract targeted traffic
2. Build niche authority

And you can do it without being a big-name website with a high domain authority (DA). This means you have a better chance of ranking high for terms relevant to your business.

Plus, it’s one of the more affordable keyword research tools out there. LowFruits has plans that start as low as $21/month.

Here are some actionable steps you can take in your keyword research:

• Define your target keywords: Identify the primary and secondary keywords relevant to your niche.
• Analyze search intent: Understand what people mean when they use your keywords.
• Identify long-tail keywords: Target phrases with 3 or more words.
• Monitor competitor keywords: See what your competitors are ranking for. 

Step 3: Include Related Keywords

Okay, you’ve tracked your keywords and found some promising search terms. Now what? You can't just stuff keywords in and hope for the best.

When you’re working on your SEO, you want to be relevant. Think of it like having a conversation. Would you repeat the same phrase over and over again? Absolutely not.

Focusing on related keywords is an often-overlooked strategy. It enhances your context and helps search engines understand the main topic of your page.

It also gives you more chances to improve your keyword rankings.

The best part? Using related keywords makes your content feel more natural.

Here’s why this works:

• Improved SEO: Gives context to search engines boosts relevance.
• Higher Ranking Potential: Casts a wide net for more keyword rankings.
• Better Intent: Addresses related keywords with similar search intent.
• Content Diversification: Helps you avoid keyword stuffing.

Let’s talk specifics. I’m going to walk you through how to find related keywords directly in WordPress.

How to Find Related Keywords Using AIOSEO

Start by navigating to the AIOSEO menu. Then, go to Search Statistics >> Keyword Rank Tracker >> Keywords.

Once here, select the keyword for which you would like to get related keywords and expand the row by clicking on the “expand arrow.”

When you do this, a window opens where you will see the related keywords. These are pulled directly from Google.

One of the biggest advantages of finding related keywords this way is that you can easily add select keywords to your list of tracked keywords. 

To do so, select the keywords you want to add and click Bulk Actions >> Add.

Clicking the Add option opens a window where you can add and edit the keywords you want to track.

And that’s it!

You’ve found more keywords to target and track, and they’re all related to your niche.

Step 4: Create High-Quality, Valuable Content

Content is still king. 

Search engines like Google reward websites that consistently deliver valuable, in-depth information. This became even more important after the helpful content update (HCU).

But writing engaging content is hard.

I used to spend hours writing blog posts that never gained traction. The problem? They were short, superficial, and offered no real value. (This was 6+ years ago; I’ve learned a lot since then.)

The goal is to create a resource people are actually excited to read.

Here’s a breakdown of what works:

Write Long-Form Content  

Ever wondered why some articles seem to always rank at the top of search results? 

It’s because longer, detailed content is favored by search engines. 

Aim to create articles or blog posts that are 1,500 to 3,000 words or more. This allows you to cover a topic comprehensively, giving your readers everything they need in one place. 

Long-form content signals depth, expertise, and authority, and it gives you more opportunities to weave in those relevant keywords.

It doesn't just perform better in search rankings—it also keeps users on your page longer, reducing bounce rates and signaling to Google that your content is genuinely valuable.

Develop Linkable Assets  

Beyond length, the type of content you create matters. 

Think about resources other people will want to share. What problem can you solve in a unique and valuable way? 

Consider resources like:

• Detailed Guides & Tutorials: Offer step-by-step instructions.
• Infographics & Data Visualizations: Make complex information easy to digest.
• Interactive Tools & Calculators: Solve a problem for your audience.

By creating content people would actually want to link to, you’ll attract organic backlinks naturally (aka, no outreach required.)

For example, imagine you have a fitness blog. You could create an interactive calorie calculator that helps users estimate how much energy they burn during different exercises. 

This not only attracts backlinks from fitness blogs but also provides a reason for users to visit—and stay on—your site. 

Plus, it helps improve your keyword rankings!

Regularly Update Content  

Creating content isn’t a one-and-done deal. 

The online world is constantly evolving, and fresh content is essential. (We saw this in the recently leaked Google search algorithm document.)

This means that even if you’ve written a fantastic piece, over time, it can lose relevance. Here’s what you can do to combat this phenomenon known as content decay:

• Check for outdated information: Make sure your content reflects recent data.
• Add new resources and links: Include new linking opportunities that you didn’t have when the article was first published.
• Find and fix broken links: Look for pages with 404 (page not found) errors and give users and search engines a better place to go.
• Include LSI keywords: Identify new ranking opportunities by researching and optimizing for LSI keywords. 

I know, it sounds like a lot of work. But writing high-quality content is worth the effort, because it helps your website stay relevant.

For example, let’s say you're a real estate agent with a blog post titled “10 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers.” You wrote it 2 years ago, and it performed well initially. 

However, with mortgage rates constantly changing, your post might feel outdated to readers. 

By updating it with current mortgage trends, new tips on securing financing, and adding fresh internal links to related content on your site, you keep it relevant. 

This not only helps maintain your keyword rankings but also shows Google that your site offers up-to-date, valuable information.

Step 5: Optimize On-Page Elements

Now, it's time to polish your content for search engines.

On-page SEO is the practice of optimizing individual web pages to rank higher in search engines for relevant keywords. It's a proven way to improve your keyword rankings, especially for your most important pages.

Key on-page SEO elements include:

• Title Tags & Meta Descriptions: Your title tags and meta descriptions should include your primary keyword to improve click-through rates. For example, a compelling title like “10 Best Vegan Cupcake Recipes for a Healthy Treat” is more engaging than “Vegan Cupcake Recipes“.
• URL Structure: Use clean, keyword-rich URLs like /vegan-cupcake-recipes/ instead of /post-123page.php.
• Headings & Subheadings: Organize your content with H1, H2, and H3 header tags that include relevant keywords. This improves readability for both users and search engines.
• Internal Linking: A solid internal linking strategy helps search engines understand your site structure and prioritize your most important pages. This is made easier by internal linking plugins or tools like AIOSEO’s Link Assistant.
• Content Quality & Relevance: Creating high-quality, original, and engaging content that covers the topic well and satisfies searchers.

For more details, check out our on-page SEO checklist. It will help you keep track of all the on-page SEO elements you need to optimize for better keyword rankings.

Step 6: Focus on Link Building

You've created amazing content and optimized it for search engines. Now it's time to spread the word!

Link building is the process of getting other website to link to your content, increasing your visibility online.

Think of backlinks as “votes of confidence” from other websites. The more high-quality votes you get, the more trustworthy you appear to search engines. (That's why backlinks have been one of the most important Google ranking factors in recent years.)

Here's how to do link building the right way:

Focus on Quality

Not all backlinks are created equal. 

In fact, some low-quality or irrelevant backlinks can actually hurt your SEO. 

To truly improve your keyword rankings, focus on obtaining high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites in your industry. Reach out to these sites and offer them valuable content or unique insights that will benefit their readers. 

For example, if you’re a financial consultant, you could offer to write a detailed post about saving for retirement on a finance blog. In return, they’ll include a backlink to your website, which boosts your SEO while providing them with relevant content.

Perform Outreach Campaigns  

Building relationships within your industry is another powerful strategy. Collaborating with influencers, bloggers, or experts in your field can lead to backlinks that significantly enhance your authority. 

Start by identifying key players in your niche—people who have a solid following and are respected for their expertise. 

Then, pitch ideas for guest blogs, expert interviews, or content collaborations that offer mutual value. The key here is to create something that benefits both parties; you gain a valuable backlink, and they receive high-quality content or insights to share with their audience.

Do Guest Posting  

Guest posting is one of the most tried-and-true methods for acquiring high-quality backlinks. 

Writing for reputable websites not only exposes your content to a broader audience but also provides a golden opportunity to include a backlink to your own website. 

Be sure to include a link in your bio or within the article itself. 

For instance, a fitness blogger could write an in-depth post on workout routines for a major health site, including a link back to their own post on nutrition tips. This drives organic traffic while enhancing your visibility in the online fitness community.

Run PR Campaigns

Public relations (PR) campaigns are a powerful yet often overlooked strategy for improving keyword rankings and building high-quality backlinks. 

When done right, a well-executed PR campaign can generate widespread visibility, brand awareness, and—most importantly—backlinks from reputable news outlets, blogs, and industry publications. 

These backlinks carry significant weight in search engine algorithms, boosting your site’s authority and helping you climb the keyword rankings.

To ensure your PR campaigns are effective, write newsworthy articles and reach out to relevant publications. 

Ultimately, building backlinks is a long-term strategy that pays off through increased authority, trustworthiness, and improved keyword rankings.  

Step 7: Monitor & Adjust Your SEO Strategy

You can’t improve what you don’t measure, and SEO is no exception. 

To ensure your efforts are paying off, you need to monitor your performance and adjust your strategy as needed.

Remember that SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it game. Search engine algorithms, user behavior, and competitive landscapes are constantly evolving, meaning what worked yesterday may not work today.

Here’s how to stay on top of things:

Analyze Rank Tracking Data  

First things first, regularly tracking your keywords is essential to understanding how your SEO efforts are performing. We’ve covered how to do this using AIOSEO’s Keyword Rank Tracker, so I won’t go into details here.

However, keep an eye on any shifts in rankings—whether certain keywords are climbing, stagnating, or dropping. These changes can give you insights into what’s working and where you need to focus more effort. 

Identify Areas for Improvement  

If certain keywords aren’t performing well, it's time to investigate. 

Check the content on the problematic keywords. Is it high-quality? Is the content optimized well?

You’ll need to analyze your content critically to see where you can improve. You might try testing new approachhes like updating the content for those underperforming pages, adding internal links, or tweaking your meta descriptions and title tags to be more compelling.

If your content still isn’t ranking as expected, consider optimizing for long-tail keywords or revamping the page's overall user experience. 

These small changes can make a big difference in boosting your rankings over time.

Stay Updated on SEO Trends  

Search engine algorithms are constantly being updated, and staying on top of those changes is crucial. 

That’s why regularly reviewing SEO industry news, following thought leaders, and staying informed on algorithm updates is essential for your long-term success. (This article shows you how to monitor the impact of Google algorithm updates in WordPress.)

By adapting your strategy in response to these changes, you can stay ahead of your competitors who may not be as proactive.

Step 8: Optimize for Local SEO

If your business serves a specific geographic area, local SEO is vital to attracting customers.

The majority of searches today are location-based, with people searching for “near me” or specific locations.

Optimizing for local search makes it easier for potential customers to find you when they're actively looking for businesses in your area.

Here’s how to optimize for it:

• Use Local Keywords: Capture local traffic by incorporating location-based keywords into your content. For example, phrases like “vegan bakery in brooklyn” help search engines serve your content to users in that area, ensuring you attract a more targeted, local audience.  
• Create a Google Business Profile: A Google Business Profile is essential for local SEO success, helping your business appear in local searches and Google Maps. It showcases key details like your address, hours, and customer reviews, making it easy for local customers to find and choose your business.
• Gather Local Reviews: Positive reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp play a crucial role in local SEO, building trust with potential customers and boosting your ranking in local searches. 

Step 9: Implement Schema Markup

Schema markup is a type of code that provides search engines with specific details about the content on a web page. 

In short, schema markup makes it easier for search engines to understand your content.

That’s why it’s important to include it when trying to improve your website’s keyword rankings. 

Despite being code, you don’t need coding knowledge to implement it. You can use an SEO plugin that supports it, like All in One SEO.

The Schema Generator is a no-code module that makes adding schema markup quick and easy.

All you have to do is choose the schema type you want to implement in the Schema Catalog.

Once you’ve chosen your schema type, simply fill in the relevant information.

Then, once you’re done, click Add Schema and the plugin will format it properly for search engines.

This will improve your chances of getting rich snippets and featured snippets, which have higher CTRs than regular search listings.

Step 10: Analyze Competitor SEO Strategies

Last but not least, you should check what your competitors are doing.

By studying their strategies, you can uncover gaps in your own approach and capitalize on areas where they’re underperforming. 

This analysis can provide a blueprint for enhancing your keyword rankings and taking more online space within your market.

To do this, I recommend using the SEO Analysis tool from AIOSEO. It’s a beginner-friendly method for analyzing your competitors’ websites.

When you put in your competitor’s URL and click Analyze, AIOSEO will crawl the site and give you a report on their SEO.

This helps you see what they’re doing well and gaps you can take advantage of.

For detailed steps, check out our guide on performing an SEO analysis in WordPress. This resource will help you understand what to look for on both competitors’ websites and your own.

If you’re not a WordPress user, you can also use the All in One SEO Analyzer Chrome extension.

When you’re a competitor’s web page, you just open the tool and it will show you the following information:

• Overall SEO
• Headings and content structure
• Internal and external links 
• Image SEO
• And more

It’s a convenient way to investigate a website and it’s free. 

Keyword Rankings Shouldn’t Rely on Guesswork

Improving your keyword rankings takes effort, but it doesn't have to be hard.

By following the 10 steps outline in this article, you'll be well on your way to higher rankings, more visibility in SERPs, and increased conversions.

I also want to highlight that we have a lot of helpful content on the AIOSEO Blog to guide you every step of the way. Some logical next steps include:

• 20+ SEO Best Practices to Improve Your Rankings
• 4 Easy DIY SEO Projects for Beginners
• How to Set SEO Goals That Boost Rankings
• How to Get Automated SEO Reports by Email

If you found this article helpful, feel free to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You’ll find even more tutorials there. You can also follow us on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, or Facebook to stay in the loop.

FAQs About Keyword Rankings

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