Any Ideas Why the Home Page isn't Ranking?

[Caroline]

Hi,

I'm working with a removals company that has several service and location pages. The homepage is targeting the main keyword “Removals [City]”.

The home page keywords rank well on page 1 for users searching from outside the city, but within the city itself, the homepage keywords rank only on page 2 or 3.

All other pages — including service and location pages — are ranking well.
I've done the following

• Created a dedicated location page for the city, which currently redirects to the homepage.
• Ensured the local schema is accurate and complete.
• Meta title and headings on the homepage include the target keyword.

But the homepage still underperforms locally for the main keywords. It's like the local algorithm just doesn't like it.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Would appreciate any insight.

Thanks

 

[fisicx]

Could be any number of reasons. Really need to see the site to give any useful feedback.

Other than repeating the keywords on the homepage, what evidence are you providing to Google that the company operates in the city? It's possible there isn't sufficient relevant content or referrals for Google to have confidence you deserve page one ranking.

Or maybe it's just that all the competition is better.

 

[Caroline]

Could be any number of reasons. Really need to see the site to give any useful feedback.

Other than repeating the keywords on the homepage, what evidence are you providing to Google that the company operates in the city? It's possible there isn't sufficient relevant content or referrals for Google to have confidence you deserve page one ranking.

Or maybe it's just that all the competition is better.

OK thanks. I'll investigate whether there are enough local signals going to the website.

 

[fisicx]

OK thanks. I'll investigate whether there are enough local signals going to the website.

Maybe forget the homepage. Use this as a brochure page for the business and create a page for the city itself. Make sure you include reports of jobs you have done in the city/postcodes. Cross link to testimonials. And don't forget targeted citations.

 

[JoyHawkins]

Do you have the full address listed prominently on the homepage? Is their address inside the city limits of the city according to Google Maps?