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?

 

[Caroline]

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?

Hi @JoyHawkins - I just saw this follow-up now, as still pondering this issue as nothing has changed. Yes, the address has always been in the footer and is within the city limits.

I'm thinking of creating a location page for the main keyword “Removals [City]” as described by @fisicx as I don't know what else to do, given that outside the city, the Home page ranks well.

​

 

[CarrieHill]

You might try some internal linking - using your main keyword from internal pages that rank well to the homepage. Some external links using that phrase might also be helpful.

Some other things that may or may not work - but may be worth a shot if you're still struggling:

• Try embedding a Google map on the homepage of the location with the H-element above it using the target phrase (not in the footer)
• Add photos of the office from outside & inside near where you embed the map, use alt text that includes the target phrase (and a filename that includes the target phrase, too - why not?)
• Make sure NO OTHER PAGES on the site are optimized for your target phrase for the homepage

 

[Caroline]

Thanks. Will give this a go.