Why Nobody Clicks Past Page One on Google (And How to Get There)

Ever heard someone say, “Just Google it”? That’s because Google basically runs the internet. Whether it’s where to eat, who fixes phones nearby, or which gym is open late, most people search online first. But here’s the thing—most of them only click on what shows up on the first page.

That means if a business or website isn’t on page one, it might as well be invisible. Not because it’s bad, but because hardly anyone scrolls far enough to find it. This is where something called SEO comes in. And yes, it’s way simpler than it sounds.

What Even Is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s just a way of making sure a website shows up when people search for certain things. That could be anything from “best tacos near me” to “how to clean white shoes.”

When someone searches, Google has to choose what to show first. SEO helps websites look more useful to Google, so they get pushed higher up in the results.

The better the SEO, the better the chance of landing on that golden first page.

Local SEO Is a Game-Changer

Let’s say someone looks up “barbershop near me.” Google won’t show some random shop across the country. It shows nearby results—that’s local SEO in action. It’s all about helping local businesses show up for people who are actually close by.

Local SEO makes sure a bakery, gym, mechanic, or pizza place pops up when people nearby search for them.

To do this well, businesses need their information (like name, address, and phone number) to be accurate and listed in the right places. That’s where tools like Local Howl can help. It’s a super easy way for local businesses to manage their listings and make sure they’re being found online—without hiring a big agency.

Why the First Page Is Such a Big Deal

It’s not just a rumor. Think about all the times you’ve searched for something and changed your query rather than go to the second page. It’s a wild thought, but it makes sense. People want answers fast, and they usually find what they’re looking for up top.

Here’s what being on page one can mean:

• More website visits
• More phone calls or messages
• More actual customers

And for small businesses, that can be the difference between a packed shop or an empty one.

What Google Looks For

Google isn’t guessing what to show first. It uses a bunch of things to figure it out. These are just a few that matter:

1. Keywords

These are the words people type into search. If someone searches “cheap skateboards,” Google looks for websites that talk about cheap skateboards. The right keywords need to be on a site, but not crammed in like a spammy ad.

2. Backlinks

These are links from other websites. If a bunch of sites are linking to one business, it’s kind of like saying, “Hey, this site is legit.” Google sees that as a trust signal.

3. Mobile-Friendly Design

Most people use phones to search. If a website looks weird or slow on a phone, Google drops it lower in results. Having a mobile-friendly site is a must now.

4. Page Speed

Slow websites are super annoying. Google knows that, so faster sites usually rank better.

5. Accurate Info for Local Results

This is especially important for local businesses. Things like open hours, reviews, address, and contact info need to be correct across the internet. That’s where local SEO tools make a huge difference.

How to Actually Get to Page One

Alright, so being on the first page is important. But how does someone get there? Here’s a breakdown in plain words:

Make a Website People Can Use

The site doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to work, be easy to read, and answer what people are looking for. If it’s confusing or messy, people leave fast—and Google notices that.

Use the Right Words

Adding words people are actually searching for helps Google understand what the site is about. But it has to feel natural. Just repeating the same word 50 times won’t work—it actually hurts the ranking.

Be Listed in the Right Places

There are sites all over the internet where businesses can be listed—like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing Places, and Apple Maps. If those listings match and are updated, the business looks more trustworthy. Managing these listings manually can be time-consuming, but there are tools and services available that can help streamline the process.

Ask for Reviews

Online reviews aren’t just for bragging rights. They show Google (and people) that a business is active and legit. Getting good reviews—and responding to them—makes a huge impact.

Keep It Updated

Websites shouldn’t just sit there. Adding new info, like blog posts or updates, helps show Google that the site is alive and useful.

What Happens If Nothing Is Done?

If a business ignores all this, there’s a high chance it just won’t get found. Even if the service or product is amazing, nobody will know about it.

Being invisible online doesn’t mean failure, but it does mean missing out on tons of potential customers.

Imagine opening a brand-new donut shop, but all the signs are hidden and nobody knows it exists. That’s what it’s like to be stuck on page two or lower.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

The good news? You don’t need to be a computer genius to get this stuff working. With the right help—either a smart friend, a simple tool, or a bit of research—anyone can make a website or local listing better.

Even small changes can make a big difference over time.

A Quick Recap

Most people only look at the first page of Google. That’s why being on that page really matters. SEO, especially local SEO, is what helps businesses get there. It’s not just for big companies or websites—it’s for anyone who wants to be seen online.

Using the right keywords, keeping info up to date, getting reviews, and being listed in the right places are all part of the puzzle. There are a variety of tools and platforms available that help simplify the local SEO process, allowing businesses to focus more on what they do best—serving their customers.