Why Your Competitors Rank Higher on Google and How to Fix It

Written By Dandre Foster
 

If your competitors are showing up on Google before you, they’re winning the customers you should be serving. But this isn’t about luck or guesswork; Google rewards businesses that follow certain rules. The good news? You can catch up or even outrank them with the right strategy.

Let’s break down why your business may not be ranking and how to fix it.

1. Your Website Isn’t Optimized for Search

Google uses over 200 factors to rank websites. If your site doesn’t include the right keywords, has slow loading speed, or isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re at a major disadvantage.

Fix:

  • Research keywords your customers actually search for (e.g., “plumber in Kingston” or “custom cakes Montego Bay”)

  • Improve page load speed

  • Make your site responsive on all devices

💡 Tip: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site.

2. Your Competitors Have Better Content

Content is how Google understands what your site is about. Websites that publish high-quality, relevant content consistently earn higher rankings. If your competitors are blogging or have better service pages, Google considers them more helpful.

Fix:

  • Start a blog that answers real customer questions

  • Add detailed service pages with keyword-rich content

  • Use proper formatting (H1, H2, H3 tags) and original visuals

💡 Tip: Look at top-ranking pages for your industry and write better, more localized versions.

3. They’ve Claimed and Optimized Their Google Business Profile

Businesses with complete and active Google Business Profiles are more likely to appear in local search results and the Google Map Pack.

Fix:

  • Claim your profile at Google Business

  • Add photos, service areas, hours, and business descriptions

  • Request and respond to reviews

💡 Tip: Use local keywords in your description (e.g., “graphic design company in Montego Bay”).

4. They’re Getting Backlinks—You’re Not

Backlinks (links to your site from other websites) remain one of the top-ranking factors for Google. They signal that your content is trustworthy and valuable.

Fix:

  • Submit your site to Jamaican business directories

  • Collaborate with bloggers, media outlets, and industry partners

  • Share original articles others may reference

💡 Tip: Start by getting listed in Jamaica Yellow Pages and relevant local directories.

5. You’re Not Using Local SEO Strategies

Local SEO helps your business show up when people search terms like “near me” or add a location to their search. If your competitors are optimizing for these queries, they’re taking your traffic.

Fix:

  • Use local keywords naturally in your page titles, descriptions, and headings

  • Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) is consistent across all platforms

  • Embed a Google Map on your contact page

💡 Tip: Tools like Moz Local can help keep your listings accurate.

Final Thoughts: You Can Close the Gap

SEO isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing investment in visibility and trust. If your competitors are ahead today, that doesn’t mean they’ll stay there. With the right strategy, you can outrank them and win back your market share.

Ready to Rank Higher?

Book a Free SEO Audit
We’ll show you where you stand and what to fix first.

Sources:

  • Backlinko. “Google’s 200 Ranking Factors: The Complete List (2024)

  • Google Search Central. “Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content.

  • Whitespark. “2023 Local Search Ranking Factors.

  • Moz. “Search Engine Ranking Factors.