Udemezue John
Let’s be honest—if someone searches your name on Google and nothing useful shows up, it’s like you barely exist online.
Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, artist, coach, or just someone trying to build a solid online reputation, showing up on the first page of Google is a big deal.
That top spot? It’s prime real estate.
Think about it: Google handles over 8.5 billion searches per day . Most people won’t scroll past the first few results. If your name isn’t near the top, they might not find you at all.
This guide will walk you through how to get your name to the top of Google search results—step by step.
I’ll keep things simple, no tech-speak, and I’ll show you what works.
What “Showing Up On Google” Actually Means
When people search for your name on Google, here’s what usually comes up:
Your social media profiles (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
Your website (if you have one)
Articles you’ve written or been mentioned in
Business listings or portfolios
The goal is to control what people see and make sure the results reflect your best self.
How Do I Get My Name On Top Of Google Search?
Step 1: Google Yourself First
Seriously—search your name right now in a private/incognito window. What shows up?
Are the results actually about you?
Are they positive?
Do they link to your work?
Take note of what appears on page one. That’s your current “Google footprint.”
Step 2: Buy Your Domain Name (YourName.com)
If you haven’t already, grab your domain name. Use something like:
YourFullName.comFirstNameLastName.comIf those are taken, try adding your profession:
YourNameWriter.comorJohnSmithDesign.com
You can buy a domain from places like:
Once you own your domain, you’re in control of a huge piece of your online presence.
Step 3: Build a Simple Website That Tells Your Story
You don’t need a fancy site. Just something clean, fast, and helpful. Here’s what to include:
Your name in big letters (yes, this helps Google)
A short bio about what you do
A clear headshot
Contact info
Links to your social media or work
Tools like Carrd, Wix, or WordPress are great for beginners. Make sure your full name appears a few times on the site—it helps Google know who it belongs to.
Step 4: Optimize Your Website for Search (This Is Key)
Here’s where things start to click.
To show up on Google, your site needs to be search engine optimized (SEO). Sounds complicated, but here are the basics:
Put your full name in the title tag (that’s what shows up in browser tabs)
Use your name in the page URL (like:
yourname.com)Mention your name naturally in the page text
Add an “About Me” section using your full name
Also, make sure your site loads fast and works on mobile. Google hates slow, clunky websites.
You can check your site speed with PageSpeed Insights.
Step 5: Create (and Link) Social Media Accounts
Google loves trusted sites like:
LinkedIn
Twitter/X
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Make sure all your social profiles:
Use your real name
Include a short description of who you are
Link to your website
Are public (at least partially)
Bonus tip: Google your name + site (e.g. “Your Name site:linkedin.com”) and see if your profile appears. If not, update it and give it some time.
Step 6: Get Your Name On Other Trusted Sites
Google gives more weight to certain sites. If you can get your name mentioned or listed on:
Medium (write a blog)
Local news sites
Guest posts on industry blogs
Your employer’s website
Podcasts or interviews
…it’s a big win.
Every time a trusted site mentions your name—and links to your website—Google starts connecting the dots.
This is called building backlinks, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to move up the ranks.
Step 7: Set Up a Google Business Profile (If You Offer a Service)
Even if you don’t have a physical location, you can create a Google Business Profile. It shows up in search results with your photo, reviews, and contact info.
This is perfect for:
Freelancers
Consultants
Therapists
Artists
Coaches
Just be sure to follow Google’s rules so your profile doesn’t get taken down.
Step 8: Stay Active Online
Google loves fresh content. So update your site once in a while. Post on LinkedIn. Write a blog post or two. Share your work.
The more current you are, the more likely Google is to keep your name on top.
Bonus Tip: Use Schema Markup
Okay, this one’s a bit more technical—but it helps.
Schema is a bit of code that tells Google what your site is about. For example, you can tell it, “This is a personal website for Jane Doe, a writer in Austin, TX.”
You can generate this for free using Schema Markup Generator. If that sounds like too much, ask a freelancer to help for a quick one-time setup.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get my name to show up on Google?
If your site is new, it might take a few weeks to a couple of months. Google needs time to crawl and trust your content.
2. What if I have a common name?
Try adding your profession or location. For example, “Michael Smith Designer” or “Samantha Jones Chicago.”
3. Can I remove bad search results?
Not always, but you can bury them by creating stronger, newer content. In some cases (like incorrect or harmful info), you can request removal here.
4. Do I need to pay to get listed on Google?
Nope. Google doesn’t charge for organic listings. You can pay for ads, but that’s a different strategy.
Final Thoughts
Getting your name on top of Google isn’t magic—it’s about doing the right things consistently. Own your domain, build a solid site, use your real name everywhere, and keep showing up online. It’s really that simple.
If you’re putting good stuff out into the world, Google will notice.
So now that you know the steps…
How do I get my name on top of Google Search?
Have you tried Googling yourself lately—what showed up?
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