Quote from James A.Hart on July 14, 2025, 11:12 am

When you publish a new article, you’ll usually start off with mediocre rankings — page six of Google or lower.
That’s normal.

But what’s not normal is if, after 3 months, your article hasn’t moved up at all.

If that’s the case, it means you’ve likely hit a ceiling with the current version. It’s time for an upgrade.

Here’s what to check first:

1. Validate Search Intent

Ask yourself: Is my content the type Google expects to rank for this query?

Let’s use the keyword “affiliate marketing forms” as an example.

Search that keyword and study the top results:

• The first result? An actual affiliate sign-up form.
• Second and third? Lists of the best affiliate forms.
• Fourth? Another live form.

So clearly, Google favors either:

• Actual affiliate program forms, or
• Listicles of the best ones

If your article is just a generic blog post about affiliate marketing, it’s no wonder it’s stuck on page 6.

Make sure your content matches the format that’s ranking. That’s your baseline.

2. Answer the Query — Fast

Google wants users to complete their goal quickly —
whether it’s finding a resource, reading a guide, or making a decision.

So don’t bury your answers.
Don’t ramble for 500 words before getting to the point.

The name of the game is quick goal completion.
If your content ends the user’s search journey, Google will reward it.

If you’re doing both of these things — matching intent and delivering answers fast —
your article will have a much better shot at climbing the ranks.