Boost your profile in Google Search

Do you need support to boost your LJMU profile in online searches?

The university now has full coverage of LJMU profiles in Google Search, and IT Services colleagues have developed helpful guidance to make yourself more discoverable.

If you currently appear low in the rankings when your name is searched, here are some useful hints to help staff and postgraduate researchers.

Be the expert Google is looking for

Search engines like Google prioritise E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trust), so treat your ‘About me’ biography as a high-level executive summary.

The lead

Start with a strong first sentence that includes your full name, title and core specialty.

The snippet

Google often pulls the first 150–160 characters of your bio as the preview text in search results. Make them count!

Think like a searcher and a scholar

Academic vocabulary is vital in our research, but often the public will use simpler terms in their searches.

Keyword variety

In your research interests and other text, use a mix of precise technical terms and ‘layman’ keywords. If you study Advanced Hydrological Modeling, also include terms like 'flood prevention' or 'water management'.

Location matters

We are an anchor institution. People come to us to solve local challenges and build strength in places. When your research has a regional impact, include geographic keywords like 'North West England' or 'Liverpool urban planning' to match local searches.

Build a ‘web of authority’ with backlinks

Google views links from other websites as ‘votes of confidence’. The more reputable sites that link to your LJMU profile, the higher your profile will rank.

Social sync

Add your profile URL to your LinkedIn, Bluesky and ResearchGate bios.

Professional bodies

If you are a member of a professional organisation (such as RIBA or IEEE), ensure your biography on their site links back to your LJMU profile.

Optimise your visuals

A profile without a photograph is less likely to be clicked on, so ensure your profile has one.

LJMU regularly holds photo sessions for staff profiles. Keep an eye out for dates in the weekly staff newsletter.

Keep the freshness factor

Search engines reward active pages. An empty profile or one that hasn't been touched in three years will gradually slip down the rankings.

Regular updates

Even if you haven't changed roles, updating your publications list or using 'about me' to write about a new project tells the search crawlers that the page is relevant and current.

Media mentions

If you are quoted in a news article, link to that article in your profile. It builds your authority and keeps the content fresh.

Take a quick challenge

Google your name and your research area right now. If your LJMU profile isn't in the top three results, it's time for an update using the tips in this article.

If you have any questions or need advice about your profile, please email SymplecticHelp@ljmu.ac.uk