Can You Really Outrank Big Brands on Google?
Can you really outrank big brands on Google? Absolutely—and it’s one of the biggest myths in SEO that you can’t. Many believe Google only rewards large companies, but in truth, you can outrank big brands on Google by creating better, more relevant content, optimizing for user experience, and using smart local or niche SEO tactics. This guide will show you exactly how to do it.
Why the “Big Brand Bias” Myth Exists
It’s easy to see why the myth that you can’t outrank big brands on Google is so common. Large companies dominate broad keywords and seem to have an endless supply of SEO resources. This perceived imbalance leads smaller website owners to assume they can’t compete.
However, the truth is that Google doesn’t rank sites based solely on brand size. It ranks content based on user intent, page quality, relevance, and technical performance. That means with the right strategy, you can absolutely outrank big brands on Google.
Real-World Example: A local bakery in Jacksonville optimized for “gluten-free birthday cakes Jacksonville” and created a content-rich blog with recipes and FAQs. Within weeks, they outranked national bakery chains in their area.
What Google Really Looks For
Despite the myth, Google’s algorithm doesn’t favor big brands blindly. To outrank big brands on Google, your content needs to match user intent better than the competition. That’s something any business—large or small—can accomplish.
Google prioritizes:
- Relevant, well-structured content
- Fast, mobile-friendly websites
- High-quality backlinks
- Satisfying user experience (UX)
- Fresh and accurate information
Comparison: Think of Google’s search algorithm like a recommendation engine. It doesn’t care who you are—it just wants the best answer to the user’s question.
How to Outrank Big Brands on Google: Key Strategies
1. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
To outrank big brands on Google, go after long-tail keywords. Big brands typically focus on high-volume, broad keywords. You can win by targeting niche phrases that are more specific and less competitive.
Example: Instead of targeting “SEO services,” go for “affordable SEO services for realtors in Tampa.”
Tip: Use tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google’s Keyword Planner to find these keyword gems.
2. Local SEO is Your Superpower
Want to outrank big brands on Google in your city or region? Double down on local SEO. Google’s algorithm heavily weighs location-based signals when users perform local searches.
Tactics to Use:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile
- Build local citations and backlinks
- Use city-specific keywords in meta titles, descriptions, and content
Real-World Example: A pest control company in Sarasota created dedicated pages for each service area and used schema markup. Within months, they outranked national providers for every local keyword they targeted.
3. Create Better Content Than the Giants
Big brands often publish thin or outdated content. This gives smaller websites a huge opportunity to outrank big brands on Google with richer, more helpful, and more updated pages.
Practical Advice:
- Answer related questions (People Also Ask)
- Add visual content and internal links
- Create original research or case studies
Comparison: If a big brand offers a 500-word summary, you offer a 2,000-word ultimate guide packed with visuals and real examples.
4. Earn Targeted, High-Quality Backlinks
You don’t need thousands of links to outrank big brands on Google—just a few good ones. Focus on getting backlinks from niche-relevant, authoritative sites.
How to Do It:
- Contribute guest posts to blogs in your industry
- Use HARO to become a quoted expert
- Create link-worthy content (e.g., statistics, tools, templates)
Case Study: A Miami-based real estate consultant wrote a guide on “How to Buy Property as a Foreigner” and earned links from legal blogs, boosting their site to #1 for their main keyword.
5. Improve Your Technical SEO and UX
To outrank big brands on Google, your website must be fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Technical SEO is often neglected by small businesses, yet it plays a huge role in rankings.
Optimization Tips:
- Compress images and use lazy loading
- Use HTTPS and structured data
- Create an intuitive site structure
Real-World Example: A Clearwater-based online store shaved 2 seconds off its load time and jumped from page 2 to page 1 for several product keywords.
Final Thoughts: You Can Outrank Big Brands on Google
The belief that you can’t outrank big brands on Google is just that—a belief. The truth is, smart SEO can level the playing field. Google rewards quality, not just brand recognition.
Whether you’re a solo freelancer, a mom-and-pop shop, or a regional startup, you can outrank big brands on Google. You just need the right strategy, commitment, and optimization.
