How To Actually Rank #1 on Google in 2025: Brian Dordevic

Brian’s Rags-to-Riches Story: Humble Beginnings

One of the most inspiring parts of Brian’s journey is how he started with virtually nothing. Back in his home country, he graduated with an investment banking degree during the aftermath of the subprime mortgage crisis. His job prospects looked bleak, and the thought of wearing a suit and grinding out low-paying banking gigs didn’t excite him.

Instead, he took a job as a virtual assistant making $4/hour (though he points out that, adjusted for his local economy at the time, it wasn’t as terrible as it might sound). Still—this was a far cry from where he is now. He started building websites the old-school way, fumbling through cPanel hosting and one-click WordPress installs, learning the ropes of keyword research with OG tools like Market Samurai, and eventually landing a job at a Florida-based company. That was where the harsh realities of big Google algorithm updates like Penguin came crashing in—wiping out 80% of the sites he worked on.

Talk about a trial by fire. But, instead of giving up, Brian went all-in on learning how Google works. Once he mastered the do’s and don’ts of ranking on search engines, it was time for the next big leap: heading to the U.S.

From Serbia to the United States: A Childhood Dream

Brian always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur in America. It’s been a dream since he was just a kid—thanks in part to his dad traveling to the U.S. when Brian was very young. That seed grew over time, and by the time he was 15, he was telling people he’d have a business in the United States one day.

Fast forward to about 11 years ago: Brian moved to Chicago. After some freelance gigs building websites (like the first website he ever sold for $400!), he eventually launched Alpha Efficiency. What started as a humble productivity blog is now a full-fledged digital agency, employing 20+ team members worldwide.

The Alpha Efficiency Agency: Custom-Coded Websites That Rank

Something Brian (and his team) do differently is custom coding websites rather than relying on templates or page builders like Elementor or Wix. Why does that matter? Here’s the big takeaway:

• Core Web Vitals: Google is obsessed with page speed, mobile performance, and user experience. Drag-and-drop builders often produce bloated code and slower load times.

• Full Customization: Templated layouts are easy to spot and can limit how you showcase your brand. Custom-coded pages may cost more upfront, but you unlock complete control over performance and design.

• Competition Advantage: When everything else (content, links) is equal, a site that loads faster and is built to pass Core Web Vitals with flying colors can leapfrog competitors in the rankings.

For businesses pulling in $5 million+ per year, investing in a fully custom site could be the difference between ranking #1 and lagging behind in the SERPs. Smaller businesses might not need that level of investment right away—but if you ever get stuck below a competitor who’s outranking you with a blisteringly fast site, consider stepping up your web game.

Local SEO vs. National SEO: Key Takeaways

1. Local SEO Takes a Targeted Focus

Local SEO often revolves around Google Business Profiles, local citations, and building hyper-relevant local backlinks. The ROI is tremendous for local home services, attorneys, and other brick-and-mortar businesses.

2. Google Business Profile Essentials

It’s crucial to keep your Google Business Profile up to date:

• Correct NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across all directories

• Active postings or photos at least once a month

• Proper categories, descriptions, and reviews management

3. Citations Are Still Powerful

While not as flashy as PR-style backlinks, citations on well-known directories remain a foundational signal of trust and legitimacy. Tools like Semrush Listing Management make it easy to manage your info across dozens of sites.

4. The “Quarterback” Mindset

Brian pointed out that SEO is like a game of chess—or being a quarterback. You’re orchestrating multiple players: links, on-page content, technical fixes. The trick is to read the field (Search Console data) and optimize your plays (anchor texts, new content, or a backlink push) at exactly the right time.

The Lifeblood of SEO: Content and Links

SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. Brian puts it simply:

“SEO is about content and links. Do both consistently, and you’ll train Google to keep coming back.”

• Regular Content Updates: Publish fresh, valuable content on a set schedule. This signals Google your website is active and worth indexing frequently.

• Consistent Link Building: Whether you’re grabbing brand mentions, local citations, or high-value placements on authority sites—links are the rocket fuel for your rankings. Aim for quality over quantity, and don’t go overboard on spammy anchor texts.

Why Niche Agencies Win

Brian’s latest success has been in legal SEO—specifically for attorneys. He and his team took a disability attorney’s law firm from the second page of Google to near the top of page one, boosting their monthly revenue by $50,000. The reason behind this success?

Focus.

When you specialize in a single niche, you:

1. Develop “insider” content that resonates with the industry.

2. Know exactly where to hunt for backlinks that move the needle.

3. Can structure your team (content writers, account managers, etc.) around that niche’s unique challenges.

I’ve found the same in pest control SEO. You develop a deep understanding of the industry and its quirks. That translates directly to better results for clients.

Key Lessons for Local Business Owners

1. Set Realistic Budgets
   If your business is around $1 million/year, setting aside around $4,000–$5,000/month for SEO is a common benchmark.

2. Focus on High-Impact Activities
   Don’t obsess over every minor technical detail. Make sure your website is decent, you’ve got the basics of on-page SEO done, you’re building real links, and you keep your Google Business Profile active.

3. Keep an Eye on the Competition
   Local SEO is all about outrunning the other guys. If they’re publishing weekly blog posts, you might want to publish two. If they’re building 5 citations a month, you aim for 10. Keep pace, then push a little further.

4. Automate & Systemize
   Maintain your directory listings and keep your info consistent. Use automation or services like Semrush to keep your NAP data, photos, and updates rolling out evenly across multiple platforms.

My Final Thoughts

Spending time with Brian Decoded hammered home that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re a local business owner—whether you’re in pest control, legal services, or any home service niche—the fundamentals still apply:

• Create Great Content around your services and local area.

• Earn Quality Backlinks from relevant, authoritative sites.

• Maintain Your Web Presence with consistent updates, accurate directories, and a well-structured site.

Yes, the algorithms shift. Yes, AI is rapidly changing how people discover information. But one thing remains: those who take SEO seriously will always win in the long run. And if you ever need help or want to talk strategy, I’m here for you.

P.S. Check out the full episode here: