A method for making a silica supported catalyst involves impregnating a silica component with a catalytic metal using an aqueous, alkaline bath before drying. More specifically, the method involves forming and washing a silica component, such as a silica gel or a co-gel, for example a silica-zirconia co-gel. Then, the washed silica component is contacted with the alkaline bath to effect the impregnation with the catalytic metal, such as cesium, to form an activated silica component. Subsequently, the activated silica component is dried to form the catalyst. The resulting catalysts demonstrate good mechanical strength.