Find The Right SEO Service For Your Business

We cover the full spectrum of SEO services from local SEO to international SEO. Choose the SEO service right for you and call us today for a free confidential chat about your digital marketing.

SEO

SEO Services →

Digital Marketing Service →

Digital PR Service →

Ecommerce SEO →

Organic SEO Services →

Image Optimisation →

URL Structure Optimisation →

Internal Linking →

Page Speed Optimisation →

User Experience Optimisation →

Free SEO Audit

Find out why your website isn't ranking on the top of Google and what actionable steps you can take, with our free no obligation SEO audit.

Free SEO Audit →

How to Track Keyword Rankings

By Paul - SEO Consultant
Tags:

3 What's Included In This Article?

How to Track Keyword Rankings Effectively

Need to measure your SEO success? Tracking keyword rankings is key to understanding your website’s performance and improving search visibility. This guide shows you how to track keyword rankings effectively, using the best tools and strategies.

Choose the Right Tools

Choosing the right tools is essential for accurate keyword tracking. Here are some top choices:

  • Google Search Console: Free tool offering insights into search traffic and performance, including keyword position, click-through rates, and indexing issues.

  • SEMrush: Provides detailed keyword tracking, competitor analysis, and SEO reports for managing your online presence.

  • Ahrefs: Excellent for keyword tracking, backlink analysis, and competitor research, helping you understand competitors’ backlink profiles and discover new keyword opportunities.

  • Moz: Offers keyword tracking along with tools for on-page optimisation, link building, and local SEO management.

  • Rank Tracker by SEO PowerSuite: Extensive tracking and reporting across multiple search engines, highly customisable to your needs.

Set Up Your Keyword List

Create a well-defined keyword list, focusing on:

  • Primary Keywords: Core keywords representing your main products or services with high search volumes.

  • Secondary Keywords: Related keywords that support your primary keywords, helping capture additional search traffic.

  • Long-tail Keywords: Specific phrases with lower search volume but higher conversion rates, targeting niche audiences and driving more qualified traffic.

Configure Your Tracking Tools

Set up your tracking tools with your keyword list:

  • Google Search Console: Add your site, verify ownership, and use the Performance report to monitor keyword performance, including clicks, impressions, and average position.

  • SEMrush/Ahrefs/Moz: Set up a project, input your keyword list, and start tracking. Customise settings for location, search engine, and device type to get accurate data.

Monitor and Analyse Data

Regular monitoring is key to effective keyword tracking. Focus on:

  • Ranking Changes: Watch for significant movements in keyword rankings. Sudden drops or spikes can indicate algorithm changes or competitor actions.

  • Traffic Trends: Observe how changes in rankings affect organic traffic. Higher rankings should correlate with increased traffic.

  • Competitor Performance: Analyse competitors’ rankings for the same keywords to gain insights for improving your own SEO efforts.

Adjust Your SEO Strategy

Make strategic adjustments based on your analysis to improve keyword performance:

  • Optimise Content: Regularly update and improve existing content to target high-potential keywords. Ensure content is relevant, engaging, and optimised for search engines and users.

  • Create New Content: Develop content targeting keywords you’re not currently ranking well for. Use keyword research tools to find gaps and opportunities in your content strategy.

  • Build Backlinks: Improve your link-building strategy to enhance your site’s authority and rankings by acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sources.

Report and Communicate Results

Effective communication of findings and strategies is crucial. Create regular reports that include:

  • Keyword Rankings: Highlight significant changes and trends in keyword performance.

  • Traffic Metrics: Show how keyword performance affects overall organic traffic, including clicks, impressions, and conversion rates.

  • Actionable Insights: Provide recommendations for ongoing SEO improvements. Suggest specific actions based on your analysis, such as optimising content or targeting new keywords.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on Keyword Rankings

How often should I check my keyword rankings?

Regular monitoring is recommended. Checking weekly or bi-weekly helps you stay on top of changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

What are long-tail keywords, and why are they important?

Long-tail keywords are specific phrases with lower search volume but higher conversion rates. They help you reach niche audiences and improve conversion rates.

Can I track keyword rankings for multiple locations?

Yes, tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs allow tracking of keyword rankings based on different locations, search engines, and device types.

How do I choose the right keywords to track?

Focus on primary, secondary, and long-tail keywords relevant to your business. Use keyword research tools to identify high-potential keywords.

What should I do if my keyword rankings drop?

Analyse potential causes such as algorithm changes, increased competition, or technical issues. Adjust your SEO strategy to recover rankings.

Is it necessary to use paid tools for tracking keyword rankings?

While paid tools offer comprehensive features, free tools like Google Search Console can provide valuable insights. Choose based on your needs and budget.

Tracking keyword rankings is an ongoing process requiring the right tools, regular monitoring, and strategic adjustments. By staying on top of keyword performance, you can make informed decisions that improve your SEO efforts and drive more organic traffic to your site.

How to track keyword rankings

First Place SEO, International House, 4 Maddox St, London W1S 1QP

02071128794

First Place SEO Agency London

Why cheap SEO costs you more - First Place SEO
Oct 19 2024

Why Cheap SEO Costs You More in the End

Cheap SEO can ruin your website’s rankings and cost you more to fix. Learn why bargain SEO services are a risk you can’t afford to take.

Practical steps to increase google maps ranking - First Place SEO
Oct 12 2024

7 Practical Steps To Boost Your Business Profile In Google Maps

Google Business ranking, local SEO, Google Map Pack, rank Google listing, optimise Google Business profile, increase local rankings and SEO tips

How to Rank Your Google Business Profile #1 on Google Maps - FIrst Place SEO
Oct 07 2024

How to Rank Your Google Business Profile #1 on Google Maps

Learn how to rank your Google Business Profile #1 on Google Maps with proven SEO strategies, focusing on categories, reviews, and backlinks.

Sep 27 2024

Why Solving Web Page Indexing Can Help Your SEO Problems

Learn how web page indexing, not just keywords, is the true power behind SEO success. Use tools like SEO CoPilot to rank faster.

SEO industry lies
Sep 22 2024

The Biggest Lie in the SEO Industry You Need To Know

Find out the biggest lie in the SEO industry: “Content is King.” Understand why authority & backlinks are the real keys to successful SEO...
Image SEO - First Place SEO
Sep 06 2024

7 Easy Steps to Improve Your Website with Image-Based SEO

7 easy steps to optimise your website images for SEO. Learn how to enhance page speed, improve search rankings with optimisation techniques.

Sep 02 2024

Advanced Mode Set Up Google Consent V2

How to set up Google Consent V2 in ADVANCED Mode for WordPress for free with CookieYes and Google Tag Manager. Video & Instructions Links

Why your wordpress website might not be ranking - First Place SEO
Sep 01 2024

Why Your WordPress Website Might Not Be Ranking

Learn how to improve your WordPress site’s SEO by addressing key ranking factors. Don’t let common mistakes hold you back

SEO Marketing and Strategy - First Place SEO
Sep 01 2024

Why Consistent Keyword Use is Key to Marketing

Why are keywords important, how to find the right ones and how consistent use can boost your brand’s impact across all platforms. Master keywords

How Do I Know If I Need SEO - First Place SEO
Aug 31 2024

How Do I Know If I Need An SEO?

SHOCKING stats reveal that most businesses are missing out due to no SEO. Here is how you can fix this issue with just a single move.