How do I track keyword rankings?
Quick Answer
Track keyword rankings with Google Search Console (free) for real Google data, plus rank tracking tools like Ahrefs or Semrush for daily position monitoring, competitor comparisons, and location/device-specific tracking.
Overview
Tracking keyword rankings helps you measure SEO progress, spot opportunities, and diagnose problems early. While rankings aren’t the only metric that matters, they’re a helpful leading indicator—especially when combined with traffic and conversion data.
This guide explains what to track, which tools to use, and how to interpret ranking changes without getting distracted by daily fluctuations.
Why Track Rankings?
Rank tracking helps you:
- Verify your SEO work is improving visibility - Identify “striking distance” keywords (positions 11–20) - Monitor impacts from site changes and algorithm updates - Compare performance against competitors - Report progress to stakeholders
Focus on trends over time, not single-day swings.
Rank Tracking Tools
Free: - Google Search Console (average position, clicks, impressions)
Paid suites: - Ahrefs / Semrush (rank tracking + competitors)
Dedicated rank trackers: - AccuRanker, Nightwatch, SERPWatcher
Use Search Console for the most trustworthy first-party data, and a paid tool when you need daily tracking and competitor visibility.
Using Google Search Console
In Search Console → Performance: - Enable Average position - Review queries and pages - Compare date ranges to find movement
Remember: it’s an average position, so it can hide variability across location and personalization.
What to Track
Prioritize: - Core service/product keywords - Branded terms - Top landing pages and their queries - Keywords near page 1 - Local variants if you serve specific areas
Group keywords by topic and intent so you can spot patterns.
How Often to Track
Typical cadence: - Daily: during launches, migrations, or major updates - Weekly: standard monitoring - Monthly: reporting + strategy adjustments
Avoid manual daily checking; automated reports and alerts are better.
Interpreting Ranking Changes
Small changes (±1–3 positions) are normal.
Investigate when: - Multiple keywords drop together - High-traffic pages move from page 1 to page 2 - Drops persist for 2+ weeks
Cross-check: - Indexing issues - Site changes - Competitor gains - Algorithm updates - Page experience / speed issues
Best Practices
- Track mobile and desktop separately - Use location tracking for local SEO - Watch SERP features (snippets, local pack) - Connect ranking movement to traffic and conversions - Keep notes on site changes and updates so you can explain swings
Rankings are a means to an end—traffic and revenue matter most.