Monitoring the position of a website for specific keywords in search engine results over time.
Why Keyword Rank Tracking Matters
Keyword rank tracking matters because it is a direct way to measure your SEO performance. A high ranking for a keyword is a clear signal that your content is resonating with a target audience and that your website is gaining authority. A drop in ranking, on the other hand, can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed, such as a technical SEO issue, a penalty, or a change in a search engine’s algorithm. It is a powerful leading indicator of your SEO performance.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of keyword rank tracking is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can track their keyword rankings by using a variety of tools. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you track your keyword performance and to optimize your content to rank for a specific keyword.
Shopify
On Shopify, keyword rank tracking is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for keyword rank tracking. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated keyword rank tracking strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use keyword rank tracking will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use keyword rank tracking to see how their product pages are performing for specific keywords. A high ranking for a specific keyword can be a sign that a product is trending and that you should invest more in its promotion.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use keyword rank tracking to see how they are performing for local keywords. A high ranking for a local keyword can be a sign that your local SEO strategy is working and that you are gaining visibility in your community.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use keyword rank tracking to see how their marketing pages are performing for specific keywords. A high ranking can be a sign that your content is resonating with your target audience.
Blogs
Blogs can use keyword rank tracking to see how their articles are performing for specific keywords. A high ranking can be a sign that a topic is gaining popularity and that you should invest more in its promotion.
Do’s and Don’ts of Keyword Rank Tracking
Do’s
- Do use a tool to track your keyword rankings. A tool like SEMrush or Ahrefs is a must.
- Do use keyword rank tracking as a leading indicator. It is a powerful way to see how your SEO strategy is performing.
- Do use keyword rank tracking to inform your content strategy. A high ranking for a specific keyword can be a sign that you should create more content on that topic.
Don’ts
- Don’t focus on keyword rank tracking alone. It is a metric, not a strategy.
- Don’t ignore a drop in ranking. A drop in ranking can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to track your keyword rankings: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring the data: The data from a keyword rank tracking tool can provide invaluable insights into your SEO strategy.
- Focusing on a single keyword: Keyword rank tracking is a great way to see how a set of keywords are performing.
FAQs
Is a high ranking in the SERPs the same as a high organic traffic?
No, a high ranking does not always mean a high organic traffic. A keyword can have a high ranking but a low search volume. You must also consider the click-through rate (CTR) and the search volume of a keyword.
Does keyword rank tracking affect my SEO?
Yes, keyword rank tracking affects your SEO. It helps you measure your performance and to find a keyword that you can rank for. A failure to track your rankings can lead to a waste of time and resources.
What is the difference between keyword rank tracking and keyword visibility?
Keyword rank tracking is the process of monitoring a website’s position in search results for a specific keyword. Keyword visibility is a metric that measures how often a website appears in search results for a specific set of keywords.
What is a “long-tail” keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a long and specific keyword phrase that a user is searching for. These are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
What tools can I use for keyword rank tracking?
You can use a number of tools for keyword rank tracking, including SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz. These tools provide a daily or weekly report on a website’s ranking for its target keywords.
