Keyword Tracking is the process of monitoring the positioning and performance of keywords or phrases that a website is targeted to rank for in search engine results pages (SERPs). This involves measuring and analyzing where a website appears in the SERP for specified search queries over time.
Usage:
In the practice of SEO, keyword tracking helps marketers understand how well their optimization efforts are working. By monitoring ranking changes for targeted keywords, SEO professionals can gauge the effectiveness of their strategies and make data-driven decisions to improve search visibility.
Implementation:
To execute keyword tracking, SEO experts utilize a variety of tools and platforms that provide insights on keyword positions, fluctuations, and historical performance data. These tools can offer information on not only a website’s ranking but also on competitors’ keyword performance, helping to understand the competitive landscape.
Best practices:
Effective keyword tracking involves selecting a relevant set of keywords that are aligned with the content and goals of the website. It is recommended to track a mix of head terms and long-tail keywords to gain a comprehensive view of SEO progress. Additionally, monitoring not only ranking but also other metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and conversions is crucial for understanding the full impact of keyword performance on business objectives.
Considerations:
While keyword tracking is an essential component of SEO, it should be noted that search engines personalize results based on user behavior, location, and device, among other factors. As such, keyword rankings may fluctuate and may not be the sole indicator of SEO success. Therefore, keyword tracking should be one element within a broader SEO analytics strategy.
Frequency:
The frequency of keyword tracking can vary depending on the goals and resources of the SEO campaign. Some campaigns may require daily tracking, while others might benefit from weekly or monthly reviews to identify trends and inform strategy adjustments.
Common tools:
Several industry-standard tools are typically used for keyword tracking, including but not limited to Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz. These tools offer different features and levels of granularity and are selected based on the specific needs and preferences of the SEO professional or agency.