Keyword rankings are an important aspect of SEO and can be used to optimize website content, track competitors, and measure the success of SEO strategies. However, it is essential to understand the fluctuations in ranking data.
Many paid and free tools offer real-time keyword ranking checker, such as what you can use at Vazoola to monitor the position of websites on search engine results pages (SERP). This information can help businesses or agencies identify opportunities for improvement.
Track Your Competitors
While it’s not always possible to see how a competitor performs in search engine results pages (SERPs) directly, you can gain insights into their strategies using an effective competitor rank tracking tool. These tools often include a suite of other useful digital marketing tools that simplify your SEO efforts.
Enter your competitors’ domains into these tools to explore the keywords they currently rank for. You can also use a tool to discover a list of your competitors’ top organic keywords and their current positions in SERPs.
Once you have a list of competitive keywords, conduct further analysis to determine the best targets. Consider their relevance, organic traffic, and accessibility, as well as their domain and trust authority. Narrow your list down to the most promising keywords and use these as the basis for your SEO strategy.
Analyze Your Rankings
It’s important to monitor keyword rankings frequently, at least weekly. This will help you catch ranking fluctuations early and act accordingly. For example, if your client’s ranking for a certain term has dropped, you can investigate what happened to the competitor to see how to respond best.
The first step is to identify the keywords you want to track. This process can be time-consuming, but ensuring you’re tracking the most valuable keywords is worth the effort. Select keywords relevant to your client’s business and consider their search volume.
Once you’ve identified the most valuable keywords, you can use a tool to track their rankings. This will give you a clear picture of competitors’ actions to outrank you. You can also use this data to plan your SEO strategy.
Optimize for Long-Tail Keywords
Rather than relying on head keywords, try using long-tail keyword phrases in your content. These search queries are more specific and reflect user intent. It’s a great way to optimize your site for a specific goal without risking algorithm updates or relying on over-optimization.
A long-tail keyword can contain up to five words and doesn’t necessarily have to include your head keyword. To identify long-tail keyword opportunities, use a tool like Surfer or Semrush. Input your competitor’s URL, then analyze the terms they rank for to find keywords that you aren’t ranking for.
Look for common themes and questions in these keywords that you can target with your content. This can help you improve your site’s user experience and gain a competitive advantage. For example, if you see many searches for “vet near me” or “vet Clapham,” consider creating a page with information on those topics. This can increase your chances of appearing in extended snippets on search engine results pages (SERP). This can also drive more qualified traffic to your site.
Measure the Success of Your SEO Strategy
The success of your SEO strategy depends on how you define and set goals. These goals should be measurable, trackable, and achievable over time. They may focus on increasing organic traffic, improving keyword ranking, or achieving a desired website conversion.
As you monitor your SEO progress, it’s important to recognize that natural fluctuations are normal and should be expected. However, by closely monitoring your rankings and adapting your efforts to align with search engine guidelines, you can minimize penalties and maintain or improve your ranking over the long haul.
Using the best online SEO tools for keyword rank checking makes it easy to track your rankings and identify areas for improvement, all in one place. By comparing your rankings to those of your competitors, you can see how your strategies are working and where you can find additional opportunities for optimization. By clearly communicating the results of your SEO efforts with clients, you can demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality work and ensure that your efforts are paying off.
