Keyword Rankings

Add a keyword, then check where the site sits in Google for that query. History and change indicators sit next to the current position.

Getting Started

Adding Keywords to Track

1. Navigate to Websites in the main menu
2. Click Show Keywords under your website
3. Click Add Keywords button
4. Enter keywords (one per line or comma-separated)
5. Optionally specify target location for local SEO
6. Click Add to save

Checking Current Rankings

You have two options for checking rankings:

• Individual Check: Click the refresh control next to any keyword
• Bulk Check: Click Check All Rankings to update all keywords at once

Cost Note: Each ranking check consumes API credits (~$0.003 per check). Bulk operations are more cost-effective.

Understanding the Display

Ranking Badges

Rankings are displayed with color-coded badges for quick visual reference:

Change Indicators

Next to the current rank, you'll see change indicators:

• Up arrow with a number: position improved (for example, 5 means moved up 5 spots)
• Down arrow with a number: position declined
• Dash: no change from the initial position

Location Targeting

Location-targeted keywords show the location name next to the query. Use that for local SEO tracking.

Detailed Ranking Information

Expand a keyword row to see history:

Historical Data

• Initial Rank: The first recorded position when you added the keyword
• Current Rank: Latest position from the most recent check
• Best Rank: Best position ever achieved (shown in green)
• First Ranked Date: When the keyword first appeared in top 100

Visual Progress

A progress bar shows ranking improvement as a percentage:

• Green bar: Ranking has improved from initial position
• Red bar: Ranking has declined from initial position
• Gray bar: No significant change

Tracking Timeline

• Added Date: When you started tracking this keyword
• Last Checked: Most recent ranking check timestamp

Managing Keywords

Refreshing Rankings

Rankings can be updated on-demand:

1. Individual Refresh: Click the refresh control for a specific keyword
2. Bulk Refresh: Click Check All Rankings to update all at once

The system will:

• Query current Google rankings
• Update the database with new positions
• Calculate ranking changes
• Update best rank if improved
• Show success notification

Deleting Keywords

To remove keywords you no longer want to track:

1. Click the trash control next to the keyword
2. Confirm deletion in the popup dialog
3. The keyword and all its historical data will be permanently removed

Warning: Deletion cannot be undone. Historical ranking data will be lost.

Best Practices

Keyword Selection

• Focus on relevant terms: Track keywords that matter to your business
• Mix keyword types: Include both short-tail and long-tail keywords
• Include brand terms: Monitor your brand name variations
• Add competitor terms: See where you rank for competitor keywords
• Use location modifiers: Essential for local businesses

Checking Frequency

Optimization Strategy

Based on current rankings, here's what to focus on:

Interpreting Results

Positive Signals

• Consistent upward movement over 4+ weeks
• Breaking into top 10 (first page)
• Multiple related keywords improving together
• Maintaining stable top 3 positions
• Best rank improving over time

Warning Signs

• Sudden drops of 10+ positions
• Multiple keywords declining simultaneously
• Not ranking after 60 days of tracking
• Frequent large fluctuations (±20 positions)
• Competitor outranking on key terms

Taking Action

When you see ranking changes:

1. Improvements: Document what worked and replicate
2. Declines: Check for algorithm updates or technical issues
3. No Movement: Review content quality and competition
4. Fluctuations: May indicate Google testing - wait for stability

Cost Management

Each ranking check consumes API credits:

• Single keyword check: 1 credit (~$0.003)
• Bulk check (recommended): More efficient per keyword
• Monthly limits: Based on your subscription plan

Tips to Optimize Costs:

• Use bulk checks instead of individual refreshes
• Set up weekly schedules rather than daily checks
• Remove keywords that haven't ranked in 60+ days
• Focus on high-value keywords

Troubleshooting

Keywords Show "Not Ranked"

• Ensure your website is indexed by Google
• Check if you have content targeting that keyword
• Verify no technical SEO issues (robots.txt, noindex tags)
• Review keyword competition level

Rankings Dropped Suddenly

• Check for recent Google algorithm updates
• Review any recent changes to your website
• Analyze competitor improvements
• Look for technical issues or penalties

Rankings Fluctuate Wildly

• Normal for new keywords (first 30 days)
• May indicate Google is testing your pages
• Check if search volume is consistent
• Review content quality and relevance

Advanced Tips

Featured Snippets

Keywords ranking in positions 1-5 are candidates for featured snippets. Optimize your content structure with:

• Clear headings
• Bulleted or numbered lists
• Tables for comparisons
• Direct answers to questions

Local Rankings

For location-based keywords:

• Ensure Google My Business is optimized
• Include location in title tags and content
• Build local citations
• Get reviews from local customers

Competitor Analysis

Track the same keywords your competitors target:

• Identify content gaps
• Find opportunities they're missing
• Learn from their successful strategies
• Monitor their ranking changes

Next Steps

1. Set up your keywords: Start with 10-20 primary keywords
2. Establish baselines: Check initial rankings for all keywords
3. Create a schedule: Weekly checks for important terms
4. Monitor trends: Look for patterns over 4-8 weeks
5. Optimize based on data: Focus on keywords close to page 1
6. Track improvements: Document what works for future reference