Knowing how to find out where my website ranks on Google is essential for SEO success. This guide explains tools, techniques, and step-by-step strategies to track keyword positions, analyze performance, and improve your search rankings.
Introduction
Understanding where your website ranks on Google is critical to measuring the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. Ranking positions determine how visible your website is to potential visitors, which in turn affects traffic, conversions, and revenue.
In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step methods, tools, and strategies to find your rankings, monitor changes, and optimize for better performance.
Why Knowing Your Google Rankings Matters
- Measure SEO effectiveness: Know which keywords drive traffic
- Identify improvement areas: See which pages need optimization
- Track competition: Compare your rankings with competitors
- Optimize strategy: Prioritize high-potential keywords
- Improve ROI: Focus on keywords that convert and attract relevant traffic
Types of Rankings to Track
- Organic keyword rankings: Positions for specific search terms
- Branded vs. non-branded keywords: Brand-related searches vs. generic queries
- Local rankings: Google Maps and local SEO results
- Mobile vs. desktop rankings: Google ranks differently based on device
- SERP features: Knowledge panels, featured snippets, and local packs
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Out Where Your Website Ranks
Step 1: Identify Target Keywords
- Make a list of primary and secondary keywords
- Include branded, local, and long-tail terms
Step 2: Use Google Search Console
- Navigate to Performance → Search Results
- See average position, impressions, clicks
- Filter by keyword, page, or country
Step 3: Perform Manual Google Searches
- Search for keywords in an incognito window
- Check the ranking positions for desktop and mobile
- Note: Avoid personalized results
Step 4: Use Free Ranking Tools
- SERProbot: Check keyword rankings quickly
- WhatsMySERP: Free tool for small keyword lists
- SEO Review Tools: Offers rank tracking by keyword and location
Step 5: Use Paid Tools for Accurate Tracking
- Ahrefs: Provides organic keyword positions and trends
- SEMrush: Rank tracker for multiple keywords, devices, and locations
- Moz Pro: Monitor SERP positions and analyze competitors
- AccuRanker: Fast, accurate daily updates on rankings
Step 6: Track Mobile vs. Desktop Rankings
- Mobile-first indexing can impact visibility
- Use tools that differentiate rankings by device
- Compare traffic from mobile vs. desktop in Google Analytics
Step 7: Analyze SERP Features
- Check if your website appears in snippets, knowledge panels, or local packs
- Adjust content to target these features for higher visibility
Step 8: Monitor Changes Over Time
- Track daily, weekly, or monthly trends
- Identify drops or gains in rankings
- Adjust SEO strategy based on insights
Using Google Search Console
Google Search Console (GSC) is the most reliable free tool to track rankings:
- Shows keyword positions, impressions, clicks, and CTR
- Allows filtering by page, country, and device
- Highlights top-performing and underperforming keywords
- Provides actionable insights for content optimization
Using Free Tools for Tracking Rankings
- SERProbot: Simple keyword rank checker
- WhatsMySERP: Tracks small sets of keywords in real time
- SEO Review Tools: Offers ranking data and keyword analysis
- Google Incognito Search: Manual check without personalized results
Using Paid Tools for Accurate Ranking Data
- Ahrefs Rank Tracker: Daily keyword ranking updates, competitor comparison
- SEMrush Position Tracking: Tracks rankings, visibility score, and SERP features
- Moz Pro Rank Checker: Monitors multiple keywords and locations
- AccuRanker: Precise daily tracking, including mobile and desktop rankings
Tracking Mobile vs. Desktop Rankings
- Mobile-first indexing makes mobile ranking critical
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to track device-specific positions
- Compare mobile traffic and engagement with Google Analytics
Analyzing SERP Features and Competitor Rankings
- Check for featured snippets, videos, and local packs
- Analyze competitor pages occupying top spots
- Identify opportunities to improve content and targeting
Mini Case Studies & Real-World Examples
Case Study 1: E-commerce Website
- Used SEMrush to track 50 target keywords
- Optimized pages that dropped in ranking
- Result: Improved positions for 30 keywords within 2 months
Case Study 2: Local Service Business
- Tracked local rankings using Ahrefs
- Focused on Google Business Profile optimization
- Result: Appeared in local pack for multiple service keywords
Common Mistakes When Checking Rankings
- Relying solely on manual searches
- Ignoring device-specific rankings
- Not tracking over time
- Focusing only on position, not CTR or traffic
- Overlooking SERP features and snippets
Best Practices for Monitoring Google Rankings
- Track both branded and non-branded keywords
- Use a combination of free and paid tools
- Monitor daily or weekly trends
- Analyze competitor rankings for new opportunities
- Consider clicks, CTR, and impressions, not just positions
FAQs – How to Find Out Where My Website Ranks on Google
1. How often should I check my website rankings?
Track weekly for updates and monthly for trends.
2. Can I check rankings for free?
Yes, using Google Search Console, SERProbot, or manual incognito searches.
3. Do rankings differ by location?
Yes, rankings can vary based on user location and device.
4. What is the best tool for accurate ranking data?
Paid tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or AccuRanker provide detailed, reliable data.
5. Should I track all keywords or only top ones?
Track all important keywords, focusing on those driving traffic and conversions.
6. Do SERP features affect my website ranking?
Yes, appearing in snippets or local packs increases visibility and CTR.
7. How long does it take to see ranking changes after SEO changes?
Typically 3–6 weeks, depending on competition, search volume, and optimization.
Conclusion & Actionable Steps
Knowing how to find out where my website ranks on Google is crucial for monitoring SEO performance and improving online visibility.
Action Steps:
- Make a list of target keywords
- Use Google Search Console to track rankings and CTR
- Leverage free and paid tools for accurate data
- Monitor mobile and desktop rankings separately
- Track trends over time and adjust SEO strategies accordingly
For more insights on SEO tracking and optimization, explore [related resource link].