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How to Check Your Keyword Ranking on Google (For Free)

ByPip Seymour

(Update SEP 2024)

Google Keyword Ranking

Tracking your keyword rankings on Google is essential for understanding where your website stands in the search engine results pages (SERPs). Knowing your true ranking position can help refine your SEO strategy, improve your content, and stay ahead of the competition. This guide will show you how to accurately check your keyword rankings and avoid common pitfalls that can skew your perception of where you rank.

Why It’s Important to Track Your Keyword Rankings

Many business owners are surprised to find that their website’s actual ranking on Google is often different from what they see when they search themselves. Here’s why accurately tracking your rankings is crucial:

  • Measure Performance: Understanding where you rank helps you measure your SEO efforts and adjust your strategies accordingly.
  • Identify Opportunities: Spot keywords where small optimizations can make a big difference.
  • Stay Competitive: Monitor how you stack up against competitors to refine your approach.

Common Misconceptions About Keyword Rankings

It’s common to hear statements like, “When I search on my computer, I’m number one!” The reality is that what you see may not reflect the true picture due to factors like personalized search results. Here’s why your rankings might look better than they actually are:

  • Personalization: Google tailors search results based on your past behavior, preferences, and location.
  • Search History: Frequent visits to your own site signal Google to rank it higher for you personally.
  • Cookies and Cache: Your browser’s stored data can alter the way search results appear.

How to Accurately Check Your Keyword Rankings on Google

To get an accurate view of your true rankings, follow these steps:

1. Use Google Search Console

  • Google Search Console provides a true picture of your site’s performance on Google.
  • Access the Performance tab to see the average ranking position, clicks, and impressions for each keyword.

2. Use Incognito Mode for Unbiased Search Results

  • Incognito mode prevents your browser from storing cookies, cache, or search history, which means it won’t influence the results you see.
  • To use Incognito mode, open a new private window in your browser (usually found under the menu options).

3. Clear Your Browser Data Before Checking

  • Clear History: Remove your browsing history to reset personalized results.
  • Clear Cookies and Cache: These stored files affect how Google tailors results to you.

Why Search Engine Rankings Can Be Inaccurate

Google’s goal is to provide personalized, high-quality results, which means your search history, cookies, and browsing patterns heavily influence the results. The way you search, the device you use, and your location can all affect the rankings you see. Here’s how Google tailors your search experience:

  • Browser History: Stores every site you’ve visited, influencing future searches.
  • Cookies: Small data files that track your behavior and personalize your browsing experience.
  • Cache: Saves web pages and images, making future visits faster but also impacting search results.

Steps to Improve Accuracy in Checking Your Rankings

Step 1: Clear Your Browser Data

  • Why? Clearing your data removes personalized elements that can skew your rankings.
  • How? Go to your browser settings and clear your history, cookies, and cache.

Step 2: Use Incognito Mode

  • Why? Incognito mode provides a clean slate, eliminating previous browsing influences.
  • How? Open a new incognito window in your browser. This prevents your search history and cookies from influencing results.

Step 3: Use Free Tools for Verification

  • Tools like Google Search Console and Ubersuggest provide unbiased ranking data directly from Google.

FAQs About Checking Keyword Rankings

How often should I check my keyword rankings?

Check your rankings weekly or bi-weekly to stay updated without overreacting to daily fluctuations.

Why do rankings vary by device and location?

Google customizes results based on device type, location, and even the user’s search history.

Can I rely solely on incognito mode for accurate results?

Incognito mode helps, but using dedicated tools like Google Search Console provides the most accurate picture of your rankings.

Conclusion

Understanding how your website ranks on Google is crucial for refining your SEO strategy. By using the steps outlined above, you can get an accurate picture of your true rankings and make data-driven decisions to improve your online presence. Regularly monitor your performance, clear your browsing history, and utilize tools designed for unbiased data to keep your strategy on track.

Have questions or need further assistance? Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice on checking your keyword rankings and improving your search engine performance. We’re here to help you get the most accurate view of your online presence

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