A Definitive Guide: What Is Keyword Tracking?

You can work to improve your website ranking by performing keyword tracking. What is keyword tracking all about, and how does it work? Do you want to find out how to track which keywords your site uses most and how many people visit because of them?

This article discusses what keyword tracking means, methods of tracking keywords, and why it is essential for SEO.

What Is Keyword Tracking?

Keyword tracking is the process of monitoring and measuring the performance of specific keywords or phrases to see how they compare to other terms. It helps marketers identify potential opportunities for growth and make better decisions about their content strategies.

We can use data collected from keyword tracking to forecast trends, understand user intent, and optimize marketing campaigns for maximum results.

Different Methods of Tracking Keywords

Understanding how to conduct keyword tracking is essential to anyone who is looking to optimize their websites. This section details the different methods to conduct keyword tracking effectively.

1. The Traditional Approach

If you’re interested in tracking keywords, this is the gold standard. A website owner can see where their page falls in SERP for a specific keyword by doing a manual search.

Different search engines, and especially Google, take into account a variety of factors when producing search results. Due to Google’s personalization features, it is common for users to receive results that differ from one another. Google considers the user’s location, browser, language, and previous searches.

2. Local Search Approach

Businesses should examine if the keywords they’re ranking for have local search intent. Location-specific keywords vary in popularity from zip code to city to neighborhood.

So, how can you tell if your keywords have a regional focus? You could try Googling it. If a Local Search Pack appears, Google believes that the corresponding keyword has local intent. Google’s search results will show you local businesses that are relevant to your quest in a box called the Local Search Pack.

Therefore, if your company’s primary presence is online, you should hunt for different keywords that have local intent. Google prioritizes local companies when a user’s query contains a geographical component.

Using the same keywords repeatedly guarantees you’ll struggle to rise in the rankings. Here are some things you can do as a local business to increase your rank for these keywords.

Create a Google My Business Page

Once you’ve claimed your company’s page, fill it out with a detailed description of your company and the category it falls under. In addition to adding images, a phone number, an address, business hours, and customer reviews, you may also provide in-store footage.

Never Deviate From Your NAP

NAP is an abbreviation of name, address, and phone number. If feasible, make sure it is clearly visible on your website. Websites that do well in local search results typically feature these specifics.

Check Out Ratings and Comments

Google claims that a rise in favorable reviews and ratings for a local business boosts a business’s position in search results.

3. Utilizing Keyword Tracking Tools

Using tools with a built-in keyword tracking function would be the most effective and time-saving option. With interactive charts and graphs, these tools turn analytics into a fun process. It streamlines the process of analyzing any data. In addition, if you run an agency, you can compile all relevant analytics into a compelling presentation for your clients.

Three Keyword Tracking Tools Worth Considering

We can’t cover every resource out there, so we’ll focus on the three best options.

1. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a tool that examines backlinks and SEO performance. It’s a one-stop shop for your search engine optimization needs, from keyword analysis and research to site audits. This makes it an excellent complement to B2B marketing, social media marketing, and other similar SaaS marketing strategies.

Given the breadth of its features, it’s no surprise that Ahrefs has become the de facto SEO hub.

2. SEMrush

You’ve probably heard of SEMrush if you’ve searched for search engine optimization (SEO) tools or content-related tools.

When discussing marketing tools for social media, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), and content creation, SEMrush is a go-to-tool. With its easy-to-use design and the number of functions within its platform, SEMrush is an excellent tool for keyword tracking and SEO campaigns.

3. Google Search Console

Because of its precision, Google Search Console is a favorite free tool. Some people prefer this over other options because the search engine automatically adjusts for variations in user preferences.

What are the Advantages of Keyword Tracking?

The success of your search engine optimization techniques and tactics can be gauged by carefully monitoring selected keywords. Here are other advantages of keyword tracking;

1. Better Conversion Rates

If you have been monitoring your website’s analytics, you already know which pages attract the most attention. However, traffic and clicks only do so much for a company. Making money is essential to maintaining normal business operations.

You can promote your sales by using top-performing keywords discovered by keyword tracking. They can also be used to promote your referral program or add your affiliate links subtly.

The greater the exposure your items, services, and links receive, the better their conversion rates will be.

2. It Shows What Works and What Doesn’t

Every company has its unique means of ranking. All you have to do is look at what’s already functioning. Tracking your keywords allows you to discover which web pages generate the most traffic. The existence of these pages is a validation of your SEO tactics. Focusing on keywords that work can help you match or beat your top web pages in key metrics with minimal effort.

3. Enables You Keep Tabs on Relevant Keywords

If you’re trying to rank for highly competitive keywords, you should not expect to stay at the top for long. Drops in traffic are normal.

Possible causes of drops include an unnoticed shift in search engine algorithms or a domain or hosting problem. That’s why many businesses will pay good money to have a web developer and make the necessary fixes.

Fortunately, you may head off these issues in their tracks by keeping tabs on relevant keywords. You get to find answers to these problems before they spiral out of control.

4. Aids in Monitoring Competitor’s Keyword Rankings

By monitoring your competition’s keyword rankings, you can learn where they stand to your efforts. In emerging fields, this strategy proves fruitful.

The NFT-DeFi domain and the emerging streaming sector are examples of areas where some terms won’t be oversaturated. When you’re the first to the market, you have the unique chance to develop a winning SEO keyword approach. Reviewing the keywords and methods of your rivals can spark creative ideas for developing your brand.

Finding keywords with less competition is possible and can be approached in various ways. You can also investigate why your competitors are succeeding with specific keywords if you see they are using them. Maybe they have more content going up? Is their approach to content creation novel? Have they recently launched a promotional effort?

5. Enables Identification of New Opportunites

You can identify new opportunities by comparing your successes with those of your rivals. You can expect a ripple effect from the keywords you’re focusing on.

By delving into a search term, you can also uncover a vast pool of relevant keywords. Any current keyword focus can, in theory, lead to the discovery of more possibilities. Tracking and analyzing your site’s top keywords will provide suggestions for other keywords.

Conclusion

To know what is keyword tracking is to know a powerful way to set a site up for success. Keyword tracking shows which keywords, phrases, and sentences generate the most traffic and profit. Over time, this method has become increasingly valuable because keyword tracking and analysis informs your strategy for SEO.