In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead of the competition requires a keen understanding of your website’s performance and visibility on search engines.
Keywords play a crucial role in this scenario, as they determine how well your content ranks in search engine results. Ahrefs, a powerful SEO tool, offers a suite of features, including the ability to check keyword rankings.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore in detail how to check keyword rankings in Ahrefs, providing step-by-step instructions and insights to help you make the most of this tool.
Keyword Rankings
Before delving into the specifics of how to use Ahrefs for checking keyword rankings, let’s briefly discuss why tracking keyword rankings is vital for your online presence.
- Visibility and Traffic: Higher keyword rankings mean increased visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). When your website ranks higher for relevant keywords, it is more likely to attract organic traffic.
- Competitor Analysis: Monitoring keyword rankings allows you to keep an eye on your competitors. Understanding which keywords they are ranking for can help you refine your own SEO strategy and identify new opportunities.
- Content Optimization: By tracking keyword rankings, you can gauge the effectiveness of your content. If certain keywords are consistently underperforming, it may be an indication that your content needs optimization.
- ROI Measurement: For businesses investing in SEO, tracking keyword rankings is crucial for measuring the return on investment (ROI). It helps you assess the impact of your SEO efforts on your website’s performance.
Now that we’ve established the significance of monitoring keyword rankings, let’s move on to the steps involved in checking these rankings using Ahrefs.
Step 1: Accessing Ahrefs Dashboard
To begin checking keyword rankings in Ahrefs, you first need to log in to your Ahrefs account and access the dashboard. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for a subscription that suits your needs. Once logged in, you’ll be greeted by the Ahrefs dashboard, where you can access various tools and reports.
Step 2: Navigating to the ‘Rank Tracker’ Tool
Within the Ahrefs dashboard, locate the “Rank Tracker” tool. This tool is specifically designed for tracking keyword rankings and provides valuable insights into your website’s performance on search engines.
Click on the “Rank Tracker” tab to access the tool. Here, you’ll find a user-friendly interface that allows you to manage and monitor your keyword rankings efficiently.
Step 3: Adding Your Website and Keywords
Once you’re in the Rank Tracker tool, the next step is to add your website and the specific keywords you want to track. Follow these sub-steps to input the necessary information:
Adding Your Website:
- Locate the option to add a website or domain to the Rank Tracker.
- Enter your website’s URL and proceed to the next step.
Adding Keywords:
- Look for the option to add keywords you want to track.
- Input the relevant keywords that are crucial to your SEO strategy.
- You can add multiple keywords at once, either by entering them manually or importing a list.
Step 4: Selecting Search Engines and Locations
Ahrefs allows you to track keyword rankings for specific search engines and locations. Depending on your target audience and market, you can customize these settings to get more accurate insights. Follow these sub-steps:
Choosing Search Engines:
- Select the search engines you want to track. Ahrefs supports various search engines, including Google, Bing, Yahoo, Yandex, and more.
- Choose the search engines that are most relevant to your target audience.
Setting Locations:
- Specify the locations you want to track. This is particularly useful for businesses targeting specific geographic regions.
- You can select global tracking or choose specific countries, states, or cities.
Step 5: Running the Initial Ranking Check
With your website, keywords, search engines, and locations set up, it’s time to run the initial ranking check. This process will provide you with the current positions of your chosen keywords on the selected search engines. Follow these sub-steps:
Initiating the Check:
- Find the option to start the ranking check, usually labeled as “Run” or “Check Rankings.”
- Ahrefs will begin gathering data on the current rankings of your specified keywords.
Waiting for Results:
- Depending on the number of keywords and the chosen search engines, the ranking check may take some time.
- Be patient as Ahrefs collects the data, and avoid interrupting the process.
Step 6: Analyzing the Results
Once the initial ranking check is complete, you’ll be presented with a detailed report showcasing the positions of your keywords on the selected search engines. Analyzing these results is crucial for making informed decisions regarding your SEO strategy. Consider the following aspects:
Keyword Positions:
- Review the positions of each keyword. Identify keywords that are performing well and those that may require optimization.
Visibility Score:
- Ahrefs provides a visibility score that reflects the overall visibility of your website for the tracked keywords. A higher visibility score indicates better performance.
SERP Features:
- Explore the SERP features that appear for your keywords. This information helps you understand the type of content that is ranking well and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Competitor Comparison:
- Ahrefs allows you to compare your rankings with those of competitors. Evaluate where you stand in comparison and identify areas for improvement.
Step 7: Setting Up Ongoing Monitoring
Keyword rankings are dynamic and can change over time due to various factors, including algorithm updates and competitor activities. To ensure that you stay informed about changes in your rankings, set up ongoing monitoring in Ahrefs:
Schedule Regular Updates:
- Ahrefs allows you to schedule regular ranking updates. Choose a frequency that suits your needs, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly.
Monitoring Alerts:
- Enable alerts that notify you of significant changes in your rankings. This proactive approach allows you to address issues promptly.
Tracking Historical Data:
- Take advantage of Ahrefs’ ability to track historical data. This feature allows you to view trends and patterns in your keyword rankings over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How frequently should I check my keyword rankings using Ahrefs?
The frequency of checking keyword rankings depends on your specific goals and the competitive nature of your industry. For most websites, a weekly or bi-weekly check suffices. However, during critical periods or significant SEO campaigns, more frequent monitoring, such as daily checks, may be beneficial.
What does the visibility score in Ahrefs’ Rank Tracker represent?
The visibility score is an aggregate metric that reflects the overall visibility of your website for the tracked keywords. It takes into account the positions of your keywords and their search volumes. A higher visibility score indicates a stronger overall presence in search engine results.
Can I track keyword rankings for my competitors using Ahrefs?
Yes, Ahrefs provides a competitive analysis feature that allows you to compare your keyword rankings with those of your competitors. This feature is valuable for identifying strengths and weaknesses in your SEO strategy and gaining insights into areas where you can outperform your competition.
How can I receive alerts for significant changes in my keyword rankings?
Ahrefs offers an alert system that can notify you of notable changes in your keyword rankings. In the Rank Tracker settings, you can enable email notifications or alerts within the Ahrefs interface. Setting thresholds for position changes will ensure you are promptly informed of any significant fluctuations in your rankings.
Can Ahrefs track keyword rankings for specific localities or regions?
Yes, Ahrefs allows you to customize the location settings for tracking keyword rankings. You can choose specific countries, states, or cities to ensure that your SEO efforts align with the geographic areas that matter most to your target audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, checking keyword rankings in Ahrefs is a fundamental aspect of effective SEO management. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can harness the power of Ahrefs’ Rank Tracker tool to gain valuable insights into your website’s performance on search engines.
Regularly monitoring keyword rankings not only helps you assess the effectiveness of your SEO efforts but also provides actionable data for refining your strategy. Whether you’re aiming to increase visibility, outperform competitors, or optimize your content, Ahrefs’ robust features make it a valuable ally in your journey toward digital marketing success.
As the SEO landscape continues to evolve, staying proactive in tracking keyword rankings with tools like Ahrefs is essential for adapting to changes and maintaining a strong online presence. Embrace the insights provided by Ahrefs, and let data-driven decisions guide your path to SEO excellence.
