Rank tracker

What is a rank tracker?

A rank tracker (also known as a position tracker or SERP tracker) is a tool that automatically checks where your online store ranks in Google for specific keywords. You specify the search terms you want to monitor, and the tool tracks your ranking daily or weekly.

This gives you a historical overview of how your rankings are changing over time—whether they’re rising, falling, or staying stable. It’s essential for evaluating the effectiveness of your SEO strategy.

Why use a rank tracker?

• Measure your SEO efforts: Without tracking, you won’t know if your optimization efforts are working. A rank tracker provides objective data.
• Discover opportunities: Find keywords where you rank on page 2 (positions 11–20). With a little extra optimization, you might be able to move up to page 1, where the vast majority of clicks occur.
• Respond to drops: If an important ranking suddenly drops, you can quickly investigate the cause (algorithm change, competitor activity, technical error).
• Competitor Monitoring: Most rank trackers let you monitor your competitors’ rankings for the same keywords.
• Reporting: Document SEO results for management, investors, or partners with concrete numbers.

Popular rank tracker tools

• Ahrefs: Comprehensive SEO suite with rank tracking, backlink analysis, and keyword research. One of the most professional tools available.
• SEMrush: A broad SEO platform with position tracking, competitor analysis, and content audits. Popular among agencies.
• Morningscore: A Danish SEO tool with a gamified approach that makes SEO more accessible. Calculates a monetary SEO value.
• SE Ranking: An affordable alternative with daily rank tracking and solid reports.
• Google Search Console: A free tool from Google that shows your average positions, clicks, and impressions. Not a traditional rank tracker, but it provides valuable data.
• Mangools (SERPWatcher): Simple and user-friendly rank tracking tool with good mobile data.

What should you track?

Choose keywords strategically to get the most out of your rank tracker:

• Brand keywords: Your company name and variations. You should always rank #1 for these—if not, there’s a problem.
• Product keywords: Specific product names and types (e.g., “Nike Air Max 90 black”).
• Category keywords: Broader terms such as “running shoes,” “men’s jackets,” or “designer furniture.”
• Informational keywords: Questions and guides related to your products (e.g., “how to choose running shoes”).
• Local keywords: If you have a physical store, track local variations (e.g., “running shoes Copenhagen”).

Rank Tracking and Google Search Console

Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that shows your average position for all keywords Google associates with your site. The advantage is that the data comes directly from Google. The downside is that it only shows average positions (not daily snapshots), and you can’t select specific keywords to track.

For most online stores, a combination of GSC (to discover new keywords) and a dedicated rank tracker (to monitor priority keywords) is the best approach.

Tips for rank tracking

• Be patient: SEO takes time. Don’t expect daily changes; instead, look at trends over weeks and months.
• Track mobile and desktop separately: Rankings often differ between mobile and desktop. Track both.
• Keep local variation in mind: Search results vary geographically. Set your rank tracker to track from Denmark or your primary market.
• Don’t focus solely on position 1: Moving from position 50 to 10 is a huge improvement, even if you’re still on page 2.