You’ve done the keyword research, written amazing content, and optimized your website for search engines. But how do you know if all of your hard work is paying off?
The answer is keyword rank tracking.
Keyword rank tracking is the process of monitoring the position of a certain keyword (or keywords) in the search engine results pages (SERPs). This can be done manually by looking up the keyword in the search engine and noting the position of your website, or it can be done automatically using one of the many keyword rank-tracking software tools available.
Trust me, I would recommend the latter of these options if you want to preserve any of your sanity!
What is the best keyword-tracking software tool?
There is something exciting about watching your keywords move up the SERPs in real-time. Not only does it inform you that your hard work is paying off, but it can also give you valuable insights into which SEO strategies are working and which ones need to be tweaked.
If you see that your rankings are stagnating or even declining, you know that it’s time to change things up or to go back in and improve your old content. It’s an essential part of any SEO campaign.
In this article, we will review eight of the best SEO rank-tracking software solutions available on the market today, these are:
SE Ranking – Great for real-time tracking of keywords.
SemRush – Best all-in-one SEO platform with rank tracking.
Nightwatch – Feature-rich keyword tracker ideal for local businesses.
Wincher – Best option for those on a budget.
SERPWatcher – Best option for beginners.
Advanced Web Ranking – Track keyword ranks across multiple search engines.
Serpstat – Functional SEO software with great keyword rank-tracking tools.
Google Search Console – Free keyword rank tracking from Google.
1. SE Ranking
Kicking off our list we have SE Ranking, which is an all-in-one SEO platform that is designed from the ground up to help you get the most out of your digital marketing efforts. SE Ranking provides a wide range of features that can help you dial in your SEO practices and track your progress over time. But for the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus on its keyword rank-tracking capabilities.
The Keyword Rank Tracking feature allows users to track both mobile and desktop rankings. These can be organized by country, city, or even zip code, allowing you to get a very granular view of your progress. You can also track competitor rankings (both organic and PPC), which is a great way to see how you’re stacking up against others in your industry.
The platform also offers a handy “Rank History” feature, which gives you a visual representation of your ranking progress over time. This is an incredibly valuable tool, as it can help you identify patterns and trends in your ranking data. In my opinion, it is undoubtedly one of the best keyword rank tracking software on the market.
Pros
- All-in-one SEO platform
- Can track mobile and desktop rankings
- Rank History feature
- Great for local SEO
Cons
- Not the most user friendly
- One of the more expensive options
Price
SE Ranking has three different plans. These are the rates for daily ranking updates on a monthly subscription:
- Essential $49/month
- Pro $109/month
- Business $239/month
You can save 20% with an annual subscription.
2. SemRush
SemRush is another all-in-one SEO platform that is absolutely jam-packed with features. I think you will be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recommend this platform, since it is one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly SEO tools on the market.
The platform has a number of features that make it great for keyword rank tracking. The “Position Tracking” tool allows users to track an unlimited number of keywords (both local and global) across 10 different search engines. You can also track competitor rankings, which is a great way to benchmark your progress.
Once you input your keywords into SEMRush it will inform you of a wide variety of metrics such as snippet captures, estimated traffic, and SERP features. This is incredibly valuable data that can help you optimize your website for better performance.
Pros
- All-in-one SEO platform
- Wide variety of metrics
- SERP feature alerts
- One of the largest keyword databases
Cons
- Very expensive
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Price
SemRush has three different plans:
- Pro – $129.95/month
- Guru $249.95/month
- Business $499.95/month
Savings are available for annual plans.
SEMRush
All-in-one SEO platform with an outstanding keyword research tool.
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3. Nightwatch
Nightwatch is the one on our list that is specifically designed as search engine rank-tracking software and not for general SEO purposes. The platform functions as one single dashboard for all of your search engine rankings, making it easy for you to keep track of your progress over time.
Nightwatch allows you to track your search engine rankings across all of the leading search engines, and you can even do local searches all the way down to the zip code level. According to their website, Nightwatch “tracks over 50,000 more locations than anyone else.”
If you ask me, Nightwatch is ideal for small businesses who are looking to get a handle on their local SEO. The platform is very user-friendly and easy to navigate, which is always a plus.
Pros
- Most extensive local SEO locations
- User-friendly dashboard
- Great for small businesses
Cons
- More expensive than some other options
- Lacking competitive research tools
Price
Nightwatch allows you to choose the number of keywords you want to track each month, offering a sliding scale for both monthly and annual payments. For example, 250 keywords per month cost $39, whereas 10,000 keywords will set you back $699.
There is a 14-day free trial available.
4. Wincher
Wincher is one of the cleanest and simplest SERP tracking tools on the market. Even if you have never used SEO software before, Wincher will be easy for you to figure out. On the Wincher platform, you can track keyword rankings on Google, optimize your pages, keep an eye on competitors, and find unique ways to boost traffic and cut down on costs.
While it may not be as feature heavy as some of the larger platforms, Wincher offers pretty much everything you need to keep track of your SEO progress. One of my favorite things about Wincher is that you can add an unlimited number of users. This means you can grant access to other people on your team without having to pay, which is always a bonus.
Pros
- Very user-friendly
- Unlimited users
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons
- Lacks some features offered by other platforms
- Only tracks Google rankings
Price
Wincher offers three plans:
- Starter – €29/month
- Business – €59/month
- Enterprise- €249/month
Get two months free when you pay monthly.
5. SERPWatcher
I will stick my neck out on the line and say that SERPWatcher is the best rank checker software on the market for beginners. It certainly doesn’t offer the same bells and whistles as the more expensive platforms, but it has everything you need to get started with tracking your rankings.
Rather than looking at metrics such as backlinks, keyword research, and other data that can be confusing for beginners, SERPWatcher keeps things simple by tracking your progress on the SERPs over time. You can set up the tool to get daily ranking updates in any location, on any device, and you can even export your keyword reports with a shareable link.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable pricing plans
- Great location tracking features
Cons
- Rankings are for Google only
- Data may not be as accurate as other
- Very limited features
Price
SERPWacther comes as part of the wider Mongools SEO package, which costs:
- Basic – $49/month
- Premium- $69/month
- Agency- $129/month
Savings are available if you choose to pay annually.
6. Advanced Web Ranking
As the name suggests, Advanced Web Ranking is a tool designed for those more experienced with SEO. It offers a comprehensive suite of features that will help you to track your progress, discover new opportunities, and optimize your website for better results.
One of the standout features of Advanced Web Ranking is that it allows you to manage an unlimited number of projects, websites, and keywords across all of the major search engines, including Google, Bing, and Yahoo. You can also pull Google Analytics directly into the tool, which allows you to check and assess the vast majority of your website data in one place.
Advanced Web Ranking offers users access to social tracking features which allows you to see how your brand is faring on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. This can be a valuable way to assess the overall health of your website and to track progress over time.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of features
- Allows you to track keywords across all search engines
- Reliable SERP data
- Google Data integration
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Customer support is underwhelming
- Pricier than others on the market
Price
There are four plans available:
- Starter – $49/month
- Pro – $99/month
- Agency – $199/month
- Enterprise – $499/month
Save 10% with an annual subscription.
7. Serpstat
Serpstat is one of the most comprehensive SEO tools on the market, offering a suite of features that cover everything from keyword research to backlink analysis. It’s a great choice for those who want an all-in-one solution that will save them time and money in the long run.
As for the keyword ranking features, Serpstat offers users the ability to track positions in local, global, mobile, and desktop positions – all in real-time. You can also see advanced indicators that give clues as to the health and direction of your SEO progress, such as average position, historical rankings, SERP features, and more.
In my opinion, Serpstat is one of the top-rank trackers for those who like to see their data visualized, since it offers a wide range of charts and graphs that make it easy to understand your progress at a glance.
Pros
- Offers an all-in-one SEO solution
- Keyword tracking in local, global, mobile, and desktop positions
- Real-time data
- Visual data representation
Cons
- Beginners might find the interface overwhelming
- Can be pricey for smaller budgets
Price
Serpstat has four payment plans:
- Lite – $69/month
- Standard – $149/month
- Advanced – $299/month
- Enterprise – $499/month
You can save 20% when you pay annually.
8. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is free ranking report software offered by Google itself. Although it doesn’t offer the same level of features and depth as some of the paid options on this list, it’s still a valuable tool for those who want to track their progress on the SERPs.
Once your website is linked to Google Search Console, you can track your progress over time and see how your website is performing in different areas. You can also get insights into the types of queries that people are using to find your website, which can be valuable for keyword research purposes.
With that said, I would not recommend that you use Google Search Console as your sole rank tracker. Instead, I advise using it in conjunction with one of the other SERP tracking tools in this list so you can get a more comprehensive view of your progress.
Pros
- Free to use
- Offered by Google
- Query insights
Cons
- Limited features
- Does not offer alerts
Price
- Google Search Console is free.
How to Choose Your Ideal Keyword Rank Tracker
Choosing the right keyword rank tracking software for your needs can seem daunting given the many options available on the market. However, with the right approach, you can select a tool that perfectly aligns with your requirements. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose the right keyword rank tracking software for your needs:
- Understand Your Requirements: Before diving into the pool of keyword rank tracking tools, it’s vital to understand your specific needs. Are you a small business focusing on local SEO, or a large corporation targeting global markets? Do you need a simple rank-tracking tool, or are you looking for a comprehensive SEO suite? The answer to these questions will help you narrow down your options.
- Ease of Use: Not all rank-tracking tools are created equal when it comes to user-friendliness. If you are a beginner or have limited technical skills, you might want to consider tools that have intuitive interfaces and provide good customer support.
- Features: Different tools offer different features. Some may offer local SEO tracking, while others may provide global tracking. Make sure to choose a tool that offers the features most relevant to your needs.
- Accuracy and Real-Time Tracking: The accuracy of the data provided by your chosen tool is paramount. Ensure the software you choose provides accurate and up-to-date information. Real-time tracking can be a bonus, as it allows you to react quickly to changes in your keyword rankings.
- Budget: Your budget plays a significant role in your decision. While there are many free tools available, they often have limitations compared to paid ones. Balance your budget against your needs and the benefits provided by the tool.
- Reports and Visualizations: A good rank tracking tool should offer comprehensive reports that are easy to understand. Visual representations of data, such as charts and graphs, can make it easier to analyze and present your findings.
- Trial Period: Lastly, make use of the trial periods that many companies offer. This allows you to test the tool and see if it meets your needs before making a financial commitment.
Final Thought
There you have it – eight of the best rank-tracking tools for SEO. As you can see, there is a wide range of options available, so it’s important to choose the one that best meets your needs.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive all-in-one solution, you would be better off going for an option such as SEMRush or Serpstat, since they offer a suite of features that will give you unparalleled insights into your overall SEO strategy. Additionally, both tools are the best options for DIY SEO software.
On the other hand, I would say Nightwatch and Wincher are the top-rank trackers for small businesses or those that are looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to track their progress.
Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of the free trials that are on offer. I would advise you to try out a few different rank trackers before committing to one so you can get a feel for which one you like best.
FAQs
There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on several factors, including your budget, technical skills, and goals. They can be a valuable asset if you are willing to invest the time and effort into learning how to use SEO tools. However, they may not be worth it if you do not have the time or patience to learn how to use them effectively.
There are many free rank-checking tools available online, including Google PageSpeed Insights, MozRank Checker, and Alexa Rank Checker.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best tool for rank checking will vary depending on your needs and preferences. However, some popular rank-checking tools are Nightwatch, SE Ranking, Nightwatch or Serpstat.
