How to Find Out What Keywords Your Website Ranks For
Knowing which keywords your website ranks for is crucial for optimizing your SEO strategy. By identifying these keywords, you can refine your content, improve rankings, and attract more organic traffic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to uncovering your website’s ranking keywords.
1. Use Google Search Console
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that provides valuable insights into your website’s performance in Google search results. Navigate to the Performance report to see a list of queries (keywords) your site ranks for, along with impressions, clicks, and average position.
2. Leverage Google Analytics
Google Analytics can help you track organic search traffic and the keywords driving visitors to your site. While exact keyword data is limited due to privacy updates, the Acquisition > Search Console > Queries report still offers useful insights when linked to GSC.
3. Try SEO Tools Like SEMrush or Ahrefs
Third-party SEO tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs provide comprehensive keyword tracking features. Simply enter your domain, and these tools will display your ranking keywords, their positions, search volume, and competition levels. Many offer free trials or limited free plans.
4. Check Bing Webmaster Tools
Don’t overlook Bing! Bing Webmaster Tools offers a Search Keywords report similar to GSC, helping you identify keywords your site ranks for on Bing’s search engine.
5. Analyze Competitor Keywords
Tools like Ubersuggest or SpyFu allow you to spy on competitors’ ranking keywords. By analyzing these, you can discover gaps in your own strategy and target high-performing keywords.
6. Monitor Rank Tracking Tools
Rank tracking tools like AccuRanker or SERPWatcher help you track keyword positions over time. Set up alerts to stay updated on ranking fluctuations and adjust your SEO efforts accordingly.
7. Review Your Content Manually
Sometimes, a manual review of your top-performing pages can reveal ranking keywords. Look for recurring terms in headings, meta tags, and body content that align with search intent.
8. Use Google’s Keyword Planner
Google’s Keyword Planner, part of Google Ads, provides keyword ideas and search volume data. While primarily for PPC, it can help identify organic opportunities.
Conclusion
Identifying your website’s ranking keywords is essential for SEO success. Combine free tools like Google Search Console with premium tools like SEMrush for a complete picture. Regularly monitor and optimize your keyword strategy to stay ahead in search rankings.