Whether it is your business, blog or online store, you need to know how you rank in Google. Your search engine positioning defines the ease at which people can locate your site when they search on keywords related to your content or services. In this walk-through, we will be discussing how to check your Google ranking, the tools available to help you do so and why it is important.

Why Google Ranking Matters

It is necessary to grasp the importance of your positioning on Google before getting into how.

Visibility and Traffic

The majority of the searchers do not go beyond the first search page of Google. The higher your ranking, the more visibility you get. This implies increased traffic, increased views, and possible increase in the number of customers.

Brand Credibility

Websites that rank high in the search engines are usually perceived to be more reputable and influential. High rankings help boost your brand image.

Competitive Edge

Being able to know where you rank in the search results enables you to compare your performance with that of the competitors and identify areas that you can improve.

How to Check Your Website’s Google Ranking

Since we understand the importance of rankings, it is time to look at how to determine your ranking.

Use Google Search Manually (Basic Method)

Step-by-Step:

• Use a different browser (or open an incognito window) so that your search history does not influence the results.
• Go to Google.com.
• Enter the word or phrase to be checked.
• Browse down the search results and see your site.

Pros:

• Completely free.
• No need for tools or accounts.

Cons:

• Time-consuming.
• Not practical for tracking multiple keywords.
• Personalized search results may still affect rankings.

Use Google Search Console (Free Tool)

Google Search Console should be used by any webmaster. It provides real data straight from Google.

How to Use:

• Go to https://search.google.com/search-console/
• Sign in with your Google account.
• Add and verify your website (if not already added).
• Click on Performance in the left-hand menu.
• See your average position, total clicks, impressions and CTR (click-through rate) on particular queries.

Why It’s Great:

• Free and reliable.
• Shows the exact keywords people are using.
• Shows you an average ranking and how it varies over time.

Use Third-Party Rank Tracking Tools

Third-party tools may provide you with more in-depth information and keyword monitoring features, but only when you are serious about SEO.

Popular Tools in the U.S.:

SEMrush

• Shows keyword rankings, competitors, and search volume.
• Tracks rankings over time.
• Paid plans start around $129.95/month.

Ahrefs

• Great for backlink analysis and keyword rankings.
• Easy-to-use dashboard.
• Paid plans starting at $99/month.

Ubersuggest

• Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.
• Provides free limited reports and paid plans that start at 29/month

Moz Pro

• Created by a U.S.-based SEO company.
• Offers rank tracking, site audits, and keyword research.
• Plans start at $99/month.

What These Tools Offer:

• Real-time keyword ranking tracking.
• Competitor analysis.
• Mobile vs. desktop rankings.
• Local SEO data (especially important for small businesses).

Use Browser Extensions

With certain browser extensions, it becomes very convenient to check the rankings without opening a separate tool.

Examples:

• Keywords Everywhere (Chrome/Firefox)
• SEOquake by SEMrush

These tools show search volume, competition and sometimes rank position directly in Google search results.

Mobile vs Desktop Rankings

Did you realize that some of your sites rank differently on mobile and desktop?

Why This Happens:

• Google uses mobile-first indexing.
• Page speed and mobile-friendliness affect rankings.
• Search behavior differs on mobile.

With the majority of SEO tools, you can check mobile and desktop rankings individually. This assists you in optimising towards the device that your audience uses the most.

Local SEO Ranking (For Local Businesses)

Local rankings are what matters most to you when you run a local business, such as a restaurant, salon or law firm.

How to Check:

• Use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark.
• Google the keywords of your business + city/state manually (e.g., plumber in Dallas TX).
• To see where your Google Business Profile appears in the Map Pack (top 3 map results).

Local SEO depends on:

• Google reviews
• Proximity to the searcher
• NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone)

Track Changes Over Time

It is useful to know where you rank today but what is more important is how your rankings vary over time.

What to Monitor:

• Keywords that drop in rankings
• New keywords gaining visibility
• Competitor keyword movements

The majority of tools provide a graph or chart that will illustrate your ranking history, assisting you in comprehending the effect of your SEO efforts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Only Checking One Keyword

You could be in position #1 on one keyword but nowhere to be seen on another. Track multiple keywords that your audience might search for.

Ignoring Search Intent

The top rank is of no use when it is not the right intention. Ensure that you align your content with what the user actually wants to see.

Focusing Only on Rankings

High rankings are great, but also track metrics like:

• Traffic
• Bounce rate
• Conversions

How Often Should You Check Your Rankings?

There is no universal answer to this, but this is a good thumb rule:

• Small businesses: Check rankings weekly or bi-weekly.
• Larger sites or agencies: Monitor daily using automated tools.
• Avoid obsessing over small fluctuations—focus on long-term trends.