Intro
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool that helps website owners and SEO professionals analyze search performance. By using GSC, you can:
- Identify the keywords that drive traffic to your website.
- Analyze keyword impressions, clicks, and ranking positions.
- Optimize your content to improve search rankings.
- Detect underperforming keywords and improve them.
- Gain insights into user search intent and behavior.
Steps to Find Ranking Keywords in Google Search Console
1. Log into Google Search Console
- Go to Google Search Console.
- Select the property (website) you want to analyze.
2. Access the Performance Report
- In the left-hand menu, click on Performance > Search Results.
- This will display key performance metrics such as total clicks, impressions, average CTR (click-through rate), and average position.
3. View Keyword Queries
- Scroll down to the Queries tab to see the search terms people use to find your website.
- Each query shows metrics like clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position.
- Click on a query to see more details, such as which pages rank for that keyword.
4. Filter and Refine Data
- Use the Date Range filter (top-left) to analyze keyword trends over time.
- Apply the Search Type filter (Web, Image, Video, News) to refine search intent.
- Use the Page filter to check rankings for specific pages.
- Compare rankings by country, device type (desktop vs. mobile), or by queries with high impressions but low CTR.
5. Analyze and Optimize Underperforming Keywords
- Identify keywords with high impressions but low clicks and improve CTR by:
- Writing compelling meta descriptions and title tags.
- Improving content relevance and readability.
- Adding internal links to relevant pages.
- Find keywords ranking between positions 10-30 and optimize content to push them to Page 1.
6. Track Keyword Ranking Changes
- Monitor keyword movements regularly using the Compare feature.
- Identify ranking drops and analyze potential causes (e.g., algorithm updates, competitor improvements, technical issues).
- Adjust your SEO strategy accordingly based on ranking trends.
Additional Tips for Using Google Search Console Effectively
- Export keyword data for deeper analysis using Excel or Google Sheets.
- Combine GSC with Google Analytics to gain additional insights into user behavior.
- Use Ranktracker’s Rank Tracker alongside GSC for more precise keyword tracking and competitive analysis.
Conclusion
Google Search Console is a powerful tool for identifying your website’s ranking keywords. By leveraging its insights, you can optimize content, improve search rankings, and drive more organic traffic.
Want to track rankings even more efficiently? Try Ranktracker’s Rank Tracker for detailed keyword monitoring!
