How to Find SEO Keyword Rankings Without Paid Tools

The primary goal of SEO work is to optimize and rank keywords. Whether you aim to achieve this for free or paid, accurate keyword tracking is crucial. While many paid SEO tools offer reliable and detailed information, it's essential to explore free alternatives that can still give you valuable insights. Here, we will discuss several free tools and methods to check your keyword rankings effectively.

Paid Tools Overview

Several renowned SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Ubersuggest are widely used and trusted. These tools offer robust features but require a subscription. While they may seem expensive, free trials are often available, and some free plans provide limited but useful features. Ahrefs, for instance, offers a free version of their Rank Tracker tool, allowing you to track up to 10 keywords. Similarly, Ubersuggest and Semrush also provide free versions that can be a good starting point for your keyword tracking needs.

Free Tools and Methods

There are several free methods and tools you can use to check keyword rankings without investing in a paid SEO suite. Let's explore each option:

1. Google Search

The simplest and most straightforward method is to perform a Google search for your target keyword and observe your website's ranking. This method gives you a rough idea, but it's not very accurate or scalable for tracking multiple keywords. However, it's a great way to get a quick glance at how your website performs in real-time.

2. Google Search Console

If you have a website, leveraging Google Search Console can be incredibly valuable. Though it doesn't provide exact rankings, it offers valuable insights into your site's search performance. You can monitor the average position of your website for specific keywords and track their performance over time. This tool is particularly useful for understanding indexing, crawling issues, and overall site health.

3. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest is a highly regarded tool that provides a free keyword tracking feature. You can monitor your rankings for specific keywords and receive daily updates on their performance. It also offers historical data, making it easier to analyze trends and understand your keyword performance over time. Ubersuggest is highly user-friendly and offers a wide range of additional SEO features.

4. SERPWatcher by Mangools

SERPWatcher, offered by Mangools, provides a free plan that allows you to track up to 10 keywords with daily updates. It offers a user-friendly interface and basic tracking features, making it accessible for beginners. This tool is particularly useful for small-scale keyword tracking and can help you stay on top of your keyword performance without significant investment.

5. Rank Tracker by Ahrefs

Ahrefs' Rank Tracker tool is another useful option, and although its advanced version is paid, the free version allows you to track up to 10 keywords. This tool provides detailed information on keyword positions and changes over time. It's a valuable resource for monitoring your website's ranking performance and can help you make data-driven decisions for your SEO strategies.

6. SEMRush

SEMRush offers a limited free version of their tool, which allows you to track a small number of keywords and see their rankings. This version provides additional insights into keyword performance and competition, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced SEO professionals. While the free version has limitations, it can still provide useful information for your keyword tracking needs.

7. Webmaster and Analytics Tools

If you have access to your website's analytics or webmaster tools, these platforms can also provide keyword data. Google Analytics, for example, can give you an idea of how your site is ranking for specific keywords over time. While these tools might not provide real-time rankings, they can offer valuable historical data to help you understand trends and improve your SEO strategies.

Conclusion

While paid SEO tools offer the most comprehensive and accurate data, free alternatives can still provide valuable insights into your keyword rankings. By leveraging these free tools and methods, you can monitor your website's performance and make data-driven decisions for your SEO strategies. Remember that most free tools have limitations, so if you're serious about keyword tracking, you might eventually want to consider investing in a more robust paid tool. Start with these free resources and gradually move up to more comprehensive solutions as your needs grow.