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Fluctuations in Keyword Rankings

Mike Kamo
  • Updated

In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), maintaining and improving keyword rankings is vital for online success. However, a common challenge both novice and seasoned SEO professionals face is the fluctuation of keyword rankings. This article delves into the nature of these fluctuations, their causes, and strategies to manage them effectively for optimal website performance.

Understanding Keyword Ranking Fluctuations

Keyword ranking fluctuations refer to the frequent changes in a website's position on search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords. These shifts can be positive and negative, impacting your site's visibility and organic traffic. At Ubersuggest, we aim to help you navigate this dynamic SEO landscape.

Here is an example of a rank tracker position change graph, illustrating the fluctuations in keyword rankings:

For a comprehensive guide on monitoring your keyword rankings, visit our Understanding Ubersuggest's Rank Tracking page.

The Impact of Featured Snippets

In search engine results, a "snippet" is a brief excerpt of a webpage's content displayed alongside its title and URL. Snippets offer users a preview of the webpage's content before they click on the search result, significantly influencing user decision-making. When a keyword transitions into a snippet, it can alter the traditional ranking view. We are continually working to represent this change more accurately within our tools.

Take for example, when you search for “interesting facts about lions”, you can see that Google has an Unordered List Featured Snippet at the top.

Factors Influencing Keyword Rankings

Keyword rankings are inherently volatile due to several factors, including:

Search Engine Algorithm Updates: Frequent updates to search algorithms can lead to ranking fluctuations.

Competitive Landscape: SEO efforts by rival websites can affect your rankings.

User Behavior: How users interact with your site influences its rankings.

Content Freshness: Keeping content current and relevant is crucial for stable rankings.

Backlink Profile: Changes in the quality and quantity of backlinks can impact rankings.

Technical Issues: Problems like slow loading times or broken links can lead to ranking drops.

Local and Personalized Search: Results vary based on user location, history, and preferences.

Seasonal Trends: Some keywords experience seasonal changes in search volume and competition.

Algorithm Penalties: Violations of search engine guidelines can result in ranking penalties.

Data Center Variations: Different data centers may provide slightly different rankings.

Addressing "Not Ranked" Status in Rank Tracking Tools

When the rank tracker indicates "not ranked," exploring the daily history can provide clarity. Monitoring and analyzing the historical changes in a website's search engine rankings is crucial. This practice involves tracking how a website's rankings for specific keywords fluctuate over time, often on a daily or weekly basis, and maintaining a record of these changes. At Ubersuggest, we strive to depict this volatile data with the utmost accuracy.

Comparing Rankings with Google Search Console

While Google Search Console (GSC) provides data at the country level, Ubersuggest offers estimated city-level data. City-level rankings are particularly relevant for businesses targeting local customers. It is important to note that city-level rankings might display fluctuations due to shifting user intent.

How Ubersuggest Rank Tracking Works?

Ubersuggest pulls data from your Google Analytics if connected, otherwise, it provides estimated data collected from various sources. When creating a project in Ubersuggest, the platform displays predictive keyword position insights, which do not reflect real-time data. Pro members can set ranking updates daily or weekly. For the most accurate tracking, consult the Google Search Console.

Understanding Google Ranking Mechanisms

Several factors contribute to Google's ranking mechanisms:

Algorithm Adjustments: Changes in algorithms can impact keyword relevance and ranking.

Local Relevance and Competition: Geographic factors and local competitors influence rankings.

Local Events & News: These can temporarily redefine relevance and impact rankings.

User Intent Factors: Understanding and optimizing user intent is crucial for ranking well.

Seasonality & Trends: Keywords may change in relevance based on the time of year or trends.

Algorithm Enhancements: Continuous improvements to algorithms can shift rankings.

In the ever-shifting world of SEO, being aware of these influencing factors helps businesses and SEO professionals adapt their strategies effectively. At Ubersuggest, we value your feedback and are dedicated to enhancing both precision and user experience. We continually evolve our tools to meet your needs and stay aligned with broader changes in the SEO landscape.

 

Need help? Contact us at support@ubersuggest.com.