Envision preparing for a marathon without monitoring your distance or timing your runs. Imagine not knowing a good completion time for a marathon or even the total miles involved. You’d be left guessing at your progress and uncertain of when you’re truly ready. Similarly, in the realm of search engine optimization (SEO), tracking your performance and establishing benchmarks is crucial. Just as you need metrics to gauge your marathon progress, in SEO, these benchmarks ensure you’re on the right path toward your objectives.This article will delve into essential SEO key performance indicators (KPIs), how to monitor them, and the relevant benchmarks to use when assessing your SEO efforts. With over 28 years of experience and a team of over 200 digital marketing experts at WebFX, we’re equipped to guide you through this SEO journey. Contact us for more information on our SEO services, or continue reading to learn about SEO benchmarks.While measuring SEO metrics is vital, establishing SEO benchmarks for comparison is equally important.Benchmarks allow you to evaluate your progress and adjust your strategies as needed. Some critical SEO benchmarks include:1. Past SEO PerformanceComparing your current SEO performance with past results reveals how much you’ve improved over time. Identifying growth indicates you’re on the right track, while stagnation suggests a need for a strategy adjustment. For instance, check if your keyword rankings have improved, more links have been gained, or if there’s an increase in organic traffic. Keep in mind external factors like Google algorithm updates and competitor improvements can impact rankings. Investigate any changes and adjust your tactics accordingly. To obtain data on your SEO performance, consider an SEO check or audit. Use our SEO Checker tool for a free website analysis or opt for a comprehensive SEO audit.2. GoalsWhen crafting an SEO strategy, set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to guide your efforts. Regularly compare your current SEO metrics to these goals to measure progress and ensure alignment with your business objectives.3. CompetitorsComparing your SEO performance with that of your competitors can provide insights into your industry position and the standards you need to exceed to outperform them. Aim for higher rankings for valuable keywords or more backlinks to boost your ranking above competitors. An SEO competitor analysis can help you begin this process.Effective SEO tracking requires the right tools and knowledge. Essential tools include:
Google Search Console (GSC): Monitor search rankings, backlink profiles, and site crawling and indexing.
Google Analytics (GA): Track and analyze a wide range of SEO and digital marketing data, including audience, goals, and more.
MarketingCloudFX: Our marketing platform tracks various aspects of your digital marketing, including SEO performance and website interactions.
Here are some critical SEO KPIs to consider:1. Keyword RankingsTrack your keyword rankings and positions in search results. Use GSC and paid tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush for detailed tracking and competitor comparisons.2. Click-Through Rate (CTR)Monitor your CTR to gauge how well your pages appear in search engine results pages (SERPs). Use GSC, GA, and other tools to track CTR and improve title tags and meta descriptions for better performance.3. Organic TrafficTrack the number of visitors from organic search results using GA. Compare your traffic to industry standards and geographical areas.4. ConversionsMonitor conversions, such as form submissions or email list subscriptions, to ensure your SEO efforts are driving business growth. Use GA goals to track conversions and leads from organic search.5. Backlink ProfileEvaluate your backlink profile to understand its impact on search rankings. Use GSC, GA, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to gather data and compare with competitors.Ready to start tracking your SEO KPIs, comparing to benchmarks, and achieving your goals? WebFX is here to help. Begin with a free SEO report from our SEO checker. This report can serve as a solid benchmark for enhancing your SEO.Unhappy with your SEO report results? Reach out to us for a proposal to improve your SEO performance.
