✅ Updated February 16, 2024
Don’t feel like reading the whole thing? 😉
Here is the best SEO tracking tool in 2024 – all criteria combined:
SEMRush – This tool lets you track the evolution of your positioning on the keywords you’ve chosen for your SEO strategy. It also offers you many other features to maximize the potential of your keywords 🚀
You’ve made a number of optimizations to your site, but you can’t quite see the effects. The first step is to monitor your site’s performance to determine which actions are working and which are not. Real-time tracking of performance figures such as traffic, conversions and sales is essential if your business is to prosper.
And to increase your SEO ROI, you also need to track a few specific indicators, notably your volume of positioned keywords and their concrete position. Having keywords and pages positioned on the key themes of your business is what will enable you to generate qualified traffic that will convert on your site. There are, of course, many other indicators to track, but we’ll see to that as we go along. In any case, I advise you to monitor your SEO at least once a month, if not once a week.
If you don’t have time to read it all 😉 Here are the best tools for SEO tracking (September 2024)
1️⃣ SEMRush: The keyword tracking tool par excellence, renowned for its reliability
2️⃣ AWR : Benefit from ultra-precise keyword positioning data
3️⃣ Google Analytics : The essential reference for finding out what’s happening on your site: traffic, conversions, e-commerce.
The best SEO position tracking tools
Keywords are the lifeblood of SEO. If you don’t know how you’re ranking, you won’t know if your content is working. And more importantly, what SEO content you need to develop to reach your target audience. It’s essential to equip yourself with a good SEO position tracking tool for regular analysis of the evolution of your keyword positioning.
| SEO position tracking tools | SEMRush | AWR (Advanced Web Ranking) | SERanking | MonitoRank | Google Search Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main features | SEO position monitoring, backlink analysis, site audit, keyword research, competitor analysis | Keyword position tracking (local and global), customizable reports, visibility tracking | Positioning monitoring, competitor analysis, SEO site audit, keyword research | Multi-engine and multi-country positioning tracking, local tracking, competitor tracking | Search performance monitoring (impressions, clicks, position), security alerts, indexing |
| Highlights | Extensive database, multiple integrations, customizable reports | Frequent position updates, multiple search engine support, Google Analytics integration | Flexible pricing, daily position updates, comprehensive SEO features | Very precise, customizable tracking, good for local tracking | Free, data directly from Google, insights into indexing and site problems |
| Disadvantages | Can be costly, initial learning curve | Less modern interface than some competitors | Some advanced features are missing compared to more expensive offerings | Fewer community resources and guides | Less focused on competitive research, limited functionality |
| Rates | Starts at around $129/month | Starts at around $99/month | Starts at around $55/month | Based on keyword volume, starts at a few euros per month | Free of charge |
| Free trial | Yes, usually 7 days | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 14 days | Yes, with free credits upon registration | N/A |
| Ease of use | User-friendly interface after adaptation | Simple, intuitive interface | Very accessible, pleasant user interface | Clear interface for SEO agencies and professionals | Very accessible, ideal for basic SEO knowledge |
1 – SEMRush: The reference in position tracking and keyword research
Tool overview :
SEMRush offers a comprehensive suite of tools for optimizing your SEO strategy. Its ability to provide detailed analysis on keyword position tracking puts it clearly on the podium of the best SEO tools across the board – and particularly for position tracking.
⚙️ Key features:
- Keyword position tracking : Follow the evolution of your keywords in search results and adjust your strategy in real time.
- Keyword research: Identify the right keywords for your SEO campaigns with data on search volume, difficulty and search intent.
- Competitor analysis: Discover your competitors’ keyword strategies and identify new opportunities.
- SEO audit: Diagnose and correct technical problems on your site that could affect your ranking.
- Backlink analysis: Evaluate the quality and quantity of your backlinks to improve your domain authority.
🎁 Hidden feature: Keyword analysis gap tool: Compare your keywords with those of your competitors to find missed opportunities.
👊 I use it for: Accurate and continuous monitoring of my keywords’ position on Google. This feature allows me to quickly adjust my SEO strategy to improve my rankings.
✅ Advantages:
- Comprehensive Keyword Data : SEMRush offers a complete overview of your keyword performance, including position tracking, which is essential for any successful content strategy.
- Intuitive interface : Access to complex data is simplified thanks to a well-designed user interface, making SEO analysis accessible to all.
- Global Coverage: Track your keywords in different countries and search engines, which is perfect for international SEO strategies.
❌ Disadvantages :
- Cost : Pricing can represent a significant investment for small businesses or freelancers.
- Complexity: With such a wide range of features, beginners may feel overwhelmed at first.
💰 Price:
From $129.95/month for the Pro plan, with advanced options available for larger businesses.
😎Ease of use: Medium to high
Despite its rich functionality, SEMRush has been designed to offer a smooth user experience, with tutorials and help resources to support new users.
😉 My opinion :
SEMRush is a powerful and indispensable tool for SEO professionals wishing to conduct an effective keyword strategy and rigorous position tracking. Its investment is justified by the wealth of data and insights it provides, enabling you to constantly fine-tune your SEO efforts to stay competitive.
2 – AWR (Advanced Web Ranking): The SEO position tracking specialist
Tool overview :
Advanced Web Ranking (AWR) is a tool dedicated to the precise tracking of keyword positions in search engines. Used by SEO agencies and experts, AWR stands out for its precision and ability to track rankings on a local and global scale.
⚙️ Main features:
- Keyword position tracking (TOP functionality) ;
- Customizable SEO reports;
- Search engine visibility tracking;
- Competitor analysis.
🎁 Hidden feature: Customizable performance reports: Create bespoke reports to track key indicators according to your specific needs.
👊 I use it to: Monitor my keyword rankings across different search engines and regions to adjust my SEO strategy accordingly.
✅ Advantages:
- Accurate and Flexible Tracking: AWR offers regular and accurate keyword position updates, for fine-tuning SEO strategies.
- Global and Local Tracking Capability: Excellent for companies looking to optimize their visibility both locally and globally.
- User-friendly interface: Despite its detailed data, AWR remains accessible thanks to a clear user interface.
❌ Disadvantages:
- Specific focus: Fewer ancillary features compared to all-in-one tools like SEMRush.
- Cost for large scale: rates can increase significantly with the number of keywords and campaigns to track.
💰 Price:
From $99/month
😎Ease of use: Medium to high
AWR is relatively easy to get to grips with for users with previous SEO experience.
😉 My opinion:
AWR is an essential tool for SEO specialists who need accurate, reliable tracking of keyword positions. Its ability to provide detailed data makes it the tool of choice for optimizing SEO strategies.
To take SEO position tracking a step further, I’d also recommend taking a look at theSpyfu competitor analysis tool.
3 – SERanking: The affordable, comprehensive SEO tracking tool
Tool presentation:
SERanking is a versatile SEO tool that stands out for its flexible pricing and rich functionality. Ideal for SMEs, freelancers and agencies alike, it offers a perfect balance between position tracking, keyword analysis and site auditing.
⚙️ Main features:
- Keyword positioning monitoring ;
- Keyword research and analysis ;
- SEO site audit ;
- Competitive analysis.
🎁 Hidden feature : Content planner: Helps create SEO-optimized content based on keyword analysis.
👊 I use it for : In-depth keyword analysis, including search volume, difficulty, and to identify new keyword opportunities.
✅ Advantages:
- Flexible pricing : Offers plans to suit all budgets, with a wide variety of features accessible even at entry level.
- Daily position updates: Allows you to track the evolution of your keywords in near-real time.
- Pleasant user interface: Easy access to numerous functions, making SEO analysis more intuitive.
❌ Disadvantages:
Advanced features limited in basic plans: Some more advanced features require a subscription to a higher level.
💰 Price:
From $44/month
😎Ease of use: High
SERanking stands out for its clear interface and simplified keyword research process, accessible to all levels of SEO experience.
😉 My opinion:
SERanking is an excellent choice for those looking for a comprehensive SEO tool without breaking the bank. It offers excellent value for money, thanks in particular to its keyword tracking and competitive analysis features.
4 – Monitorank: Precise, multi-engine SEO position tracking
Introducing the tool :
Monitorank is a tool specialized in keyword position tracking. It is renowned for its high accuracy and the ability to track rankings across multiple search engines and countries. It is particularly appreciated for its localized tracking and flexibility.
⚙️ Main features:
- Multi-engine, multi-country keyword position tracking (TOP feature) ;
- SEO and SEA visibility tracking;
- Competitive analysis.
🎁 Hidden feature: Video position tracking: Also tracks the ranking of your videos on platforms like YouTube.
👊 I use it to: Analyze and track my keyword positions on various search engines, including Google, Bing, and even YouTube, for a more comprehensive SEO strategy.
✅ Advantages:
- Accurate Tracking: Offers precise, up-to-date results for fine-tuned SEO optimization.
- Multi-engine and localized tracking : Ideal for companies targeting local SEO or specific search engines.
- Flexible pricing: Adapts to the size of your project with a pricing model based on keyword volume.
❌ Disadvantages:
Fewer global SEO features: Focus primarily on position tracking, with fewer ancillary tools.
💰 Price:
Based on keyword volume, starts at a few euros per month.
😎Ease of use: Average
Requires some familiarity with SEO tracking to fully exploit its capabilities.
😉 My opinion :
Monitorank is a powerful tool for those who need precise, detailed tracking of their keyword positions. Its flexibility and precision make it a solid choice for advanced SEO tracking.
5 – Google Search Console: Google’s essential free SEO tool
Tool overview:
Google Search Console is a free service offered by Google that helps webmasters monitor and maintain their site’s presence in Google search results. Although not a traditional position trackingtool , it provides valuable data on your site’s search performance.
⚙️ Main features:
- Search performance (impressions, clicks, position) ;
- Indexing and site problems;
- SEO improvements.
🎁 Hidden feature : Security and indexing alerts: Receive immediate notifications for indexing problems and security alerts concerning your site.
👊 I use it to: Get data directly from Google on how my site and keywords are performing in search results .
✅ Advantages:
- Free: Provides valuable insights at no cost.
- Google Direct Data: Provides reliable, up-to-date information on search performance.
- Ease of Use: Simple, straightforward interface, ideal for SEO beginners.
❌ Disadvantages:
Limited in Functionality Compared to Paid Tools: Fewer capabilities for competitive analysis and advanced keyword research.
💰 Price :
Free
😎Ease of use: Very high
Google Search Console is designed to be accessible and useful to all site owners, whatever their SEO expertise.
😉 My opinion :
Google Search Console is an indispensable tool for any webmaster or SEO specialist. It provides essential information for understanding and improving your visibility in Google. You can find out your site’s average position on specific keywords or pages, as well as the number of clicks and impressions they’ve generated over a given period – Valuable!
The best tools for tracking traffic and sales performance
Position tracking is specific to SEO. But what isn’t, and what’s just as important for better understanding your results, is tracking your site’straffic, conversions and e-commerce. Of course, you should already have this information in your back-office. But by using complementary tools, you can find out where your traffic is coming from and how users behave once they’re on your site. Analyzing this data is essential to taking your site to the next level.
| SEO performance tracking tools | Google Analytics | Google Search Console | Matomo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main features | Traffic tracking, conversion analysis, audience segmentation, e-commerce tracking, customized reports | Monitoring of site visibility in Google search, search performance, indexing, security alerts | Traffic tracking, conversion analysis, e-commerce tracking, privacy and RGPD compliance, report personalization |
| Highlights | Deep integration with Google products, detailed real-time analysis, wide range of user data | Data directly from Google on search performance, free tool, automatic alerts for site problems | Privacy, data stored on your server, high personalization, RGPD compliance |
| Disadvantages | Complexity for novice users, data confidentiality issues | Limited to performance in Google searches, fewer features for in-depth traffic analysis | May require resources for hosting and maintenance, less automatic integrations with other platforms |
| Rates | Free with a premium version of Google Analytics 360 for businesses | Free of charge | Free self-hosting, premium plans for Matomo Cloud start at around €19/month |
| Ease of use | Average to difficult, depending on the complexity of the analyses | Easy to use for basic functions, simple user interface | Average, requires some familiarity with website analysis tools |
6 – Google Analytics: The ultimate website analysis tool
Tool overview:
Google Analytics is the most popular web analytics solution. It gives you an in-depth understanding of visitor behavior on your site. It provides valuable data on traffic, conversions and e-commerce activity, enabling you to fine-tune your digital strategies.
⚙️ Main features :
- Web traffic analysis (TOP feature);
- Conversion and target tracking;
- User behavior analysis;
- Advertising campaign tracking;
- E-commerce reporting.
🎁 Hidden feature: User behavior feed: Visualize your visitors’ browsing paths to identify user experience improvement points.
👊 I use it to : Understand how users interact with my site and identify the best-performing traffic channels.
✅ Advantages:
- Integration with Google products: Enables comprehensive analysis when coupled with other Google tools, such as Google Ads.
- Data richness: Provides a detailed overview of site performance, from user behavior to conversions.
- Report customization: Create reports tailored to your specific needs for more in-depth analysis.
❌ Disadvantages:
Complexity: Can be difficult for novices to master due to its wide range of features.
Data confidentiality : Concerns about Google’s data management may be a drawback for some users.
💰 Price:
Free, with a premium option (Google Analytics 360) for very large companies.
😎Ease of use: Medium to high
Google Analytics offers an intuitive user interface, but requires some learning time to fully exploit its potential.
😉 My opinion:
Google Analytics is an indispensable tool for any website. It offers a wealth of information for optimizing your online presence. Its ability to provide detailed data on every aspect of user interaction makes it a mainstay for digital strategies. A must-have if you haven’t already!
7 – Google Search Console: The SEO tool for monitoring your site’s health
I’m not going to give you another presentation of the tool, as I’ve already done that above! But you should know that Search Console lets you track all the clicks and impressions generated by your site in the search results. This is reliable data that resists all tracking problems. Yes, you should never rely 100% on tracking tools, as there are often biases and errors… This data, on the other hand, gives you a reliable overview of your site’s performance.
8 – Matomo: The privacy-friendly alternative to Google Analytics
Introducing the tool :
Matomo (formerly Piwik) is anopen-source web analyticsplatform that offers a powerful, privacy-friendly alternative to Google Analytics . It enables users to retain full ownership of their analytics data.
⚙️ Main features:
- Detailed web traffic tracking (TOP feature) ;
- Conversion analysis ;
- E-commerce tracking;
- Report customization;
- RGPD compliance.
🎁 Hidden feature: Heatmaps and session recordings: Visualize exactly how visitors interact with your site.
👊 I use it to: Gain precise insights into visitor behavior while ensuring the confidentiality of user data.
✅ Benefits:
- Privacy : A great option for those concerned about online privacy and want to avoid sharing data with Google.
- Data ownership: Retain full ownership of your analytics data without sharing it.
- Flexibility and customization: Offers great flexibility in creating customized reports and tracking specific data.
❌ Disadvantages:
Installation and maintenance: May require technical resources for installation and maintenance, especially for the self-hosted version.
Complexity: May be perceived as less intuitive than Google Analytics for new users.
💰 Price:
Free for the self-hosted version, with premium plans for Matomo Cloud starting at €19/month.
😎Ease of use: Average
Although powerful, Matomo may take some getting used to for those used to Google Analytics.
😉 My opinion :
Matomo is an excellent alternative to Google Analytics if you want to preserve the confidentiality of your site and user data. It offers comparable functional richness, while providing greater control over the management of collected data.
SEMRush, Google Analytics, Google Search Console and Matomo stand out as essential allies in deciphering the mysteries of your site’s results. Whether your aim is to dominate organic search, dissect user behavior, monitor your site’s health, or guarantee data confidentiality, these tools offer solutions to suit every need. Investing in the right SEO monitoring tool is not an expense, but an investment in your site’s visibility and success. Make the strategic choice to propel your online presence to new heights by accurately analyzing your SEO performance.
Content generated in part by AI, but with my own insights. I’ve got to use the tools I recommend, don’t I 😉
Best SEO tracking tools :