Top 5 Free Tools to Track Keyword Rankings (And How to Use Them)
from web site
Tracking keyword rankings is a cornerstone of any successful SEO strategy. Knowing where your website stands in the search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific terms helps you measure your SEO efforts, discover new opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition. But what if you don't have the budget for expensive SEO software?
Fortunately, in 2025, several free tools offer powerful keyword tracking features. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 free tools you can use to track keyword rankings—and show you exactly how to use them to maximize your SEO efforts.
1. Google Search Console
Overview: Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool provided by Google that offers deep insights into your site’s performance in search.
Key Features:
-
Track impressions, clicks, and average position for keywords
-
See which queries drive traffic to your site
-
Monitor page performance by keyword
How to Use It:
-
Sign in at https://search.google.com/search-console and verify your website.
-
Click on Performance > Search results.
-
Use filters to see queries, pages, countries, and devices.
-
Sort keywords by impressions or clicks to find high-performing or underutilized terms.
-
Analyze the "Average Position" column to monitor keyword ranking.
Tips:
-
Use date comparisons to track ranking changes over time.
-
Export data to Google Sheets for deeper analysis.
Limitations:
-
Doesn’t track competitors
-
Limited historical data (up to 16 months)
2. Ubersuggest (by Neil Patel)
Overview: Ubersuggest offers a freemium model, and its free tier still includes a limited number of daily keyword tracking queries.
Key Features:
-
Track rankings for up to 3 websites (free plan)
-
See keyword volume, difficulty, and current rankings
-
Monitor ranking changes and trends
How to Use It:
-
Create a free account.
-
Add your domain and target country.
-
Go to Dashboard > Rank Tracking and input your target keywords.
-
Review daily or weekly updates on your keyword positions.
Tips:
-
Focus on long-tail keywords for more reliable improvements.
-
Use the "Top SEO Pages" report to find content opportunities.
Limitations:
-
Free plan limits daily searches and tracked keywords
-
Some data can be delayed
3. SERPWatcher by Mangools (Free Trial)
Overview: While Mangools' SERPWatcher is a paid tool, it offers a 10-day free trial with access to all features, including rank tracking.
Key Features:
-
Beautiful interface with performance index metrics
-
Local and global tracking
-
Email alerts for keyword position changes
How to Use It:
-
Sign up for the 10-day free trial at https://mangools.com/serpwatcher.
-
Create a new tracking profile with your domain, keywords, and location.
-
Monitor the "Performance Index" and ranking distribution over time.
-
Filter by desktop/mobile to detect device-specific changes.
Tips:
-
Take full advantage of the 10-day window by tracking your most important keywords.
-
Export your data before the trial ends.
Limitations:
-
Trial lasts only 10 days
-
After that, it requires a subscription
4. Lookkle (Free Plan)
Overview: Lookkle is an emerging SEO tool that provides in-depth keyword ranking analysis, keyword discovery, and competitor insights—even on its free plan.
Key Features:
-
Track rankings by keyword, device, and location
-
Monitor historical ranking trends
-
Compare your rankings with competitors
-
Keyword discovery and clustering
How to Use It:
-
Go to https://www.lookkle.com.
-
Enter your domain.
-
Lookkle will begin tracking rankings and show you rankings, pages, history, and highly ranked and important keywords for the analyzed domain.
-
Use the dashboard to analyze movement, identify content gaps, and optimize pages.
Tips:
-
Take advantage of competitor tracking to spot SEO opportunities.
-
Monitor keyword clusters to improve topical relevance across content.
Limitations:
-
The free plan has search limits.
-
Full features available only on paid plans, but the free tier is generous.
5. Small SEO Tools (Keyword Position Tool)
Overview: This free, no-login tool allows quick position checks for a list of keywords.
Key Features:
-
Fast SERP checks by keyword
-
Unlimited use (some CAPTCHA required)
-
Supports location and device input
How to Use It:
-
Enter your domain and list of keywords.
-
Select your search engine and device.
-
Submit to view your current rankings.
Tips:
-
Use this tool for one-time checks or quick audits.
-
Copy results into a spreadsheet to track changes manually.
Limitations:
-
No automatic updates or tracking history
-
Doesn’t support account creation or data storage
Bonus: Tips for Tracking Keyword Rankings Like a Pro
1. Focus on Intent-Driven Keywords
Not all traffic is created equal. Track keywords that align with your business goals—whether informational, transactional, or navigational.
2. Segment by Content Type
Group keywords by blog, product pages, service pages, etc., so you can optimize each category appropriately.
3. Monitor Both Desktop and Mobile Rankings
Google ranks mobile-first. Ensure your rankings are stable across device types for complete visibility.
4. Analyze Trends Over Time
Ranking changes happen gradually. Use historical data to identify seasonal trends, algorithm impact, or slow progress that needs optimization.
5. Combine Tracking with Optimization
Tracking is only half the work. Use the insights to:
-
Update outdated content
-
Improve internal linking
-
Acquire backlinks
-
Improve meta tags
Final Thoughts
Tracking your keyword rankings doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With tools like Google Search Console, Ubersuggest, SERPWatcher, Lookkle, and Small SEO Tools, you can monitor your SEO performance and make smarter optimization decisions without spending a dime.
Start with one or two tools from this list. Experiment, analyze, and refine. As your strategy matures, consider upgrading to paid tiers if needed, but remember—the most valuable SEO insights often begin with free tools and consistent action.
