Does a mechanic in a certain area automatically show up on Google when people nearby search for “best car repair” or “car battery replacement”? NO!
If you don’t know what search terms your business appears for on Google, you’re working in the dark… and missing out.
You might be showing up for keywords that don’t bring in leads, or missing the ones that actually matter to your customers.
Checking your rankings is easier than you think.
Quick Glossary:
- Rank = The position your website appears on Google’s search results page for a specific keyword. E.g., if your site is the 3rd result when someone searches “family dentist Melbourne”, your rank is 3.
- SERP = Search Engine Results Page. Simply the page of results you see after typing something into Google.
- SEO = Search Engine Optimisation. The process of improving a website so it appears higher on Google for the right searches.
The simplest way to check your rankings right now
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get a quick idea of where you stand. Here’s the fastest method:
Step 1:
Open an incognito / private tab in your browser (phone or computer)
Step 2:
Type in a keyword or phrase you think your customers would use (e.g. “plumber Brighton” or “tax accountant Sydney”)
Step 3:
See where your business shows up in the results. You may need to go back a few pages or do some scrolling
It’s quick and free, but remember, it’s only a snapshot.
Results can change based on location, device, and search history (that’s why we said use an incognito / private tab)
Here’s the gist put simply in an infographic 👇
Hey! Did you need to go back a few pages or scroll a lot to find your business?
If so, your potential customers do too.
Naturally, this can be a problem, and something we can help fix. Book a chat with Lachlan McPherson, HeartBeat Digital’s Owner & Founder here and build a path to those top ranks.
Other free ways to check your rankings
If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to spend money straight away. Here are free tools you can use:
1. Google Search Console
This free tool from Google shows you exactly which search queries are bringing people to your website. You can see:
- The keywords your site ranks for
- Your average position in search results
- How many clicks and impressions you’re getting
Here’s how to set up Google Search Console.
2. Free Rank Tracking Tools
There are a few free tools online that give you a quick look at rankings. One example is Ubersuggest (by Neil Patel). It has a free tier where you can:
- Enter your website
- See the top keywords you rank for
- Get an idea of search volumes
Here’s how:
- Step 1: Go to Ubersuggest
- Step 2: Enter your website address.
- Step 3: Review your keyword rankings and top pages.
It’s limited compared to paid tools, but a solid starting point.
Paid tools for deeper insights
If you want more accurate tracking and competitor comparisons, paid tools can save you a lot of time. (Below is in no particular order)
1. SEMrush (Paid)
A popular tool that gives you detailed keyword rankings, traffic estimates, and competitor analysis. You can track multiple keywords across locations and devices.
2. Ahrefs (Paid)
Similar to SEMrush, Ahrefs provides keyword rankings and visibility reports. It’s especially good at uncovering new keyword opportunities your competitors rank for but you don’t.
3. Moz (Paid)
Moz offers rank tracking along with helpful SEO metrics like “Domain Authority”. It’s a user-friendly option if you’re new to SEO.
These tools aren’t cheap, but they’re the go-to for agencies like ours because they provide consistent, reliable insights.
Why rankings matter more than you think
When people search on Google, they’re usually looking to solve a problem or find a service right away. If your business isn’t appearing in the results they click, you’re losing leads to competitors.
Tracking your rankings helps you:
- Understand what your customers are searching for
- Spot gaps where your competitors are ahead
- Measure the return on your marketing spend
- Plan smarter campaigns that bring in quality leads
In short: knowing what you rank for helps you focus on the right things instead of guessing.
Search intent explained
Not every search is equal. What people search for hints at where they are in the buying journey, from curious researcher to ready-to-buy customer.
Most SEO experts agree search intent falls into four main categories:
1. Informational: to learn something
Examples: “how to bake banana bread”, “who won the 2002 afl grand final?”, “population of Melbourne”
Good for building brand awareness and authority, but not usually high-converting.
2. Commercial Investigation: comparing options before buying.
Examples: “best family lawyer Melbourne”, “cheap flights to Perth”, “reviews of iPhone 16”
Valuable for content like comparisons, guides, and case studies.
3. Navigational: to find a specific site or brand
Examples: “Facebook login”, “Qantas flights”, “HeartBeat Digital”
Less useful for lead gen, but important to make sure your own brand shows up.
4. Transactional: ready to take action (buy, book, sign up).
Examples: “book dentist near me”, “buy running shoes online”, “plumber Sydney open now”
🔥 The most valuable searches for leads and sales.
What about AI for search?
AI tools like ChatGPT are fantastic for answering how-to or informational searches. But when people are ready to buy, book, or compare services, they still go to Google.
That’s why showing up in search results for ready-to-buy terms matters most.
Bonus: AI often gets its information from websites like yours, so ranking well can increase your visibility in both Google and AI answers.
What Next?
What to do once you know your rankings
Knowing your rankings is step one. Step two is using that data to grow your business. Here’s how:
- If you’re ranking on page two or three for a valuable keyword, that’s an opportunity! With some targeted SEO support, you could break onto page one.
Hint: Page one of Google search results gets about 92% of clicks
- If you’re ranking for keywords that don’t bring in leads, you may need to adjust your content or targeting.
- If your competitors are ranking higher for valuable terms, it’s time to review your SEO, ads, and overall digital strategy.
FYI: You can get started on that now with a 15-min chat with Lachlan McPherson, HeartBeat Digital’s Owner & Founder. Book yours here. These free, no-pressure chats often unearth quick, simple wins.
Having experts in your corner makes a difference, and helps look at how rankings translate into leads and sales.
