Friday, November 25, 2022

6 Best SEO Rank Tracker Tools for Keyword Tracking (Compared)

Are you looking for the best SEO rank tracker tool for keyword tracking?

A search engine results page (SERP) tracking tool helps you track your website’s SEO position for specific keywords. It shows you changes in keyword positions and allows you to compare them with your competitors.

In this article, we’ll share our expert pick of the best SEO rank tracker tools for keywords.

6 Best SEO Rank Tracker Tools for Keyword Tracking (Compared)

Why Should You Use a SERP Keyword Tracking Tool?

A SERP keyword tracking tool can help you put your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy on the right track. It lets you monitor keyword rankings for different pages to see what’s working in your business.

If your keyword rankings are going up and your organic traffic is increasing, then it means your SEO efforts are working. On the other hand, these SERP tracking tools will immediately notify you when your keyword rankings drop.

This allows you to quickly implement a fix, so you don’t lose any sales revenue.

Another benefit of using rank-tracking tools is that you can keep an eye on your competitors. You can see which search terms they are ranking on and find new keyword opportunities for your WordPress website.

That being said, let’s take a look at the best rank tracker tools that you can use to grow your business.

1. Semrush

The Semrush SEO tool

Semrush is the best rank tracker tool for monitoring your keyword rankings. It is a complete SEO toolkit and is preferred by many digital marketing professionals.

This is the tool that we use for WPBeginner and our other companies.

With help of Semrush’s position tracking feature, you can track and monitor the movement of your site’s keyword rankings. The tool also shows which search terms are in SERP features such as featured snippets, Google sitelinks, and knowledge panels.

Semrush gives you an overall landscape of your rankings by showing you how many search terms are in the top 3, 10, 20, and 100. You can even see your ranking distributions over time.

Semrush Position Tracking Tool

Another powerful feature of Semrush is that you can track your competitor’s keywords as well. You can add up to 10 competitor URLs and track their search engine performance.

Plus, you can use Semrush to perform keyword research, find backlink opportunities, conduct a detailed competitor analysis, find paid keywords, track social media performance, and more.

Pricing: WPBeginner users get a free 7-day trial of Semrush. Paid plans start from $119.95 per month.

2. Ahrefs

Ahrefs

Ahrefs is another excellent rank tracker tool. Similar to Semrush, it is also a comprehensive SEO and digital marketing platform.

With the help of its Rank Tracker feature, you can add your website or connect your Google Search Console account with Ahrefs to import projects. Next, you can add the keywords you want to track to your Ahrefs dashboard.

Ahrefs shows you an overview of your search engine rankings. You can see your visibility percentage, average position, traffic, SERP features, and changes in position.

Ahrefs Overview

For each keyword, you can see their current position, search volume, total traffic, keyword difficulty, and whether the keyword is in a SERP feature like the People also ask section.

You can add up to 10 competitors in the Ahrefs Rank Tracker tool and compare them with your own website. However, if you are looking for more in-depth competitor analysis, then we suggest using its other features.

For instance, you can enter a URL in the Site Explorer and find the number of backlinks, organic keywords, and identify content gaps.

Similarly, you can use Ahrefs for conducting a site audit, use the Keyword Explorer for researching search terms for your content, and more.

Pricing: Ahrefs prices start from $99 per month.

3. MonsterInsights

The MonsterInsights Google Analytics plugin

MonsterInsights is the best Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. It allows you to easily set up Google Analytics in WordPress and view the data you need without leaving your WordPress dashboard.

MonsterInsights helps you monitor keyword rankings inside the WordPress admin area. You can view the Search Console report to see your site’s top 50 Google search terms and where you rank for them.

It will also show the number of clicks, impressions, click-through rate (CTR), and the average position for each keyword. This helps you optimize your website and boost rankings.

For instance, if you find content that ranks at the 11th or 12th position, then you can optimize those articles to bring them to the first page.

Search console report

Note: You will need to connect Google Search Console with Google Analytics in order to unlock these reports in MonsterInsights.

Pricing: The MonsterInsights Search Console report is available in its Plus plan, which costs $99.50 per year.

4. SERPWatcher by Mangools

SERPWatcher by Mangools

SERPWatcher by Mangools is a powerful SEO toolkit that allows you to easily track SERP for your business. You also get access to their SERPChecker, Link Miner, Keyword finder, and Site Profiler tools, which makes Mangools a good alternative to some pricey SEO platforms.

It is a user-friendly tool and you can get started in just a few minutes. Simply add your website, select a location you want to track, select the platform (desktop or mobile), and then enter your keywords.

In the SERPWatcher report, you get a detailed picture of how your website is performing in SERPs. It shows you each keyword’s ranking, change in positions, average position, best position, search volume, and estimated visitors per month.

serpwatcher serp tracking report

In addition, you can also view your site’s performance index, estimated visits, keyword distribution, and position flow.

SERPWatcher allows you to get daily ranking updates through email alerts. This helps you stay on top of any changes that might occur in the SERPs and act quickly.

Pricing: SERPWatcher prices start from $29.90 per month.

5. SE Ranking

SE Ranking

SE Ranking is another great tool to monitor SERPs for your business. It is very easy to use and helps you keep your SEO strategy on track.

Using its Keyword Rank Tracker feature, you can monitor your website’s search terms on Google, Yahoo, Bing, Yandex, and YouTube. SE Ranking also lets you track keywords based on geographic locations and devices.

To start, you can use the SE Ranking wizard by entering your site’s URL, add keywords you want to track, and specify the search engine and country.

You can even add up to 5 competitors for tracking and connect the tool to your Google Analytics and Google Search Console accounts.

When you have added your website and keywords, you can use SE Ranking’s dashboard to monitor rankings, view historical data, track competitors, and much more.

SE Ranking Dashboard

In addition to tracking your search terms, you can use SE Ranking to analyze your traffic, measure SEO potential, create a marketing plan in real-time, conduct website audits, monitor backlinks, and more.

Pricing: SE Rankings prices start from $23.52 per month to track 250 keywords weekly.

6. Serpstat

Serpstat

Serpstat is the last SERP tracking tool on our list and is an all-in-one SEO solution. You can use it to analyze your website, conduct keyword research, find backlinks, and monitor keywords.

The tool offers a clean dashboard where you can control all your settings and perform different actions. To track your search term rankings, go to the Rank Tracker option.

After that, create a new project, enter your website details, select your search engine options, and add the keywords you want to monitor.

Serpstat lets you view the position changes of your search terms, compare them with your competitors, group your keywords, and much more from your dashboard.

Serpstat Dashboard

Compared to other tools on our list, SERPStat offers more visual reports and an intuitive dashboard. You get graphs and charts that give you a birds-eye view of your reports which you can further drill down.

However, the tool is not the most beginner-friendly and it can take some time to get used to its interface and navigate through its options.

Pricing: Serpstat prices start from $69 per month.

Which Is the Best SEO Rank Tracker Tool (Expert Pick)

We believe that Semrush is the best SEO rank tracker tool in the market. It is an all-in-one SEO toolkit that is easy to use, offers lots of features, and easily tracks keywords.

Semrush is trusted by many marketing professionals, and you can use it for finding keywords, backlinks, analyzing your competitors, monitoring your social media campaigns, tracking paid advertising campaigns, and much more.

Our team uses Semrush for keyword tracking for the WPBeginner website and all of our businesses.

We hope this article helped you find the best rank tracker tools for SERP tracking. You may also want to learn how to choose the best WordPress hosting, or see our list of the best WordPress plugins for business websites.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post 6 Best SEO Rank Tracker Tools for Keyword Tracking (Compared) first appeared on WPBeginner.


November 25, 2022 at 04:40PM

Thursday, November 24, 2022

How to Easily Remove WordPress Icon from Browser Tab

Do you want to remove the WordPress icon from the browser tab of your website?

Removing the WordPress icon can prove to be extremely beneficial for you as it will allow you to design your own site icon and increase your brand recognition among customers.

In this article, we will show you how to easily remove the WordPress icon from the browser tab.

How to Easily Remove WordPress Icon from Browser Tab

Why Should You Remove the WordPress Icon from Browser Tab

The WordPress icon on your browser tab can make your website look generic and unprofessional. Most users have many tabs open in their browser which results in your website title being hidden.

With your website title hidden, users have no way to recognize your site immediately. With just the WordPress logo in the tab, your users will be unable to identify your site among many others.

By removing the WordPress icon from the browser tab and adding a favicon (aka your site icon), you can use your own brand and make your site more user-friendly for your visitors.

A favicon is a tiny image that appears next to your website’s title in the browser.

Browser tabs

The favicon will help your users immediately recognize your website and switch between different tabs efficiently. More frequent visitors will even build instant recognition for that tiny image on your browser.

How to Remove the WordPress Icon from Browser Tab

The process of removing the WordPress icon and adding a favicon in its place is extremely easy. There are three methods that can be used to remove the WordPress icon from the browser tab.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at all three methods and you can choose the one that feels right for you.

Method 1. Removing the WordPress Icon Without a Plugin

As of WordPress 6.1, the WordPress default theme comes with a full site editor. You can also use this method if you’re using a block theme on your WordPress site to remove the WordPress icon.

At the time of writing this tutorial, the default WordPress 6.1 theme Twenty Twenty-Three doesn’t have a site icon block to change your favicon away from the WordPress logo.

If you navigate to Appearance » Editor from your WordPress admin dashboard, this will open up the full site editor, but you cannot change your favicon from here or remove the WordPress icon from the browser tab.

Go to full site editor from WordPress dashboard

So you can copy and paste the URL below into your browser to open up the theme customizer.

https://example.com/wp-admin/customize.php

Remember to replace ‘example.com’ with your own site’s domain name.

This URL will take you to the Theme Customizer. Once there, simply click the ‘Site Identity’ tab.

Select the Site Identity tab

Now on the ‘Site Identity’ page, scroll down to the ‘Site Icon’ section.

Simply click the ‘Select Site Icon’ button which will open up the WordPress media library.

Click Site Icon button

You can now select any image that you want to use as a favicon to replace the WordPress icon on the browser tab.

For more details on how to create a favicon, you can check out our article on how to add a favicon in WordPress. If the image that you’ve chosen to use as a favicon exceeds the recommended size, then WordPress will allow you to crop it.

Once you’re satisfied with your choice simply click the ‘Publish’ button at the top.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully removed the WordPress icon from the browser tab and replaced it with your own.

Remove the WordPress Icon in a Theme without Full-Site Editing

If you’re using any non-FSE theme, then you can directly navigate to the Theme Customizer at Appearance » Customize to remove the WordPress icon from the browser tab.

In sites that don’t support the full-site editor, the WordPress theme customizer allows you to change details about your site such as the favicon, typography, default colors, footer, and more.

Once in the Theme Customizer, click on the ‘Site Identity’ tab. The process is the same as the one we showcased above. You can remove the WordPress icon simply by uploading a site icon of your choice.

Once you’re happy with your choice, simply click on the ‘Publish’ button to save changes.

Method 2. Removing the WordPress Icon Using a Plugin

You can also use a plugin to remove the WordPress icon and replace it with a favicon. For this tutorial, we will be using the Heroic Favicon Generator plugin.

It is a well-known plugin that is used by many to add a favicon to their website.

Heroic Favicon Generator Plugin

First, all you have to do is install and activate the Heroic Favicon Generator plugin.

For more details, please take a look at our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

After the plugin has been activated, simply go to Plugins » Installed Plugins and click on ‘Favicon Settings’ option.

After activating the plugin, click on Favicon Settings

This will take you to the ‘Heroic Favicon Generator Settings’ page. Here, simply click on the ‘Select Favicon’ button under the ‘Select Favicon’ option.

This will open up the WordPress media library. Now, you can choose and upload any image that you want to use as a favicon.

Click on Select Favicon button

After you’ve uploaded your favicon, you can scroll down to the ‘Previews’ section where you will be able to see how the favicon will look on your website.

Once you’re satisfied, simply scroll down and click on the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Previews of favicon

You have successfully removed the WordPress icon and have added a favicon in its place.

We hope this article helped you learn how to remove the WordPress icon from the browser tab. You may also want to see our ultimate WordPress SEO guide to improve your rankings, and check out our article on how to easily move your blog from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post How to Easily Remove WordPress Icon from Browser Tab first appeared on WPBeginner.


November 24, 2022 at 04:02PM

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

How to Find and Insert Creative Commons Licensed Images in WordPress

Do you want to use Creative Commons licensed stock photos and images on your website?

It is important to make sure you have permission to use images in your blog posts. Luckily, there are millions of Creative Commons licensed images that you can use royalty-free.

In this article, we’ll show you how to find and insert Creative Commons licensed images in WordPress.

How to Find & Insert Creative Commons Licensed Images in WordPress

Why Use Creative Commons Licensed Images in WordPress?

Using high-quality images on your WordPress blog can boost your engagement with your users. However, purchasing images from a stock library like Shutterstock can be expensive.

Luckily, many photographers and artists release their images with a Creative Commons license. Images with this type of license can be used legally without having to pay for them.

There are several Creative Commons licenses, and the CC0 ‘No Rights Reserved’ license is best for bloggers. You can use image with this license without any restrictions. You won’t need to ask permission or give credit.

Other Creative Commons licenses will still allow you to use the images for free but will have conditions or restrictions, such as the requirement to give credit to the creator when using the image.

With that being said, let’s take a look at how to find and insert Creative Commons images in WordPress. Here’s what we’ll cover in this tutorial:

Adding Creative Commons CC0 Licensed Images With a Plugin

The first thing you need to do is install and activate the Instant Images plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

This plugin offers a one-click search for images contained in the Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels stock image libraries. Luckily, the images in these libraries can be used freely because every one of them has been released under the Creative Commons CC0 license.

Upon activation, the plugin starts to work automatically. Now when you are adding an image to a post from your Media library, there will be an ‘Instant Images’ tab at the top of the page.

Searching for Creative Commons Licensed Images Using Instant Images

Alternatively, you can add images directly to your Media library by navigating to Media » Instant Images.

Now you can click on one of the stock library names found at the top of the page. After that, simply search for the type of image you wish to add to WordPress. You can sort or filter the images using the dropdown menus.

In the example above, we searched Unsplash for ‘tomato’ and found 2213 images.

To add an image to your Media library, simply click on it. The image will be added along with a title and some default alt text provided by the photographer.

You can now add the image to your posts as normal.

Getting a Pexels API Key

The first time you click the Pexels button you see a popup asking you to enter an API key. Start by clicking the ‘Get API Key’ link to sign up for a free Pexels account.

To Find Images in Pexels Using Instant Images, You Will Need an API Key

After you sign up, you need to click on the user icon at the top of the screen.

Then you should select ‘Image & Video API’ from the drop down menu.

Select 'Images & Video API' From the User Menu Then Click the 'Your API Key' Button

Next, you need to click the ‘Your API Key’ button. This will take you to a form where you can let Pexels know how you will be using their images.

You will also need to check the box to agree to the terms of service and API guidelines.

Let Pexels Know How You Plan to Use the Images

Finally, your API key will be displayed.

You will need to copy the key to the clipboard and then return to your website.

Copy the API Key and Paste It Into the Field on Your WordPress Website

You should see the same popup as before. Simply paste the API key into the field and then click the Verify button.

To Find Images in Pexels Using Instant Images, You Will Need an API Key

You will now be able to insert Creative Commons licensed images from Pexels.

Adding Creative Commons CC0 Licensed Images With a Page Builder

SeedProd is the best drag-and-drop WordPress page builder for businesses, bloggers, and website owners. It lets you easily add commonly used design elements such as images.

The Plus plan and above includes a library of 2 million stock images for use on your site. These images are royalty free and optimized for the web.

To learn how to install and use SeedProd step by step, check our guides on how to create a landing page and how to easily create a custom WordPress theme.

When using SeedProd’s visual editor, simply drag an Image block onto the page.

Adding an Image Block Using SeedProd

When you click on the image block, its settings will be displayed in the left pane.

Under ‘Choose New Image’ you will see two buttons, one to add your own image and the other to add a stock image.

You need to click the ‘Use a Stock Image’ button.

Press the 'Use a Stock Image' Button in SeedProd

This will bring up a search form for the SeedProd stock images library.

Simply type your search term to find the image you need and then click the ‘Search’ button.

You Can Now Search the SeedProd Stock Image Library

You will now see previews of each matching image.

Simply click on the image you want to add to the page.

Matching Stock Images Will Be Displayed

Now you can use SeedProd’s image settings to add alt text, change the size and alignment of the image, or add a link.

Adjust the Image's Alt Tag, Size, and Alignment

You can change the style of the image by clicking the ‘Templates’ tab and choosing a style.

These templates change the border and spacing of your image.

SeedProd Image Style Templates

You will find additional options on the ‘Advanced’ tab.

Adding Creative Commons Licensed Images Manually

If you prefer not to use a plugin, then you can find Creative Commons licensed images manually. To start, you need to visit a stock image library site. Once you find an image you want to use, you can download it and then upload it to your site.

For sources of free stock images, see our guide on sources for free public domain and CC0-Licensed images.

Once you’ve downloaded the royalty free stock images you need, you’ll need to upload them to your Media library or blog post.

The easiest way to do this is to add an ‘Image’ block to the WordPress editor, click the ‘Upload’ button, and then find the Creative Commons image on your computer.

Adding Attributions to Creative Commons Licensed Images

Some Creative Commons licenses require that you add an image credit and provide proper attribution to the original work.

For example, the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0) license requires attribution. The license states, ‘You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.’

Some Creative Commons Licenses Require Attribution

It’s important that you give proper image credit to comply with the copyright laws and avoid infringing upon someone’s rights.

Doing so can protect you against legal issues and liabilities, and it’s also a way to show respect for other people’s work and creativity.

If you’re not sure whether you need to give attribution, then you should carefully check the wording of the image’s Creative Commons license.

It’s very easy to credit the creator, too. In the image below, you can see the Creative Commons attribution is simply included in the image caption. For more information, see our guide on how to add image credits in WordPress.

Example of Correct Image Attribution

Creative Commons recommends you include:

  • the image’s title
  • the name of the author with a link to their profile page
  • the source of the image with a link to the original photo
  • the license used with a link to the license deed

We hope this tutorial helped you learn how to find and insert Creative Commons licensed images in WordPress. You may also want to learn how to create a custom Instagram feed, or check out our list of tips on how to increase your blog traffic.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post How to Find and Insert Creative Commons Licensed Images in WordPress first appeared on WPBeginner.


November 24, 2022 at 01:08AM