Why Are There Different Results When Using Rank Tracking Software & Manual Search?

[fated82]

I am currently using Rankerizer to track my site ranking for certain keywords, but what I don't understand is, the results are different from when I search on Google.

For example, one particular keyword is rank 31 on Rankerizer but when I typed in the keywords on Google, I got first page ranking. Is there a reason why? So which is more accurate?

[MaverickUK]

One of the reasons is because Google uses many different data centres to return results to users, each data centre may be updated independently and at different times. I can often use rank checker tools to see ranking changes in advance, before I would naturally see them.

Let's say your site has lots of new backlinks, data centre 1 may have updated its rankings to reflect this and the 'rank checker' tools are getting results served by data centre 1; however you are being returned results from data centre 2, which is yet to receive the 'update'.

Hope this helps explain the strange phenomenon

[JennyBird]

Is your KW location related? You may be getting higher placement for your geographic location.

[ExploringInfinity]

If you are logged into google or have been using a browser for searches recently you will see different results based on your past searches and your interests..

The way around this is:

Use Iron or Chrome browser and open a new 'incognito window'. This removes all history, log ins, cookies, cache, etc.

Then do your search from this browser window. This will show you results that most people will see when searching for your keywords the first time. in google.

I hope this helps.