Performance Tracking
Monitor keyword performance using Google Search Console data with average positions and 3-day delay
IMPORTANT: Performance Tracking uses Google Search Console data ONLY. This means: 3-day data delay, average positions (not real-time), only tracks keywords with impressions. This is NOT traditional rank tracking. For real-time rank tracking, third-party APIs are required ($500+/month).
What is Performance Tracking?
Performance Tracking is a
Business+ Feature
that monitors keyword performance metrics using Google Search Console data. It provides insights into how your keywords perform in Google search results over time.GSC Data Source
100% real data from Google Search Console
3-Day Delay
GSC limitation - not real-time data
Average Positions
Shows average ranking, not exact position
Performance Tracking vs Traditional Rank Tracking
Understanding the Difference
Performance Tracking is NOT traditional rank tracking. It's based on GSC performance data which has significant limitations but is free and accurate for what it provides.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Performance Tracking (GSC) | Traditional Rank Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Data Source | Google Search Console | SERP APIs or Scraping |
| Cost | Free (included) | $500-2000/month |
| Data Delay | 3 days (GSC limit) | Real-time or daily |
| Position Type | Average position | Exact SERP position |
| Keyword Coverage | Only with impressions | Any keyword |
| Competitor Data | Not available | Available |
| Search Engines | Google only | Multiple engines |
| Historical Data | Up to 16 months | Unlimited |
| Accuracy | 100% accurate averages | Variable accuracy |
| Legal/ToS | Fully compliant | May violate ToS |
Understanding GSC Data Limitations
Why There's a 3-Day Delay
Google Search Console doesn't provide real-time data. All data has a minimum 3-day processing delay. This is a Google limitation, not a bug in our system.
Timeline Example
- • Monday: User searches and clicks
- • Tuesday: Google processes data
- • Wednesday: Still processing
- • Thursday: Data available in GSC
- • Thursday: We can fetch and display it
If you need real-time rankings, you'll need a traditional rank tracking service that uses SERP APIs (DataForSEO, SERPApi, etc.) which cost $500+/month.
Features & Capabilities
What Performance Tracking CAN Do
Track Performance Trends
Monitor how average positions change over time for keywords with impressions
Measure CTR & Clicks
See actual click-through rates and click counts from real search data
Segment by Device/Country
Filter performance by device type (mobile/desktop) and country
Historical Analysis
Access up to 16 months of historical performance data from GSC
What Performance Tracking CANNOT Do
No Real-Time Rankings
Cannot show current live positions - always 3 days behind
No Exact Positions
Only averages - not exact SERP positions at specific moments
No Competitor Data
Cannot track competitor rankings or compare positions
No Unranked Keywords
Cannot track keywords without impressions or beyond position 100
Setup & Configuration
Prerequisites
Setup Steps
- 1. Connect Google Search Console
ProRank SEO → Settings → Integrations → Connect GSC - 2. Navigate to Performance Tracking
ProRank SEO → Analytics → Performance Tracking - 3. Add Keywords to Track
Add keywords manually or import from CSV. Only keywords with impressions will show data.
- 4. Wait for Data
First data appears after 3 days. Daily updates fetch latest GSC data.
Understanding Zero Values
Why Metrics Show Zero or Dash
Zero values or dashes are NORMAL and indicate:
- Keyword has no impressions in Google
- Keyword ranks beyond position 100
- GSC hasn't processed data yet (3-day delay)
- No search volume for the keyword
Common Scenarios
| Scenario | What You See | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| New keyword added | Position: -- | No impressions yet or beyond position 100 |
| Low traffic keyword | Impressions: 0 | Keyword not searched or not ranking |
| Site just launched | All zeros | GSC needs time to accumulate data |
| Competitive keyword | No data | Likely ranking beyond position 100 |
| After 3 days | Data appears | GSC data becomes available |
Best Practices
Recommended Usage
- ✓ Track performance trends over time
- ✓ Monitor CTR improvements
- ✓ Identify declining keywords
- ✓ Analyze device/country differences
- ✓ Focus on keywords with impressions
- ✓ Use for content optimization
Common Misconceptions
- ✗ Expecting real-time positions
- ✗ Treating averages as exact ranks
- ✗ Tracking unranked keywords
- ✗ Comparing with rank trackers
- ✗ Expecting immediate data
- ✗ Looking for competitor data
API Reference
REST API Endpoints
// Get performance dashboard
GET /wp-json/prorank-seo/v1/performance-tracking/dashboard
// Get tracked keywords
GET /wp-json/prorank-seo/v1/performance-tracking/keywords
// Add new keyword
POST /wp-json/prorank-seo/v1/performance-tracking/keywords
{
"keyword":"seo plugin",
"country":"us",
"device":"desktop"
}
// Get keyword history
GET /wp-json/prorank-seo/v1/performance-tracking/history/{id}
// Refresh performance data
POST /wp-json/prorank-seo/v1/performance-tracking/refreshWordPress Hooks
// Run after performance tracking update
add_action('prorank_performance_tracking_complete', function($data) {
// Process performance data
});
// Modify tracking frequency
add_filter('prorank_performance_tracking_frequency', function($frequency) {
return 'twice_daily'; // Default: 'daily'
});Alternatives for Real Rank Tracking
Need Real-Time Rank Tracking?
If you need traditional rank tracking with real-time data, exact positions, and competitor tracking, consider these third-party services (not included with ProRank SEO):
| Service | Starting Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| DataForSEO API | $50/month | API access, pay per query |
| SERPApi | $50/month | Google, Bing, multiple locations |
| Ahrefs | $99/month | Full SEO suite with rank tracking |
| SEMrush | $119/month | Comprehensive SEO platform |
| SE Ranking | $39/month | Dedicated rank tracking |
| AccuRanker | $109/month | Enterprise rank tracking |
Support & Resources
Getting Help
- 📧 Email: support@prorank.io
- 📚 Docs: prorank.io/docs/performance-tracking
- 💡 GSC Guide: developers.google.com/search-console
- ⏱️ Response: 24-48 hours (Business+)
Before Contacting Support
- ✓ Verify GSC is connected
- ✓ Wait 3+ days for data
- ✓ Check if keywords have impressions
- ✓ Understand GSC limitations
Remember: Performance Tracking provides GSC performance metrics, not traditional rank tracking. Expect 3-day delays, average positions, and only keywords with impressions. For real-time exact rankings, use third-party services.