How To Check Keyword Ranking in Google Analytics Step by Step
We have a smidgeon of bad news. The latest version of Google Analytics, GA4, doesn’t let you track keyword rankings directly anymore.
Fortunately, we know a workaround. You need to follow several steps to link GA4 with Google Search Console for web owners.
1. Create a Google Search Console Account for Your Website
Unlike GA4, GSC does display keyword rankings. In fact, you can see all the keywords you’re ranking for simultaneously. More importantly, this tool lets you focus on results-oriented metrics, such as visitors, conversions, and e-commerce sales.
To see this data, you have to use the same account you created for Google Analytics to sign into GSC. If you don’t have a GA4 account yet, create one now.
2. Verify Your Website Ownership
This is the tricky part. You have to prove to Google that you own the website you’re tracking.
Follow these instructions on the GSC welcome page:
- In the “Select property type” box, choose “Domain.”
- Enter your domain name (without the www. or https://), such as “bkaexample.com”.
- Under “Select record type:” choose TXT.
- Copy the TXT link using the “Copy” button.
- Sign into your account with your DNS provider/web hosting service (e.g., GoDaddy, Bluehost, IONOS, HostGator, etc.)
- Go to your account’s domain portfolio, and click on the “Edit DNS” option.
- Under “DNS Records,” click “Add” or “Add New.”
- When the box opens, in the “Value” field, paste the same TXT link you copied in Google Search Console, and then click “Add Record.”
- Back in the main GSC owner verification box, click the “Verify” button.
Now, you simply have to wait for the verification process to complete. This takes anywhere from an hour or two to a few days. Once you receive a verification confirmation, you’re good to go.
3. View Search Results in the Performance Report
To generate a comprehensive keyword ranking report, log into your GSC account and click on the “Search results” tab under “Performance.”
From here, you can see:
- Average search position for all of your keywords
- Total clicks and impressions in the selected period
- Share of click-through rate
- Top ranking keywords
Once everything is set up, it’s easy to track SEO performance on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
4. Link GSC and GA4
To view GSC data in GA4, you have to link both accounts. This step makes sense if you use GA4 for keyword research.
Go to “Admin” and select “Search Console links.” Click “Link,” and follow the on-screen instructions to select your GSC-verified website. Once the accounts are linked, view GSC reports by going to Library > Search Console > Publish.
How To Find Alternatives for Keyword Performance Tracking
The beauty of GSC and GA4 is that they’re free tools for website owners. The downside is that they’re not as user-friendly as paid tools.
If you handle website maintenance in-house, it may be worth investing in platforms such as Semrush, Ahrefs, or Moz Pro. These tools streamline SEO by helping you track rankings, perform keyword research or competitor website analysis, and manage your campaigns from a single dashboard.
Want even more convenience? Choose an SEO agency that uses state-of-the-art tools.
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