We’ve all been there—constantly checking the search engine results pages (SERPs) for our keywords. It's like going to a doctor and saying, “Doc, it hurts when I do this!” and the doctor replies, “Well, don’t do that!” So, how do you stop SERP watching? The answer is simple: just stop.
Seriously, it can drive you insane. Checking the rankings every day? That's a recipe for frustration. If you have clients who do this, it can be even worse. Every time they notice a little fluctuation, they’re going to be calling or emailing you, worried about their rankings. And let me tell you, fluctuations happen—often! If you run the same search multiple times a day, you’ll see all sorts of movement. It’s normal.
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Why You Shouldn’t SERP Watch
Here’s the thing: constantly watching the SERPs can lead to unnecessary stress. It can make you feel like you’re not doing enough for your clients. Every little dip or rise can feel like a crisis, but in reality, it’s just part of the game. Google’s algorithm is always changing, and so are the rankings. You could check the SERPs five times a day and see different results each time. Trust me, it’s just not worth it.
What You Can Do Instead
Instead of obsessively checking the rankings, set a schedule. Check them once a week or so. This way, you’re still staying informed, but you’re not driving yourself crazy. If you’re managing multiple clients, this will save you a ton of headache.
And if your clients can’t resist the urge to check constantly, educate them about how the rankings work. Let them know that fluctuations are normal and that they shouldn’t panic over every little change. Remind them that SEO is a long-term game, not a sprint.
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Resources to Help You Manage SEO
To make your life easier and help you get serious about local SEO, consider checking out some great resources:
- Local SEO Hump Day Hangouts – Semantic Mastery: Get your local SEO questions answered live at 4pm EST every Wednesday. Can't make it live? Ask your question ahead of time here.
- Welcome To The MasterMIND: Your Local SEO Agency Growth System: Transform your local SEO agency with the Semantic Mastery MasterMIND. Access actionable strategies, implement proven Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and connect with a community of successful peers to increase your client base by 30% within six months.
- The Local SEO Toolkit for agency owners and freelancers: Get the Semantic Mastery Local SEO Toolkit – free – and see how you can fill your pipeline with leads, better optimize Google Business Profiles (GBPs), get links, and more.
- How to Rank Google My Business – Free GMB Process Checklist: Want to know how to rank Google My Business in 90 days without needing an entire SEO team? Get the free GMB Process Checklist from Semantic Mastery here.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best way to stop SERP watching is to simply stop watching. Set a schedule, educate your clients, and focus on the bigger picture. SEO is all about long-term strategies, and obsessing over daily fluctuations isn’t going to help anyone.
FAQ
- What are normal fluctuations in SERP rankings?
Normal fluctuations can occur daily due to various factors, including algorithm updates, changes in user behavior, and competition. It's essential to view these changes over time rather than day-to-day.
- How often should I check my rankings?
Checking your rankings once a week is a good practice. This allows you to track trends without becoming overly stressed about daily changes.
- How can I help my clients understand SEO better?
Educate them about the nature of SEO as a long-term strategy, explain how rankings fluctuate, and provide them with reports that show progress over time.