How to check your Google rankings (accurately)
The most accurate free way to check your Google rankings is the Performance report in Google Search Console, which shows the average position for the searches your site appears in. Searching yourself is misleading because results vary by location and device. For AI assistants, check with their own answers.
Why searching your own name misleads you
Google's results change with the searcher's location, device and language. For local searches the difference can be large: a business can look first from its own office and much lower a few kilometres away. One search is a snapshot from one spot.
Three accurate ways
- Google Search Console (free): add and verify your site, open the Performance report, and look at queries, clicks, impressions and average position.
- A rank tracker: tools that check chosen keywords from a set location every day or week, so you see the trend rather than one search.
- For the map pack: check from several points around your service area, because local results depend on distance.
Check AI assistants too
Ranking on Google doesn't tell you whether ChatGPT, Claude or Perplexity name you. Ask them your customers' questions with your city, note who they name, and repeat. RealBooster's free check does this live.