In the dynamic world of search engine optimization (SEO), understanding how your website performs in search results is crucial. Google Search Console (GSC) is a powerful tool that provides valuable insights into your website’s visibility on the search engine giant.
One of the metrics in GSC is the “average position,” a numerical representation of where your website stands in the vast landscape of search results. An average position of 10 or lower is a great position for your website to be in. This would mean that your website ranks on the first page for most or all of your keywords.
In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of average position, explore what it means in the context of GSC, and guide you on determining what constitutes a good average position for your website.
What does average position mean in GSC?
To comprehend the significance of average position in Google Search Console, it’s essential to grasp its fundamental concept. Average position involves finding the position of every keyword that your website ranks for and then calculating the average. In simpler terms, it gives you a numeric representation of where your website typically appears in search engine results for the keywords you’re targeting.
Understanding your average position is crucial because it provides insights into the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. It helps you gauge whether your website is making progress in climbing the search engine ranks or if there’s room for improvement. A lower average position generally indicates better visibility, as your website is appearing higher in search results for relevant queries.
What is position 0 in GSC?
In the realm of Google Search Console, technically, there is no position 0. The standard numerical positions start from 1 and go upward in the search results. However, in the SEO community, the concept of position 0 has emerged, referring to the coveted featured snippet. The featured snippet is a concise summary or answer to a user’s query displayed at the top of the search results, even before the first organic result.
In Google Search Console, the lowest position you will see is position 1 and that will be the case for branded keywords and other keywords that you dominate the results for.
SEO practitioners often consider securing the featured snippet as a significant achievement, as it places your content prominently above the regular search results. While not officially recognized as position 0 by Google, the term has gained popularity as it symbolizes the pinnacle of visibility in search engine results.
How to find the average position in GSC?
Now that we’ve established the importance of average position, let’s walk through the steps to find this metric in Google Search Console:
- Go to Google Search Console: Log in to your GSC account.
- Select your property: Choose the website or property for which you want to view performance data.
- Navigate to the “search results” section: On the left-hand side of the dashboard, find and click on the “search results” section.
- Select the “average position” box on the graph: In the performance summary graph, locate the “average position” box. Click on it to view the metric over time.
- Review the keyword list: Below the graph, you’ll find a list of keywords that your website ranks for, along with the corresponding average position for each.
This process provides a comprehensive overview of your website’s average position, allowing you to identify trends and make informed decisions to enhance your SEO strategy.
What is a good average position in GSC?
Determining what constitutes a good average position in Google Search Console requires a nuanced approach. While the average position graph can offer valuable insights, it’s important not to solely rely on this metric to evaluate your SEO performance. Instead, focus on where your site ranks for specific keywords, as this provides a more granular understanding of your visibility for targeted queries.
A good average position can vary depending on your industry, competition, and the specific keywords you are targeting. In general, a lower average position is desirable, indicating that your website consistently appears higher in search results. However, the ultimate goal should be to rank well for the keywords that are most relevant to your business or content.
Instead of fixating on achieving a specific average position, concentrate on optimizing your website for user intent and providing valuable, relevant content. A holistic SEO strategy that considers user experience, content quality, and technical optimization is more likely to yield sustainable results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the average position in Google Search Console offers a snapshot of your website’s performance, it should be viewed as one piece of the larger SEO puzzle. Regularly monitor your average position, but prioritize a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of SEO to truly enhance your website’s visibility and reach on the web.
If you need help with your SEO performance and understanding your Google Search Console, consider reaching out to Mark Thomas Media. We have directed many SEO campaigns bringing more organic traffic to our clients websites and increasing lead generation.
