Top 10 SEO Metrics and KPIs

In the world of search engine optimisation (SEO), measuring the right metrics is crucial for evaluating performance and driving growth. To help you navigate the complexities of SEO analytics, we present the definitive guide to the top 10 KPIs and success metrics. By understanding and tracking these essential indicators, you can effectively gauge the success of your SEO efforts and make data-driven decisions to propel your website's visibility and organic traffic.

Benefits of using SEO metrics and KPIs

By measuring and analysing key performance indicators, businesses can make informed decisions and optimise strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

• Performance evaluation: Assess SEO effectiveness and track progress.
• Data-driven decision making: Utilize insights from SEO KPIs to optimize strategies.
• Goal alignment: Align SEO efforts with specific objectives for tangible results.
• Continuous improvement: Identify areas for enhancement and refine tactics.

Top 10 KPIs and Success Metrics for SEO

#1 Organic Traffic

Organic traffic refers to the number of visitors who land on your website through organic (non-paid) search engine results. This KPI is crucial as it indicates the effectiveness of your SEO efforts in driving relevant traffic to your site.

How to get this KPI:

• Google Analytics
• SEMrush
• Moz

#2 Keyword Rankings

Keyword rankings track the positions of your targeted keywords in search engine results. Monitoring keyword rankings helps you assess your website's visibility and track progress in improving search engine rankings.

How to get this KPI:

• SEMrush
• Ahrefs
• Moz

#3 Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR measures the percentage of users who click on your website's link after seeing it in search engine results. A higher CTR indicates that your website's title and meta description are appealing and relevant to search queries.

How to get this KPI:

• Google Search Console
• SEMrush
• Moz

#4 Bounce Rate

Bounce rate represents the percentage of users who leave your website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate may indicate issues with website relevance, user experience, or content quality.

How to get this KPI:

• Google Analytics
• Kissmetrics
• Clicky

#5 Conversion Rate

Conversion rate measures the percentage of website visitors who take the desired action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter. It indicates the effectiveness of your website in converting visitors into customers or leads.

How to get this KPI:

• Google Analytics
• Optimizely
• Unbounce

#6 Backlink Profile

A backlink profile tracks the quantity and quality of external websites linking to your site. Building high-quality backlinks is vital for improving search engine rankings and establishing authority in your industry.

How to get this KPI:

• Ahrefs
• Majestic
• Moz

#7 Page Load Speed

Page load speed measures the time it takes for your web pages to load completely. Faster load times improve user experience, decrease bounce rates, and have a positive impact on search engine rankings.

How to get this KPI:

• Google PageSpeed Insights
• GTmetrix
• Pingdom

#8 Mobile Usability

Mobile usability assesses how well your website performs on mobile devices. With the increasing use of smartphones, having a mobile-friendly website is essential for providing a seamless user experience and improving search engine rankings.

How to get this KPI:

• Google Mobile-Friendly Test
• SEMrush
• Moz

#9 Pages per Session

Pages per session measures the average number of pages a user visits during a single session on your website. A higher pages per session metric indicates user engagement and interest in your content.

How to get this KPI:

• Google Analytics
• Mixpanel
• Kissmetrics

#10 Social Shares

Social shares track the number of times your website or content is shared on social media platforms. This metric indicates the reach and popularity of your content, as well as its potential to generate referral traffic.

How to get this KPI:

• BuzzSumo
• SharedCount
• SocialPilot

How to use SEO metrics with OKRs

To maximize the impact of SEO initiatives and drive organizational success, it is essential to combine your KPIs with Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). While OKRs provide a framework for setting ambitious goals and outlining desired outcomes, KPIs offer the necessary metrics to track progress and evaluate performance.

Here's how to effectively integrate SEO KPIs with OKRs:

1. Align KPIs with OKRs: Select measurable KPIs that directly contribute to achieving the desired outcomes outlined in the OKRs.
2. Set ambitious targets: Establish specific and challenging targets for each KPI to drive continuous improvement aligned with OKRs.
3. Monitor and track progress: Regularly monitor and track the performance of KPIs in relation to the corresponding OKRs.
4. Analyze and evaluate results: Analyze the data collected from KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives in achieving OKR outcomes.
5. Make data-driven adjustments: Utilize insights from KPIs and OKR progress to optimize strategies, resource allocation, and interventions for better alignment and progress towards organizational goals.

Best tools to track OKRs with KPIs:

• Tability
• Google Sheet