'Search Queries Report' in Webmaster Tools Question

[activitysuper]

Hi,

How much do you use the search queries report in webmaster tools to research current rankings/movements?

It does look like a great tool but the data doesn't seem to be spot on.

For example a keyword over a week might have flux in position so lets say 6.0 then 9.2 for 3 days then back to 6.0. But I check the serp's for this keyword everyday and didn't see any movement?!?!

Is this a good tool for you?

[RobertFisher]

Hello Activitysuper

"**How much do you use the search queries report in webmaster tools to research current rankings/movements?" **

Specifically for checking current rankings/movements, rarely.

But for checking ranking you need a shorter run (a few days as opposed to a month) if you are trying to draw a conclusion IMO.

When we make a content addition or change with the intent of specifically effecting a ranking now, it can be nice to watch in a type of trailing 3 to 5 day pattern. This usually will tell a story or, sadly sometimes, tell a nightmare.

BUT, if you check rankings here and then go to search and look at the SERPs without &pws=0 you are not seeing reality. Non personalized search is imperative when looking at search to determine current rank. If you have a 30 day run on GWMT and then look at today for SERPs, you can be a million miles off.

I use it to check queries against my keywords/landing pages in analytics and to draw a better conclusion with regards to what is being searched on. It helps with the 'not set' in analytics.

Hope this helps a bit,

Robert