If you’ve spent any time at all in Google Search Console (GSC), you’ve probably come across the “Average Position” metric. It sounds simple enough, right? It’s the average ranking of your web pages in Google’s search results.

But like most things in SEO, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

So, What’s the Big Deal?

Average position is a valuable piece of the SEO puzzle. It gives you a snapshot of how visible your website is in search results for specific keywords. A lower average position means you’re generally showing up higher in search results, which is usually a good thing.

But don’t get too excited just yet.

The Catch

Average position is just that – an average. It doesn’t tell you the full story. Your website could rank #1 for one keyword and #50 for another, and your average position would still be a decent 25.5.

This means it’s important to look at average position in the context of other metrics, like impressions and click-through rate (CTR).

Why You’re Here

You’re probably reading this because you want to know how to get your average position down to a single digit. That’s a worthy goal, but before we get into the how, it’s crucial to understand the what.

So, let’s dive into how Google calculates average position.

How Google Calculates Average Position

Let’s be real: Google’s algorithm is a complex thing.

Google doesn’t just give you a single number for your average position—it crunches a lot of data behind the scenes. When someone searches on Google, your pages might show up in several different spots.

Google takes the highest position your page appears in and averages it out over all the searches for that term.

Think of it like taking the best score from multiple rounds of a game and calculating your average performance.

But here’s where it gets a bit tricky: everyone’s search results are slightly different due to factors like location and search history. Google accounts for this by calculating your average position based on various personalized results.

It’s like your page is playing in multiple games simultaneously, and Google averages your best scores across all of them.

The exact formula for calculating average position is a closely guarded secret.

But we can break it down into a few key factors:

Top Ranking Takes Priority

Google focuses on the highest position your webpage reaches for a specific search query within a given timeframe.

If your page ranks #1 for a query on Monday but falls to #5 on Tuesday, Google only considers the #1 ranking.

Multiple Pages, One Ranking

If your website has multiple pages ranking for the same query, Google takes the highest-ranking page into account. So, if Page A ranks #3 and Page B ranks #8 for the same keyword, Google only uses the #3 ranking in its calculation.

It’s an Average of Averages

Google doesn’t just give you one average position for your entire website. Instead, it calculates an average position for each query your website ranks for. Then, it averages those averages to give you your overall average position.

Search Features Play a Role

Your average position isn’t just about the traditional “10 blue links” on Google’s search results page.

Google also considers rankings in featured snippets, the “People Also Ask” box, and other search features when calculating your average position.

Putting It All Together

Think of your average position as a snapshot of your website’s overall performance in Google’s search results. It’s a helpful metric, but it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Your average position can fluctuate for many reasons, including changes to Google’s algorithm and your competitors’ SEO efforts.

So, don’t obsess over a single number. Instead, use average position as a starting point for deeper analysis and a better understanding of your website’s search visibility.

The Usefulness of the Average Position Metric

The value you get out of your average position depends on how you’re looking at it. Let’s break it down:

  • Query Average Position on a Specific Page: This is super helpful! It shows you how well a page is doing for a particular search term. If your average position for “best hiking boots” is high on your “hiking gear” page, you know you’re on the right track. Just remember, if a query isn’t getting much action, the average position might be a bit wonky due to low data.
  • Page Average Position: This one’s trickier. It’s the average of all the keywords a page ranks for, so a high-ranking page can still have a low average if it also ranks for a bunch of less popular terms. It’s like a baseball player who hits a home run but also strikes out a few times – their overall average might not reflect their best moments.
  • Site Average Position: This is the big-picture view – the average across your entire website. It can be useful, but it’s important to look at the context. Did your average go up because all your rankings improved, or did some pages drop off the map entirely? It’s like looking at your team’s overall record – it doesn’t tell you who the star players are.

Can You Rely on the Average Position in the Search Console?

The short answer? Yes, but with a grain of salt. When you drill down to specific pages and queries in Google Search Console, the average position is pretty reliable. You can track it over time to see how your SEO efforts are paying off.

However, don’t get too hung up on the overall site average. It’s a helpful metric, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Think of it like your car’s dashboard – the average position is one gauge among many. You wouldn’t rely solely on your speedometer to tell you how your car is performing, right? Y

ou’d also check the fuel gauge, oil pressure, and other indicators. The same goes for your website’s search performance.

How to Make Average Position Work For You: Actionable Tips

You now understand that average position is a helpful metric, but it’s not the only factor to consider when evaluating your website’s search performance.

So, how can you use this knowledge to improve your SEO strategy and get more out of Google Search Console?

1. Focus on the Right Keywords

Instead of obsessing over your overall average position, pay attention to the keywords that are most important to your business. These are the keywords that your target audience is searching for and that are most likely to drive traffic and conversions.

Identify these high-value keywords and track their individual average positions. This will give you a more accurate picture of how you’re performing for the terms that matter most.

2. Dig Deeper with Additional Metrics

Don’t stop at average position. Use Google Search Console to analyze other important metrics, such as impressions, click-through rate (CTR), and organic traffic.

Identify opportunities for improvement by looking at these metrics alongside your average position. (For example, a high average position with a low click-through rate might mean your titles or descriptions need to be more engaging.)

3. Optimize for Search Features

Remember that Google considers rankings in featured snippets and other search features when calculating average position. So, make sure you’re optimizing your content for these features.

This might involve structuring your content to answer common questions, creating lists, or using schema markup to help Google understand your content better.

4. Prioritize User Experience

At the end of the day, Google’s goal is to provide the best possible experience for its users. So, make sure your website is fast, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.

A positive user experience is key. A fast, easy-to-navigate, mobile-friendly website can not only help improve your average position but also make visitors more likely to become customers.

5. Track Your Progress and Adapt

Google’s algorithm is constantly changing, and your competitors are always looking for ways to get ahead. That’s why it’s important to track your progress over time and adapt your strategy as needed.

Use Google Search Console to monitor your average position for important keywords and make adjustments to your content and SEO strategy as needed.

The goal is to connect with the right audience when they’re searching for what you offer. Prioritize the right metrics and create a website that appeals to both search engines and real people to build a strong online presence that stands the test of time.

How to Use Position Average Filters in Google Search Console

Google Search Console isn’t just about showing you raw data; it’s a toolbox filled with features that let you slice and dice that data to get the insights you need. One of the most powerful tools in this toolbox is filters.

Think of them like a set of lenses that let you zoom in on specific aspects of your website’s search performance.

The Search Console Filter Family:

Search Console offers a variety of filters to help you pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for:

  • Page Filters: Want to know how a particular page on your site is performing? This filter is your go-to. It lets you focus on a specific URL and see how it’s ranking for different search terms.
  • Query Filters: Curious about a specific keyword or phrase? This filter narrows down the data to show you how your site is ranking for that particular query.
  • Country Filters: Targeting a specific geographic region? This filter lets you see how your site is performing in different countries.
  • Device Filters: Wondering how your site looks on different devices? This filter allows you to compare performance across desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.

Putting Filters to Work:

Using filters is like having a conversation with your data. You can ask questions like:

  • “Which queries are driving the most traffic to my blog post about sustainable fashion?”
  • “How is my product page for hiking boots ranking in Canada compared to the US?”
  • “Are mobile users finding my website as easily as desktop users?”

Conclusion

Average position is one useful metric for assessing search visibility, but it shouldn’t be your sole focus. To improve SEO:

  1. Monitor average position alongside other metrics like impressions, click-through rate, and organic traffic
  2. Prioritize user experience over chasing specific rankings
  3. Use Google Search Console to track performance and identify improvement areas
  4. Make data-driven decisions to enhance your site’s search presence

Remember: Effective SEO is about connecting with your audience and meeting business goals, not just achieving high rankings.