Keeping tabs on your SEO performance requires more than just monitoring general metrics. It’s about tracking both technical SEO and on-page changes with targeted strategies and the right tools to simplify your workflow.
Sure, you might already be using tools like Screaming Frog synced with Looker Studio or enterprise-level cloud crawlers. But let’s be honest:
- Are these solutions actually boosting your rankings?
- Do they provide actionable insights when managing dozens (or hundreds) of sites?
If the answer is “not really,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most of us want a better way to track what matters.
The Secret: Be Selective About What You Track
Instead of drowning in data, focus on what’s essential. This article explores:
- The most critical SEO elements to monitor.
- How to track them effectively.
- Recommendations for paid tools that simplify tracking (no affiliations—just real-world experience).
Track These Indexability Essentials First
1. Robots.txt Changes
Your robots.txt file is like the gatekeeper for search engines. Even a small mistake can block crawlers and destroy your SEO efforts.
Why track this?
Accidental changes often happen during deployments—like when staging robots.txt files are pushed to production.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden: Offers customizable checks and email alerts for robots.txt changes.
- Visualping: A reliable alternative for monitoring updates.
2. Noindex Robots Tags
This tag controls which pages appear in search results. A misconfiguration can tank visibility for critical pages.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden: Easy to configure for specific pages.
- Screaming Frog and Sitebulb: Great for deeper analysis, but email alert setups can be tedious.
3. X-Robots-Tag Changes
Similar to noindex tags, X-Robots-Tags work at the HTTP header level and are crucial for tracking indexability issues.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden: Pre-configured for seamless monitoring.
4. XML Sitemap Validation
XML sitemaps guide Google’s crawlers, but errors can derail the process.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden: Tracks and validates sitemap changes.
5. Canonical Tag Changes
Canonical tags hint at the primary URL for a page, but incorrect setups can lead to duplicate content issues.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden, Visualping, or ChangeTower: Excellent for tracking changes.
Don’t Forget On-Page SEO Elements
6. Heading Tag Changes
While Google says heading tags have limited ranking impact, SEOs know their value for accessibility and user experience.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden, Versionista, or Wachete: Reliable for monitoring changes to H1s and other headings.
7. Internal Linking Changes
Internal links support your site’s structure and rankings. Removing or altering key links can have consequences.
Recommended Tools:
- Same lineup as heading tags: LittleWarden, Visualping, and others.
8. Keyword Changes
Unintended changes to keywords can undermine your ranking efforts.
Recommended Tools:
- The usual suspects: LittleWarden, Visualping, etc.
SERP Visibility Elements to Watch
9. Title Tag Changes
Even though Google sometimes rewrites title tags, providing optimized ones remains critical.
10. Meta Description Changes
While meta descriptions don’t affect rankings directly, they’re vital for improving CTR.
Recommended Tools for Both:
- LittleWarden, Versionista, or ChangeTower.
11. Schema Validation
Schema markup is a goldmine for SERP features like rich snippets. Any unexpected changes can impact your CTR and visibility.
Recommended Tools:
- LittleWarden: Excellent for schema monitoring.
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
By focusing on the SEO elements that truly matter and using robust tracking tools, you’ll ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Whether you’re monitoring indexability, on-page elements, or SERP factors, the key is preparation.
Start tracking now—and stay ahead of the competition!
If it all still feels overwhelming, don’t worry—our monthly SEO packages are here to make things simple. Let the experts handle it for you!
