Rank tracking is the feedback loop for SEO: without it you’re optimising blind. A SERP API turns that into a few lines of code at a fraction of hosted-tool prices. Here’s how to do it right.
What to measure
- Position of your domain for each target keyword.
- By location (
gl) — rankings differ by country/region. - Over time — store daily snapshots to see trends, not just today.
- Competitors — track their positions for the same keywords too.
How to structure checks
Your cost and coverage are a simple matrix:
requests/day = keywords × locations × checks_per_dayEach cell is one API request. Start with your top keywords in your primary market, then expand. With serp.cheap each check is ~$0.0006 fresh (half on cache hits), so even 500 keywords daily is well under $1/day.
Minimal implementation
import requests
def rank(keyword, domain, gl="us"):
data = requests.post("https://api.serp.cheap/v1/search",
headers={"X-API-Key": "YOUR_KEY"},
json={"q": keyword, "gl": gl}).json()
for r in data["organic"]:
if domain in r["link"]:
return r["position"]
return NoneFull build with storage and scheduling: build a rank tracker in Python.
Pitfalls
- Personalisation/localisation — always pin
gl(andhlif needed) so results are comparable day to day. - SERP features — your “position 1” may sit below ads or a featured snippet; track features too if they matter.
- Sampling — you don’t need every keyword every hour; daily is usually enough and keeps cost low.
Why an API beats hosted tools
Hosted rank trackers charge $20–$200+/month with keyword caps. A SERP API has no caps and 12-month credit validity — you pay per check and own the data. See the pricing comparison.
Prices last reviewed June 2026 — always check the provider’s pricing page.
Next
Try serp.cheap
Start tracking your rankings today. 100 free searches on signup — no card required; pay-as-you-go from $0.75/1k after that, and credits stay valid for 12 months.
- Get your free API key →
- Prefer paying by card? serp.cheap is also on RapidAPI (
$0.90/1k) and Apify ($1.50/1k).