Want Google rankings? How to guesstimate Google rankings with PFI engines

by Heather Lloyd-Martin

You've counted the clicks, watched the responses and found the best-pulling conversion page. "But what about my rankings?" you ask. "Conversion rates are nice, but I need top positions, too."

You have two options:

  1. You can post your page, hold your breath and wait for Google to recrawl (Derrick Wheeler from Marketleap calls the anticipatory response for new crawl data "getting Googlebumps.")
  2. You can test your text for rankings possibilities in other search engines besides Google.

Unfortunately, Google Labs hasn't created a crystal ball that allows you to estimate your positions for any given page. This means you may have the hottest conversion page around - but if it's not written for search engine spiders, you're back at square one.

Again, paying the search engines provides a solution. Pay-for-inclusion (PFI) programs like Inktomi's Search Submit spider your site every 48 hours, allowing you to change your site almost without penalty. For a low price per URL (less than $50), you can submit your page and see where it hits on Inktomi, Lycos or Fast. If your positions are less than stellar, you can make some revisions (like inserting keyphrases where appropriate) and resubmit your page until it's right.

Sure, it's not Google data (if only!). However, it's good for showing broad trends - not exact Google positions. Until Google comes up with that crystal ball (we're waiting, guys!), PFI can help you pave the way to Google rankings.

Questions? Comments? Email us at heather@searchenginewriting.com and give us your feedback!

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