10 replies to this topic

[wowyourfunny]

Hello,

I've run into this problem over the last few years but haven't had a free moment to research it.

All of the keyword position programs we've tried to use eventually ban us from Google mainly (although we know it can happen with yahoo as well).

Is there a special API we can receive from Google so we can run our client's websites positions without being banned?

thanks everyone!!

[Randy]

Is there a special API we can receive from Google

Not anymore to my knowledge. They used to have one that allowed you up to 1,000 queries per day, but that API license was discontinued long ago and far away. So if you don't already have one you can't get one.

Oddly, the old license still works even all these many months after they discontinued giving them out.

Google does still have some API stuff out there, using AJAX now, but I've not seen any of them that were actually designed for SEO's to use. The TOS on the new web search API states that you have to make the script available on your site for free use by all who want it.

[wowyourfunny]

Not anymore to my knowledge. They used to have one that allowed you up to 1,000 queries per day, but that API license was discontinued long ago and far away. So if you don't already have one you can't get one.

Oddly, the old license still works even all these many months after they discontinued giving them out.

Google does still have some API stuff out there, using AJAX now, but I've not seen any of them that were actually designed for SEO's to use. The TOS on the new web search API states that you have to make the script available on your site for free use by all who want it.

I find that hard to believe that it is impossible for us to run positions. How do other firms report positions to clients? Why doesn't google allow us to import keywords into the webmaster tool and generate positions? That seems like its something that should be part of the webmaster tool. Anyway, that wouldn't help AS much because clients want to see yahoo/msn as well.

If anyone has any ideas, we would love to hear them!

[Randy]

I don't understand what's so hard to believe. What you're asking about has been specifically mentioned as a no-no in Google's TOS for at least a decade. In fact, they mentioned one of the most popular rank checking tools by name for years and years. And this was when you could apply for an API to actually use the named tool !

They don't want you doing mass ranking checks.

[Jill]

Most of the tools have a place for you to add your Google API. I know WPG does.

But you should get away from measuring your success through rankings anyway. Please see the rank checking thread pinned at the top of the seo resources forum where I'll be moving this one later.

[wowyourfunny]

Most of the tools have a place for you to add your Google API. I know WPG does.

But you should get away from measuring your success through rankings anyway. Please see the rank checking thread pinned at the top of the seo resources forum where I'll be moving this one later.

Jill, I agree but customers do not. They need to see the movement in black and white ... something they can understand (for most non-technical types).

The issue is, I do not have a Google API! Can I share yours

[alessio]

Hi wowyourfunny,

usually in the preferences of these kind of software there's an option or a flag for the browser emulation, so you can tell to the software to "respect" the search engine.

[torka]

Part of the job of a consultant is to educate the customer when necessary -- not to simply follow the path of least resistance by giving the customer what they ask for (especially when what they ask for is useless or even counterproductive).

So educate these customers who insist on rankings reports. Can they pay their bills with ranking reports? There are no benefits to higher rankings in and of themselves -- rankings are worthless unless the rankings result in higher quality visitor traffic and increased sales. Most rational customers will happily give up rankings reports when you can document increases in traffic, sales and revenue instead.

Rankings are not a goal. They are simply one means to the end. Don't track the rankings, track the real benefits: website traffic, conversions and revenue.

--Torka

[MakeMeTop]

It is an education thing. I must now indirectly handle thousands of sites admittedly for fairly sophisticated clients and it is better ROI, Cost per acquisition and Cost per sale that they are interested in. Rankings are great for vanity but don't do anything for the bottom line necessarily.

Running ranking reports have been a great way to get banned or a penalty for years though. Ask your client if they want to run the risk!

Analytics reports can give a client a good idea of which keywords they are ranking for - because you can see what people are clicking on. Words the client wants that don't appear as referrals are probably not appearing in the first or second page - so an easy way to find out what needs work on.

[Alan Perkins]

In addition to Analytics, get a Webmaster tools account. It will tell you the top queries for which you are seeing impressions, the top queries for which you are seeing clicks, and the positions you are occupying for each.

[Sarah]

I must be evil... whilst waiting for my ranking report to finish, I'm reading this thread.....

Luckily this is amongst the last we will be running for the client as so far, all indications are taht we have reached the required position of the highly competitive industries and my work is now done.... for now! The rankings deal was struck two years ago, and I now wish it had been to increase traffic and conversions instead of rankings, as we would have acheived that within the first six months.

Push the client towards improving the ROI and you can get so much farther for them.