Track SEO Performance After Website Updates
TL;DR:
- Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor traffic and ranking changes
- Log all updates in a project management tool to connect changes with results
- SEOSpace provides Squarespace-specific SEO tracking and improvement suggestions
- Cross-reference data from multiple sources for better insights
- Check performance weekly or bi-weekly after making updates
Setting up proper tracking before you make changes to your website is crucial. Without baseline data, you won't know if your updates helped or hurt your SEO performance.
Monitor Using Google Tools
Google Analytics and Google Search Console give you the clearest picture of how your website performs in search results. Here's what to track:
In Google Analytics:
- Organic traffic volume changes
- User engagement metrics (bounce rate, session duration)
- Goal completions from organic search
- Traffic to specific pages you've updated
In Google Search Console:
- Keyword ranking positions
- Click-through rates for search results
- Impressions and clicks for target keywords
- Coverage issues or crawl errors
The key is comparing data from before and after your updates. Look for trends over 2-4 weeks rather than day-to-day fluctuations, which are normal.
Use Project Management Tools
Keeping detailed records of what you changed and when makes it much easier to understand what worked. Create a simple log that includes:
- Date of each update
- Specific changes made (page content, meta descriptions, site structure)
- SEO metrics before the update
- Performance results 2-4 weeks later
- Notes on what you learned
Tools like Notion, Airtable, or even a simple spreadsheet work well for this. The important thing is consistency in tracking.
SEOSpace for Squarespace Sites
If you're running a Squarespace site, SEOSpace adds helpful tracking features that aren't available in the standard platform:
- Site-wide SEO health monitoring
- Automated scanning for common SEO issues
- Squarespace-specific optimization recommendations
- Performance tracking over time
SEOSpace integrates directly with your Squarespace site, making it easier to spot issues and track improvements without switching between multiple tools.
What to Watch For
After making updates, keep an eye on these warning signs:
- Sudden drops in organic traffic to updated pages
- Decreased rankings for your target keywords
- Increased bounce rates on modified content
- New crawl errors in Search Console
Don't panic if you see temporary dips. Search engines often take time to re-evaluate updated content, and rankings can fluctuate during this period.
When to Make Adjustments
Give your changes at least 2-3 weeks to take effect before making new modifications. SEO improvements often take time to show up in search results.
If you see consistent negative trends after a month, consider reverting some changes and testing different approaches. Sometimes the best way forward is to roll back and try a different strategy.
FAQs
Can I use SEOSpace with any Squarespace plan?
Yes, SEOSpace works with all Squarespace subscription levels.
Do I need to be an expert to use Google Analytics for SEO tracking?
No, you can start with basic metrics like organic traffic and page views. There are plenty of free resources to help you learn more advanced features as you go.
How often should I monitor SEO changes after updates?
Check your key metrics weekly or bi-weekly after making changes. Daily monitoring isn't necessary and can lead to overreacting to normal fluctuations.
How long should I wait before judging if an update worked?
Give SEO changes at least 2-4 weeks to show results. Some improvements can take longer depending on your site's authority and the competitiveness of your keywords.
Jargon Buster
- SEOSpace: A plugin that adds advanced SEO tracking and optimization tools to Squarespace websites
- Google Analytics: Free tool that tracks website traffic, user behavior, and conversion data
- Google Search Console: Google's free service that shows how your site appears in search results and flags technical issues
- Organic traffic: Visitors who find your site through unpaid search results
Wrap-up
Tracking SEO performance after updates doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the basic metrics in Google Analytics and Search Console, keep good records of your changes, and give your updates time to work. For Squarespace users, SEOSpace can simplify the process by providing platform-specific insights and recommendations. The key is being consistent with your tracking and patient with your results.
Join Pixelhaze Academy to learn more advanced SEO tracking techniques and get access to our complete optimization guides.