Do Rank Checking Tools Cause Problems with Google?

[300m]

Over the years I have done most of my rank checking manually, and beleive me when I say this, its a PAIN! With that said, I no longer have to do that task :) our new SEO does, but I do not want him tracking down hundreds of keywords manually if he does not need to, I can think of a lot of other things he could be doing with his time.

My question is, do these SaaS web checkers work? Do the stand alone web rank checkers work? More importantly, do they cause any harm to Google serps?

Its been a while since i have frequented this particular board, but I recall there were a couple of them that did cause problems.

I am not sure if WebmasterWorld has TOS on providing a SaaS or Stand alone app, but if they allow it I would greatly appreciate any insight. If the moderators do not allow it, could someone PM me on a place to look at? I am not too concerned with pricing.

Thanks.

[tedster]

The Google Forum Charter [webmasterworld.com] does prohibit discussing specific tools - that rapidly turns into a marketing war.

But the basic question can certainly be discussed. And the biggest problem with any rank checking today - manual, desktop or an online service - is that your rankings may not be the same at any two times. That's why I prefer to monitor traffic and conversions as the key metrics and use ranking only occasionally, when needed as a diagnostic tool for notable changes.

I don't know what kind of arrangements the various SaaS tools have with Google - or even if they have any. It's certain that Google doesn't care for lots of automated rank checking, but just the same, various services do come up with a number for your graph somehow.

[SEOPTI]

Rank checking tools, this was 1998-2000, they are dead and make no sense.

[Renaud_Joly]

I have stopped massive ranking during 2007. Analysis is deeper with trafic, conversion, landing pages monitoring... and other indicators we have developed.
Some rank check are occasionally done with a tool, on demand for a specific question, and with a limited size.

[300m]

I am of the same opinion that they are not very useful, but the new SEO we have is interested in using them.

I have to say that while checking traffic, conversions, and LP monitoring is essential and necessary to the survival of any web site, I do think its also important to know where you are ranking for keywords organically.

If you see a drop in traffic, but do not know its due to a serp change in your core because its not worth your time seems like an important component to brush off.

[BradleyT]

I gave up on arguing in this thread - [webmasterworld.com...] Using SaaS and thinking Google will know which site is yours is just illogical.