We’re all looking for the most complete, accurate picture of how we rank on the SERPs. But what about your tracked keywords that aren’t currently ranking? Well, up until now STAT has displayed these keywords as having a rank of zero and excluded them from averages.
But zero isn’t a true ranking, so we’re re-labelling it as blank.
Starting on Thursday, October 1 you’ll have two options for assigning value for these non-ranking keywords:
- Use a blank. This is the new default. Your non-ranking keywords will not display any ranking value and will not be used in averaging calculations.
- Use a custom value of 120 or more. This is a new custom option. Your non-ranking keywords will display your custom value, which will also be used in averaging calculations.
We’re ditching the zero, going with the blank
The new default for non-ranking keyword values will be blank. These keywords will not affect averaging calculations and will be treated the same way that we used to treat zeros. Example: the average for two keywords, one with a rank of 20 and one blank is calculated 20/1 = 20.
If you’re using the blank value for non-ranking keywords you will see a drop in your averages if those keywords start ranking in the top 100, because for the first time they will be included in calculations with a true numeric value. This will have also been the case in the way that we previously treated zeros.
Or, choose your own value
Want to change the default? Go for it. Override your non-ranking keywords to a custom value of 120 or more. Overriding the default value is helpful if your SEO strategy takes into account all of the keywords that you’re tracking — including those that are not currently making an appearance on the SERPs.
If you override your non-ranking keyword value to 120 this will affect averaging calculations. Example: the average for two keywords, one with a rank of 20 and one ranking 120 is calculated 20 + 120 = 140 / 2 = 70.
Setting a value of 120 or more provides the most accurate averaging calculations while non-ranking keywords make their way into the top 100 results — from non-ranking to ranking. The addition of the newly ranking keywords won’t drastically shift your averages. In the same breath, if you add new tracked keywords that are not currently ranking this will drop your overall averages.
Tailor the value for each site
The custom non-ranking value is site specific. So it’s possible to set the value at blank for one site that you’re tracking and 120 for another. This is especially handy if you’re an agency that is tracking multiple sites with different SEO strategies and needs.
Cool! How do I do it?
Starting October 1, you can update your non-ranking keyword value from the default blank value by following Site Tools > Settings > Advanced Settings.
Just remember that every time you change this value it has the potential to substantially impact graphs, reports, and averages site wide and that this change is not retroactive. Please note that any change to custom non-ranking keyword values takes at least 24 hours to take affect.
How will this affect historical data?
In the seven business days following the launch we will be migrating historical data to change all zeros to a blank value (the new default) to provide you with a consistent treatment of non-ranking values across the board.
During this migration, you will see non-ranking keywords that have a value of zero and some with a value of blank. This means your averaging calculations for historical reporting will fluctuate as the migration completes. Rest assured that we’ll be working hard to resolve this as swiftly as possible, and the migration should be complete by end of day Friday, October 9th. At that time, all your historical reports will be accurate and updated.
Thanks so much for your patience during this change. We know that many of you will find these changes super handy going forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at support@getSTAT.com and we’ll be happy to help. We’re also here if you need help deciding which non-ranking keyword value is right for your strategy.
Many thanks,
The STAT Team