Definition
Keyword Rankings Distribution is a strategic visualization showing how many keywords a site ranks for in each ranking bracket: top 3, positions 4-10, positions 11-20, positions 21-50, and 51-100. This distribution offers a much richer view than average position. It helps identify growth potential: a large number of keywords in positions 11-20 represents a pool of opportunities close to page one. Conversely, a concentration in positions 51-100 with few keywords in the top 10 indicates the site lacks authority to compete on its target queries. Tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and SE Ranking display this distribution in their dashboards.
Key Points
- Shows position distribution by bracket rather than a misleading average
- Keywords in positions 11-20 are the most accessible growth opportunities
- Available in most SEO tools (Semrush, Ahrefs, SE Ranking)
Practical Examples
Identifying quick-win opportunities
The distribution reveals 350 keywords in positions 11-20. By targeting backlinks via LemmiLink on corresponding pages, 120 of these keywords move into the top 10 in 3 months.
Campaign impact tracking
Before campaign: 50 keywords top 3, 180 top 10, 400 top 20. After 6 months of link building: 95 top 3, 310 top 10, 520 top 20. Progress is visible across all brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Average position can be misleading: a site with 10 keywords at position 1 and 10 at position 50 has an average of 25.5. Distribution clearly shows both groups and allows different actions for each.
These keywords are at the doorstep of page one and represent your best quick-win opportunities. Identify the corresponding pages, strengthen them with internal linking and targeted backlinks via LemmiLink, and optimize their content to surpass top 10 competitors.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07