How to Identify Declining Keywords in Google Search Console (GSC)
To identify declining keywords in Google Search Console, compare search performance over time, focusing on drops in clicks, impressions, and average position across historical data.

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Key Takaways






Frequently Asked Questions
What causes keywords to decline in Google Search Console?
Monthly reviews are ideal. However, higher-traffic sites may benefit from bi-weekly keyword health checks.
How often should I check for declining keywords?
Monthly reviews are ideal. However, higher-traffic sites may benefit from bi-weekly keyword health checks.
Can I recover traffic from declining keywords?
Yes. Updating content, improving relevance, and optimizing pages can help keywords recover ranking and traffic.
Is a lower CTR always a concern?
Not always. If impressions rise significantly, CTR may drop. Focus on keyword intent and user engagement as well.
What metrics are most important when tracking keyword decline?
Clicks, impressions, average position, and CTR—all offer insights into your SEO health when analyzed comparatively.
Step by Step Plan
Access Google Search Console
Log into your GSC property and head to the 'Performance' section under 'Search Results.'
Choose a Time Range for Comparison
Click the date filter and select 'Compare' (e.g., last 28 days vs previous 28 days). This highlights keyword trends.
Filter by Queries
Scroll to the 'Queries' tab and sort by difference in clicks or impressions to find declining keywords.
Filter by Queries
Look for queries with decreasing average position or CTR—they may be slipping due to algorithm changes, competition, or outdated content.
Export and Validate
Export the data to Google Sheets or Excel. Use filters or conditional formatting to identify meaningful declines worth acting on.
Comparison Table
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