How do I measure keyword rank accurately? It looks different on different PCs

[caroline1977]

Does Google mess with my rank readings? They look different on different PCs and using different browsers. How do I get a true reading of rank of my clients keywords?

[alsvik]

It uses personalization.  Clear cache and cookies and try again - or add &pws=0 to the URL.

I use Google Chrome in "incognito mode" in XP environment along with CC Cleaner - it gives me accurate SERP everytime.

[BedeFahey]

Definitely eliminate personalization, as alsvik said. Beyond that, though, there are still other factors (Location, I.P address etc.) that you need to account for.

The best way I've found to handle it is to forget the idea of a "true reading". There are too many variables to eliminate in the real world. Instead, keep your measuring consistent and prove value that way. If you measure in the same way each time you can demonstrate an increase or decline in rankings, because the variables will always be the same

The various tracking tools, while not perfect, will eliminate some of the variables, and will certainly give you a consistent read each time.

From a client management perspective, it's more about setting client expectations than anything else. You need to discuss the fact that results may be slightly different when they check. You also need to explain why.

Once you've done that, you need to get your client to agree to the process you'll be using to track rank. If you use SEOmoz rank tracker, or Raventools, or whatever else, then get their buy-in that that platform is the one you'll be using to measure the effectiveness of your work . If you don't, you're likely to end up playing the "I'm not ranking where you say I am" game.

Edit: If you're tracking rank manually, then consider looking for something like the Bruce Clay toolbar, which will let you run searches via proxy.