If you’ve used a rank tracker, you’ve seen settings like depth or num=100. That tiny option decides how much truth you actually see in your SEO results.
1 Page = 10 Results
Google shows 10 results per page.
When a rank tracker runs at depth = 10, it only checks page one.
If your site sits at position 14, 27, or 64, a shallow check won’t see it—so it may report “no ranking” even when you’re climbing.
Setting num=100 means your tracker looks through the first 10 pages (100 results), giving a complete picture of where you actually stand.
7 Hard-Hitting Reasons Everyone Should Track Deeper
1. You’re Probably Ranking — Just Not on Page One (Yet)
Most sites already appear somewhere in the top 100. If you only check page one, you’ll think you’re invisible when you’re actually in motion.
2. You Can’t Improve What You Don’t See
Knowing you’re #48 is the first step to becoming #8. You can’t optimize for keywords your tracker never reports.
3. Page-Two Traffic Still Exists (and Converts)
It’s smaller, but real—especially for long-tail or local intent. Some searchers scroll deeper when they’re serious about buying.
4. Google Tests Constantly
Sites often bounce between pages 2–5 before breaking through. Shallow tracking misses these test surges and early signals.
5. Competitors Aren’t Standing Still
Deeper tracking reveals who’s quietly gaining beneath you—the ones likely to displace you next.
6. Long-Tail Wins Start in the Shadows
Your highest-converting keywords might begin at position 60 and climb fast. Without deeper data, you’ll notice months too late.
7. The Trend Matters More Than a Snapshot
Momentum beats a single rank. Seeing movement like 87 → 52 → 26 → 11 tells you the strategy is working long before a #1 badge appears.
Why This Suddenly Got Smarter (and Cheaper Again)
Until recently, tracking 100 results meant sending 10 separate requests — one per page — which made deep data slow and expensive. Then DataForSEO introduced a new tiered pricing model and the Stop-on-Match feature that completely changed the game.
Each SERP page (10 results) costs about $0.0006, and every additional page costs roughly 75 % less.
That means full Top 100 tracking runs about $0.00465 per keyword — but here’s the twist:
With Stop-on-Match, the crawl automatically ends as soon as your domain is found.
If you already rank on page 1 or 2, you skip the rest — saving 50–90 % of your API cost automatically.
Even new projects save around 50 % on average, since most keywords appear within the first few pages.
In short, num=100 still matters — but now, thanks to DataForSEO’s smart crawling, you only pay for the visibility you actually need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘num=100’ mean in rank tracking?
‘num=100’ indicates that the rank tracker will check the first 100 results (10 pages) in search engine results, providing a comprehensive view of your site’s ranking position.
Why is it important to track deeper than page one?
Tracking deeper than page one is crucial because many sites rank beyond the first page. Understanding your position in the top 100 results helps identify opportunities for improvement and optimization.
How does deeper tracking affect SEO strategy?
Deeper tracking allows you to see trends and movements in rankings, which can inform your SEO strategy. It helps you identify keywords that are gaining traction and those that need more attention.
What are the cost benefits of using ‘num=100’ with DataForSEO?
Using ‘num=100’ with DataForSEO’s Stop-on-Match feature reduces costs significantly, as it allows you to skip unnecessary requests if your site ranks on the first or second page, saving you up to 90% on API costs.
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