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.

 

 

Highlights

• Deeper Insights: ‘num=100’ scans the top 100 results (10 pages), uncovering rankings hidden beyond page one that shallow trackers miss.
• Real Progress: Track movements like #87 to #11 to see momentum early, even before hitting the top spot.
• Competitive Edge: Spot rising competitors in positions 20-100 before they overtake you on page one.
• Cost Savings: DataForSEO’s Stop-on-Match halts crawls once your site is found, slashing API costs by 50-90% for efficient deep tracking.
• Strategic Wins: Identify long-tail keywords starting at #60 that convert well and climb fast with targeted optimization.

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 upto 90% on API costs.

In conclusion, understanding and utilizing num=100 in your rank tracking setup is essential for gaining a true perspective on your SEO performance. By delving beyond the first page, you uncover hidden opportunities, track meaningful trends, and stay ahead of competitors—all now more accessible and cost-effective thanks to innovations like DataForSEO’s Stop-on-Match feature. Embrace deeper tracking to transform your SEO strategy from guesswork to data-driven success.