Glossary

Search visibility terms

Plain-English definitions for the terms bisibility uses. Start with rank tracking, then SERP features, AI search, local search, and the data sources and hosting behind it all.

CompareRank-tracking alternativesCompare bisibility with SEO suites, rank trackers, and open-source options.EstimateRank-tracking cost calculatorEstimate SERP-data spend across keywords, markets, devices, and schedules.

Rank tracking7 termsThe basics: keyword positions, schedules, and how visibility is measured.

ConceptRank trackingChecking where a page ranks in search results for a keyword, location, device, and search engine.ConceptSearch visibilityHow discoverable a brand or page is across rankings, SERP features, local results, and AI answers.MetricKeyword positionThe rank a tracked site or URL holds for one keyword in one check.MetricPosition distributionTracked keywords grouped into buckets such as top 3, top 10, top 20, and not ranking.MetricShare of voiceAn estimate of how much visibility a site gets across tracked keywords, compared with competitors.ConceptKeyword cannibalizationWhen several pages on the same site compete for the same search query.FeatureScheduled rank checkA rank check that reruns automatically on a daily, weekly, or custom schedule.

SERP features4 termsSearch result blocks that can change rankings and clicks.

ConceptSERP featuresResult blocks beyond plain links: snippets, People Also Ask, local packs, images, videos.ConceptSERPThe results page a search engine returns for a query, including links, ads, maps, and AI answers.Google featureFeatured snippetA highlighted answer block that Google pulls from one page and shows above the results.Google featurePeople Also AskA results block of expandable related questions, each with its answer source.

AI search4 termsAI answers, citations, and answer-first search.

Google featureAI OverviewGoogle's generated answer block, shown above or within the normal results.Google featureAI ModeGoogle's AI-first search view, where answers, follow-ups, and cited sources replace the link list.ConceptGEO / AEOGenerative Engine Optimization and Answer Engine Optimization: cited in generated answers, not just rankings.MetricLLM citationA source mention or link that a large language model includes in a generated answer.

Local2 termsLocal and map-based search terms.

Google featureLocal packThe map-based group of local business results shown for location-sensitive searches.MetricShare of local voiceHow visible a business is across local keywords and map-grid checks, compared with competitors.

Data sources & hosting7 termsProviders, APIs, self-hosting, and agent access.

ConceptSelf-hosted SEOSEO software running on infrastructure you control, so data and credentials never leave it.ConceptBring-your-own (BYO) providerConnecting your own data-provider account instead of buying data through the app.ProviderDataForSEOA SERP data provider that returns structured search result snapshots for rank tracking.ProviderSerpApiA search result API that returns structured SERP data for automation and rank tracking.Data sourceGoogle Search ConsoleGoogle's own data on impressions, clicks, average position, and indexing issues.FeatureRank-tracking APIAn interface that lets your own tools read keywords, projects, rank checks, and ranking history.InfrastructureMCP serverA server that lets AI agents use structured tools and resources through the Model Context Protocol.

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