Proxies for SERP rank tracking
Search results depend on where the searcher is. To track rankings the way real users see them, each query has to leave from an IP in the right country, and for local SEO, the right city. NodeLighthouse puts residential IPs in 172 countries behind one gateway, with city targeting included.
Local rankings need local IPs
A query for "plumber near me" returns different results in Austin and Denver. Put the location in the username and each request exits from a residential IP there. State and city targeting cost the same as country targeting.
# country-level SERP check
curl -x http://<USERNAME>-type-residential-country-us:<PASSWORD>@gw.nodelighthouse.com:9000 "https://www.example-search.com/search?q=running+shoes"
# state-level (New York)
curl -x http://<USERNAME>-type-residential-country-us-state-ny:<PASSWORD>@gw.nodelighthouse.com:9000 "https://www.example-search.com/search?q=running+shoes"Rotating sessions suit rank checks
Each rank check is usually a single, independent request, so the rotating port 9000 is the natural fit: every query gets a fresh IP. Use a sticky session only when you page through results and want pages 1 to 5 from the same IP.
Keep your query rate modest and spread it across the day. Rank tracking needs consistency more than speed.
Estimating bandwidth
SERP pages are relatively small when you skip images and scripts, so cost depends mostly on how many keywords and locations you track and how often. Measure a real page with the $2 / 500 MB test pack, then multiply. Plans are a flat $1.65/GB at every size; see pricing.
- Request HTML only; don't render the page unless you need features that require it.
- Cache results for keywords that don't move daily.
- Use the search engine's official APIs where they meet your needs, and follow its terms.
Setup guides
Questions
- Can I check rankings for a specific city?
- Yes. Add -state- and -city- segments after the country in the username. City targeting is included at no extra cost.
- How many countries can I track?
- Residential IPs are available in 172 countries, all on the same plan and price.
- Do I need sticky sessions for rank tracking?
- Usually not. Single queries work best on the rotating port. Use sticky sessions only when you paginate through results.
Try it on your own targets
A flat $1.65/GB on every plan, with state and city targeting included. Start with the $2 for 500 MB test pack, paid in crypto.