- Top-10 queries correspond to the first page of results, the practical visibility threshold.
- The counter measures potential: these queries are the ones a moderate effort can move up.
- Read with the top-3 counter, it shows where the reservoir sits.
Definition
Top-10 queries count the expressions for which the site appears, on average, in the first ten results.
Worked example
A site counts 310 top-10 queries of which 42 in the top 3. The 268 queries between fourth and tenth place make up the reservoir: they're already judged relevant by Google, and close to the threshold where traffic takes off.
Orders of magnitude
A ratio of one to five between top 3 and top 10 is common. A much higher ratio signals pages plateauing at the bottom of the first page, often for lack of depth or internal links.
The most common mistakes
- Being satisfied with a first-page spot. Places 7 to 10 generate few clicks.
- Treating all these queries equally. Search volume should decide the work order.
- Forgetting that the first page is shrinking. AI-generated results, question boxes and carousels push the classic links down.
Where to find the metric
In Search Console, the Performance report filtered on a position below 10.5. To cross with impressions to prioritize.
Frequently asked questions
The Adwise team connects Google Ads, Meta Ads, LinkedIn Ads, GA4 and Search Console so agencies and freelancers can run their campaigns from a single place.