> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rankability.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rankability.com/track/running-benchmark-reports.md).

# Running benchmark reports

Benchmark reports let you run a one-time visibility scan across search engines and AI platforms without setting up recurring tracking.

Benchmark reports let you run a one-time visibility scan across search engines and AI platforms without setting up recurring tracking.

## What is a benchmark report?

A benchmark report is a one-time visibility snapshot for a keyword. It scans every search engine and AI platform you select and delivers an SPI score, traditional rankings, AI mentions, and AI citations — the same data as an ongoing tracking project, just without recurring scans.

Benchmarks are ideal for sales calls, prospect audits, competitive checks, and client onboarding. Run one before a pitch to show a potential client exactly where they stand.

## Creating a benchmark report

A benchmark is the **One time** schedule choice inside the report builder rather than a separate setup path. You build it exactly like a tracking report and decide at the end whether it repeats.

1. Select a client, open **Track**, and choose **New project**.
2. Work through the builder as you would for tracking: what you want visibility for, where Rankability should check, and the confirmation page for each channel.
3. On **How often should we check?**, choose **One time**. No recurring checks are scheduled.
4. On the review page, confirm the settings — the schedule reads **Once, starting now** — and create the report.

Because it is the same builder, entering several topics creates several one-time reports rather than one combined snapshot.

## Viewing results

After you start it, you are taken to the same project dashboard used for standard tracking. You’ll see:

* **Scanning timeline** — Live progress showing each platform being scanned in real time.
* **Overview tab** — SPI score ring with a breakdown by category (traditional ranking, AI mentions, AI citations).
* **Traditional search tab** — Your position on each search engine with competitor comparison.
* **AI answers tab** — Whether your brand is mentioned in each AI platform’s response.
* **AI citations tab** — Whether AI platforms cite your website as a source.

## Converting to ongoing tracking

Every benchmark report includes an **Auto-tracking** toggle in the project dashboard. Flip it on and the project starts scanning on a recurring schedule — no need to re-enter any details. The keyword, domain, platforms, and brand settings are all preserved.

This makes benchmarks a natural sales funnel: show a prospect their current visibility, then convert the report to tracked monitoring once they sign on.

## Benchmark vs. standard tracking

| Feature        | Benchmark                    | Standard tracking             |
| -------------- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Scan frequency | One-time                     | Daily, weekly, or monthly     |
| Dashboard      | Same                         | Same                          |
| SPI score      | Yes                          | Yes, with trend history       |
| Convertible    | Yes, toggle auto-tracking on | N/A                           |
| Usage          | One-time on-demand impact    | Scheduled scans are protected |

## Tips

* Select all AI platforms for the most complete picture of AI visibility.
* Use benchmarks during prospect meetings to demonstrate your value before the client commits.
* Run benchmarks for competitor keywords to identify gaps in their strategy.

## Related articles

* [Setting up keyword tracking](/track/setting-up-keyword-tracking.md) — Create standard tracking projects with recurring scans.
* [Understanding SPI](/track/understanding-spi.md) — How the Search Performance Index score is calculated.
* [Supported tracking platforms](/track/supported-tracking-platforms.md) — Full list of trackable search engines and AI platforms.
* [Billing and usage](/account-and-settings/understanding-billing-and-credits.md) — Pooled limits and protected scheduled scans.