Search engines like Google are crucial for businesses, with most potential customers going to its platforms to do local searches and find the best local establishments, and that’s where local SEO gains relevance.
Almost everyone is on the Internet nowadays. And the ones who aren’t most likely are currently trying to have an online presence. Think about it: We now run errands, book appointments, work, and even do our grocery shopping on the web.
But how exactly do you track your rankings? Are there popular tools to carry out this task? Stay tuned as we answer your questions and provide extra information that will take your local ranking to the next level. Let’s go!
A Local SEO Introduction
When business owners take their products or services online, they will most likely want to show on local search results, which means they must focus their efforts on search engine optimization.
However, SEO efforts for businesses that want to gain local visibility should not have a traditional SEO approach but aim to implement local SEO tactics in their campaigns.
Local SEO includes Google Business Profile optimization, doing local keyword research, managing review sites, and many other aspects that must stay in the radars, which leads businesses to work with local SEO agencies, as they are the ones with the best local SEO tools to improve the companies’ rankings.
When agencies focus on boosting local business rankings, they will probably start with keywords. These keywords are a usual part of SEO analysis, but in this case, they gain another characteristic: geo-targeting. For example, while in some states you’ll call it soda, in others you’ll call it pop. These seemingly small but relevant distinctions per area will be deal breakers when working with keywords.
Google Business Profiles must be optimized to the best level possible (without the risk of over-optimizing the listing!) Among the SEO best practices when optimizing GMB are having the business’ complete, accurate information, exact address, high-quality pictures and videos, and any other factor that will show in local SERPs.
Ideally, you want to keep an eye on what the local search rankings look like and know what you can do to improve your local ranks, and that’s where local SEO trackers join the arsenal.
Local SEO Trackers: What Are They?
Local rank trackers are tools that SEO experts use to evaluate and track their SEO performance regarding local SEO campaigns.
They are rank-tracker tools that will let you know if the efforts are meeting the local SEO efforts you’re putting in. They follow crucial platforms such as Google Maps, search engine rankings, and more and help you gain SEO insights, which helps you understand where you stand regarding your local competitors.
Popular Local SEO Trackers Among Experts
SEO experts will always aim to work with the best SEO tools available, and this is no exception. There are many local rank checkers, and these are some of the most popular ones among professionals.
SEMrush
If you’re looking for an all-in-one SEO tool, SEMrush could be the best option. With a 4.7 review score on CapTerra, it has positioned itself as a popular multi-purpose SEO tool in the market.
Even though it has a more holistic SEO approach, the platform has a ranking feature that helps you track your local search rankings and see how your keywords are doing. Furthermore, the platform allows you to do keyword research, competitor analysis, and more. These features can help you track local performance and see what results your local SEO strategy has.
While its pricing is on the higher end of the scale, starting at $129,95 and ending at $499,95, it has a free trial option for all of its plans.
RankTracker
Beginning with the local-specific SEO platforms, we got RankTracker. As the name states, the tool focuses mostly on tracking local rankings regarding local keywords. It has a 4.5 review score on CapTerra, with comments praising its performance.
It provides daily updates on keyword rankings and allows you to use it on mobile or desktop. Furthermore, it has a feature that allows one to track keywords in country-specific search engines.
This local rank-tracking tool has a starting price of $24 and goes up to $209 monthly.
Accuranker
If you want to work with popular local SEO tools, consider investing in Accuranker. This local SEO software is among the most well-loved in the industry. Chances are you have heard of it. Its 4.8 review score on CapTerra is proof of it.
Its strong local SEO tools allow you to get visual reports on the keywords you use and get SERP analysis about crucial SEO tools that help businesses rank higher, such as knowledge panels and snippets.
The platform offers different price points depending on the amount of keywords you wish to track, starting at $129 monthly per 1,000 keywords. Additionally, it has a 14-day free trial. However, if you’re in the beginning stages of your SEO journey, you might want to keep looking for other software.
BrightLocal
Another important local SEO software tool is BrightLocal. This platform is known for being user-friendly and having affordable prices. With a 4.8 review score on CapTerra, it showcases it is among the most loved tools in the industry.
If you want a broader SEO approach with local business owners instead of just focusing on rankings, consider working with this tool. Not only does it help you gain insights into how well your SEO performance is regarding keywords, but provides information about reviews, on-site SEO, and many other crucial that boost local SEO. Furthermore, you can create your campaigns directly on the platform.
Their prices start at $39 and end at $59 monthly, with access to free trials of their plans.
GeoRanker
If you’re working with local listings or global businesses, GeoRanker is an excellent option for local or global SEO.
Among its features, you’ll find a heat map that allows you to track how a website does in specific locations. Furthermore, you’ll have access to keyword ranking tools and other critical SEO metrics.
Its prices go from $99 to $490 per month and offers a 7-day free trial.
GrowthBar
GrowthBar is another popular SEO tool among SEO professionals. It allows you to track keyword rankings and shows where your authority stands regarding your competitors.
Furthermore, it has a Google Chrome extension, and since most SEO pros use search engines like Google, it is a great feature to help you keep track of and improve your local search rankings.
Their prices start at $48 to $199 monthly, each plan has a free trial, and the platform has a 4.8 review score on CapTerra.
BiQ
BiQ offers features the most popular tools have but in a comprehensive local SEO size. It allows you to do a content gap analysis, find local keyword suggestions, and track the ranking of 1,000 keywords at once.
Their prices start at $55 and go up to $115 monthly.
SEO Aspects You Must Keep Your Eyes On
When you work with local SEO, you must know which metrics to keep on your radar. As you probably know by now, key performance indicators (KPIs) are the ones that matter the most, and they vary per business. Here are some of the aspects to think about when improving your local SEO results.
- NAP: Top local directories and platforms like Google Business Profile must have the company’s name, address, and phone number as accurately as possible. Furthermore, the information should be consistent across platforms. If the company has multiple branches, each should have its personalized phone number (and GBP!).
- On-page SEO: When doing SEO audits, you must ensure the content is catered towards local customers. For example, you want to appear on the SERPs if a potential client does a Google search with a local search query. Furthermore, implement geo-targeted keywords that come up often in the local search engine result pages of the niche the business is in. Local search visibility relies heavily on this aspect.
- Reviews: Don’t forget to keep feedback on your radar. Client comments can be what helps potential customers make a decision regarding businesses, so it’s crucial to manage them properly.
- Keep clients informed: Regardless of your preferred platform, don’t forget to post about events, promos, holiday-themed happenings, and other things that could bring customers into your business.
- Go bigger: If possible, use tools such as Google Local Service Ads and get their Google Screened or Guaranteed badges. This ad platform has a pay-per-lead method, which ensures you pay for the results you get.
How Can Local SEO Benefit Businesses?
There are many reasons why businesses should consider adding local SEO to their arsenal. For starters, this search engine optimization method will change how potential clients find the companies.
It is easier to build trust with potential customers when they come across reliable information about local businesses. The ultimate SEO goal is to help companies rank high on local SERPs, and with a higher ranking comes higher conversion rates, a boost in customer influx, and overall business growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Organic and Local SEO?
The most important difference between organic SEO and local SEO is that the organic approach uses strategies to target an audience, regardless of their location. Local SEO focuses on reaching audiences in specific cities or towns.
Is PPC Better Than Local SEO?
There is no better than the other option regarding this question. Most marketers and SEO professionals agree that both strategies can deliver excellent results when aligned. However, if you must choose one, the decision reduces to what the business wishes to achieve.
Can I Hire Someone to Do My SEO?
Yes, you can! It is best to work with specialized SEO agencies, as they ensure a higher chance of getting results. Accelerate Marketing focuses on delivering the best local SEO results for businesses that want assistance in areas such as Google Business Profile optimization, Google Local Service Ads, and others.
Wrapping Up
Local SEO tracking tools are game changers for businesses and local SEO agencies. They will allow both parties to get a better understanding of how SEO and marketing look like for companies’ cities or towns.
We hope this article delivered a broad look into local SEO. And if you wish to see a boost in your local SEO performance, contact us now. Thank you for reading!
