Local SEO Heatmap New

Local Search Grid shows where your business ranks for target keywords across a geographic area. Instead of a single rank position, you see a color-coded map grid that reveals ranking strength and weak spots neighborhood by neighborhood. This feature is part of the Localith local SEO optimization tool.

Overview

A single rank check tells you one number. The local search grid tells you how that number changes depending on where the searcher is standing. Two people five miles apart can see completely different results for the same keyword — and this tool makes that visible.

Use the local search grid when you want to understand which parts of your service area you dominate, where competitors outrank you, and how your position changes over time.

Before you start

Before you generate your first grid report, make sure:

• your Google Business Profile is connected in Localith
• you have at least one keyword you want to track
• you know the approximate area you want to cover (city center, metro area, etc.)

You can track up to 5 keywords per report. If you need broader keyword research first, start with Keyword Optimization.

How it works

Navigate to SEO Management > Local search grid for any connected location. Localith generates a map overlay centered on your business address with color-coded pins at each grid intersection.

Each pin represents a simulated search from that geographic point and shows your ranking position for the selected keyword.

• Green pins (1–3) — you are in the top 3 results from that location
• Yellow pins (4–7) — you appear on page one but not in the top pack
• Orange pins (8–10) — you are on the edge of page one
• Red pins (11+) — you are off the first page from that point
• Red dash (–) — you do not appear in results from that point at all

Step-by-step

1. Open SEO Management from the left sidebar.
2. Select the location you want to analyze.
3. Click Local search grid in the Keywords section.
4. Choose a keyword from the dropdown or add a new one.
5. Click Re-run to generate a fresh grid report (costs 10 credits).
6. Review the map — hover over any pin to see the exact rank from that point.
7. Scroll down to see Avg. rank, Change, and Performance history for the keyword.
8. Review the Ranking competitors table below the map to see who else ranks for the same keyword in your area.

[PLACEHOLDER: screenshot — performance history chart and competitor ranking table]

Configure report settings

Click Report settings in the top-right corner to adjust:

• Keywords — add or remove tracked keywords (up to 5 per report)
• Frequency — set how often the grid refreshes automatically (weekly or monthly)
• Grid density — choose the grid size (3×3, 5×5, or 7×7) to control how many points are sampled
• Scan radius — set the area covered around your business (5, 10, 15, or 25 miles)

Changes in settings apply to future reports only. Click Save report setting to confirm.

Reading the results

Below the map, Localith shows:

• Avg. rank for the selected keyword across all grid points
• Change compared to the previous report
• Performance history chart tracking your average position over time
• Ranking competitors table listing the top businesses for that keyword, with their average rank, review count, average rating, primary category, and additional categories

Use the keyword dropdown at the top to switch between tracked keywords and compare performance.

Tips and best practices

• Start with a 5×5 grid and 5-mile radius for a good balance of coverage and detail.
• Track your most important 2–3 keywords first, then expand once you have a baseline.
• Compare grid results month over month to measure the impact of profile optimizations.
• Use the competitor table to identify who consistently outranks you and investigate their profile setup.
• Export or download the grid report when preparing local SEO reports for clients or stakeholders.

Limits or edge cases

• Grid reports consume credits. Higher grid density (7×7) uses more credits than lower density (3×3).
• Rankings can shift day to day based on Google's algorithm, so treat single reports as snapshots rather than absolutes.
• Very rural areas with low search volume may show less variation across grid points.

Common questions