A Comprehensive Guide to 11 Essential Local SEO Tools for Optimal Results
In the world of local SEO, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial for success. From tracking rankings to analyzing website data, these tools provide valuable insights and help guide SEO strategies. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 11 essential local SEO tools that every SEO professional should have in their arsenal.
1. Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
GA4 is a powerful tool for analyzing website data, but it can be overwhelming to navigate. Despite its reporting limitations, local SEOs still rely on GA4 for valuable insights. One useful report in GA4 is the Landing page report, which allows you to assess the performance of your organic landing pages. By focusing on new user growth and key events (conversions), you can gauge the progress of your SEO campaigns.
2. CallRail
Call tracking is essential for accurate SEO reporting, and CallRail offers seamless integration with GA4. By tracking “first-time phone calls,” you can measure the real value of your organic landing pages. If a page has high traffic but few conversions, it may be time to optimize for conversion rate optimization (CRO). On the other hand, if a page converts well but has low traffic, you can identify keywords to improve rankings and drive more traffic.
3. Google Search Console (GSC)
GSC is a go-to tool for analyzing client website data. While it has some limitations, such as query filtering, it provides valuable insights into click data. However, it’s important to note that impressions data in GSC can be skewed by rank trackers, so it’s essential to interpret the data accurately.
4. Google Business Profile Insights
GBP Insights is a favorite reporting tool among local SEOs, despite its data limitations. By connecting GBP Insights to Looker Studio via the API, you can access 18 months of data, which is especially valuable for seasonal businesses. Unlike the platform, the API doesn’t threshold queries, allowing you to see all your searches.
5. Places Scout
Places Scout is a robust local keyword tracking tool that offers custom grid tracking reports for both local map and organic rankings. It takes into account various factors that influence rankings, such as search location and Google-defined boundaries. The SERP screenshot feature is particularly useful for diagnosing changes in organic rankings.
6. Local Falcon
Local Falcon is an OG local rank tracker that provides quick local ranking scans. Its proprietary search value metric, Share of Local Voice (SoLV), measures how often a business appears in the top three ranking positions on Google Maps. This metric is highly valuable for measuring local SEO success.
7. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a powerful SEO tool that offers various features, including Keyword Explorer for keyword research. While it doesn’t provide state/city-level search volume metrics, it offers valuable insights into highly searched-for questions and long-tail queries. Additionally, Ahrefs’ Link Intersect tool simplifies competitor link analysis.
8. Google Ads Keyword Planner
Google Ads Keyword Planner is the most accurate tool for obtaining local keyword search volume data. It allows you to drill down to state, city, or zip code level, enabling highly localized keyword targeting strategies. The major drawback is that you need an active Ads account to use it.
9. SEO Pro Extension
The SEO Pro Extension is a handy tool for quickly viewing metadata, headers, schema, and technical elements of a webpage. It’s especially useful for SEO audits and ensuring correct implementation of SEO elements on the front end.
10. GS Location Changer
The GS Location Changer is an essential extension for checking local SERPs manually. It allows you to set your IP to search from any specific location, making it easier to validate rankings reported by clients.
11. Awesome Screenshot
Taking regular screenshots of important keywords is crucial, as SERPs change frequently. Awesome Screenshot is a handy Chrome extension that allows you to capture screenshots and even record your screen. It’s particularly useful for creating instructional videos for clients.
In conclusion, these 11 essential local SEO tools provide valuable insights and help optimize SEO strategies for optimal results. Whether it’s analyzing website data, tracking rankings, or conducting keyword research, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial for success in the local SEO landscape.
