📍 Update Keywords in GBP Audit Reports and Heatmaps

📋 Overview

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) audit reports and local heatmaps are built around the keywords you select. If your target keywords change, your services expand, or you simply want to track different search terms, you can update these keywords at any time. This article walks you through the process so your data always reflects what matters most to your business.

🔍 Why Keywords Matter in GBP Audits and Heatmaps

The keywords you choose directly control:

• Audit report content — Search Atlas evaluates your GBP listing's relevance and visibility for these specific terms.
• Heatmap grid results — Each pin on the local heatmap shows your business's ranking for the selected keyword at that geographic point.
• Competitive insights — Competitor comparisons are scoped to the same keywords, so accuracy here is essential.

Keeping your keywords up to date ensures your reports reflect your actual local SEO performance.

🛠️ How to Update Keywords in Your GBP Audit Report

1. Log in to your Search Atlas account and navigate to the Local SEO section from the left sidebar.
2. Open the GBP Audit for the business location you want to update.
3. Locate the Keywords section within the audit settings or report configuration panel.
4. Remove any outdated keywords by clicking the X or delete icon next to each one.
5. Type your new target keywords into the keyword input field. Select from the suggestions or press Enter to add a custom term.
6. Click Save or Update Report to apply your changes.
7. Allow a few moments for the audit to regenerate with the updated keywords. Refresh the page if the report does not update automatically.

🗺️ How to Update Keywords in Your Local Heatmap

1. From the left sidebar, navigate to the Local section and open Local SEO Heatmaps.
2. Select the heatmap you want to edit, or create a new one for the updated keyword.
3. Click the Settings or Edit option associated with the heatmap.
4. Update the Target Keyword field with your new search term.
5. Adjust the grid size or location settings if needed to match your updated tracking goals.
6. Click Save to generate fresh results based on the new keyword.

Note: Each heatmap is tied to a single keyword. To track multiple keywords, create a separate heatmap for each one.

💡 Best Practices for Choosing GBP Keywords

• Use service-specific terms — Target keywords that describe exactly what you offer, such as "emergency plumber Chicago" rather than just "plumber."
• Match search intent — Choose terms your customers actually type when looking for local businesses like yours.
• Limit to high-priority terms — Focus on the keywords that drive the most valuable traffic rather than tracking every possible variation.
• Review regularly — Revisit your keyword selections monthly or after any major change to your services or service area.
• Check for seasonal trends — Update keywords ahead of busy seasons to capture timely search demand.

⚠️ Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Report not refreshing after keyword update: Hard-refresh your browser (Ctrl + Shift + R on Windows, Cmd + Shift + R on Mac) or clear your cache and try again.
• Heatmap still showing old keyword data: Confirm you clicked Save before leaving the settings panel. Re-open the heatmap settings to verify the new keyword is applied.
• Keyword not found in suggestions: You can type any custom keyword directly into the input field and press Enter to add it, even if it does not appear in the auto-suggestions.
• Changes not saving: Ensure you have the correct permissions for the project. If you are a collaborator, contact the project owner to confirm your access level.

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.