Why Are Local Pack Keywords Appearing?
When you create a Rank Tracker project and connect it to a Google Business Profile (GBP), Search Atlas automatically inherits the keyword set associated with that GBP. This includes:
- Local pack keywords — terms that trigger the map-based local results block in Google Search
- Mobile keywords — variants tracked specifically for mobile search engine results pages (SERPs)
These keywords are pulled in automatically as part of the GBP connection and are intended to give you a complete local visibility picture. However, they count toward your rank tracking keyword quota, which can consume your allowance faster than expected if you only need standard organic rankings.
Can I Remove These Keywords From an Existing Project?
Unfortunately, no. Local pack and mobile keywords that are inherited through a GBP connection cannot be individually removed from an existing Rank Tracker project. The connection between the project and the GBP is set at the time of creation, and the inherited keywords are locked to that project configuration.
The only way to stop tracking these keywords and reclaim your quota is to delete the existing project and recreate it without a GBP connection.
How to Fix It: Delete and Recreate Without a GBP Connection
The confirmed workaround is to delete the affected project and set up a new one while leaving the Google Business Profile field disconnected. Before deleting, make a note of the keywords you want to keep so you can re-add them to the new project.
Step 1 — Record the keywords you want to keep
- Navigate to Rank Tracker and open the affected project.
- Review your keyword list and note down (or otherwise save) the keywords you want to continue tracking, excluding any local pack or mobile keywords you do not need.
Step 2 — Delete the existing project
- Inside the same Rank Tracker project, locate the project deletion option within the project's settings area.
- Delete the project and confirm when prompted.
- This will release all keywords from that project back to your available quota.
Step 3 — Create a new project without a GBP connection
- In Rank Tracker, start creating a new project.
- Enter your domain and configure your target location, device, and search engine settings as needed.
- When prompted to connect a Google Business Profile, skip or leave this field blank. Do not connect a GBP if you want to avoid inheriting local pack and mobile keywords.
- Add back the keywords you recorded in Step 1.
- Save and launch the new project.
Your project will now track only the keywords you selected, without inheriting local pack or mobile keywords from a GBP connection.
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.