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How to Use Local SEO Heatmaps in GHL

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Camilo Aponte

Camilo Aponte

Last updated on Sep 30, 2026

Local SEO Heatmaps let you track your Google Business Profile (GBP) rankings by keyword on a visual map. This guide walks you through accessing, configuring, and managing heatmaps via the left sidebar → Local → Local SEO Heatmaps.

What Local Heatmaps Show

The Local SEO Heatmap dashboard displays the following columns for each business you track:

  • BUSINESS
  • Average Rank
  • HEATMAP KEYWORDS
  • Rating
  • Save, Import from Google Business Profile, Import Heatmaps, Export buttons

Step 1: Access Local Heatmaps

  1. In the left sidebar, click Local.
  2. Under LOCAL SEO TOOLS, click Local SEO Heatmaps (Local SEO Heatmaps).

Step 2: Manage Your Local Business

When the Local SEO Heatmap page opens, you'll see the "Manage your local business" screen with a list of businesses.

  • If a GBP is already connected, the business appears in the list automatically.

  • If no GBP is connected, use the controls at the top of the page:

    • Select a Search area
    • Choose Business Name, Place ID, or Place URL
    • Type in the Find a local business by business name… field
    • Click Save

You may also use Import from Google Business Profile or Import Heatmaps.

Step 3: Manage an Added Business

Each business row displays a View button and a three-dot menu (…).

  • To delete a business: Click … then click Delete.
  • To open a heatmap: Click View.

Step 4: Set Up a Heatmap

After clicking View, you'll see the Local SEO Heatmap setup view with the business name at the top.

  1. Add keywords in the Enter a keyword(s) field.

  2. Click Smart Suggest for keyword suggestions.

  3. Use the dropdown filters below the keyword bar:

    • Heatmap shape: Circle or Rectangular
    • Layers: 1–7 layers
    • Distance: e.g., 2 miles, 3 miles
    • Refresh cadence: Run Once, Daily, Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, or Monthly with date selector
    • Time: e.g., 9 AM

Step 5: Edit an Existing Heatmap

When a business already has heatmap data, the … menu shows:

  • Edit heatmap
  • Delete

Or click View to open the map directly.

Step 6: Use the Local SEO Heatmaps The left side shows the score panel (donut chart and pin breakdown). The right side displays the map.

Click Edit heatmap at the top to adjust settings.

Hover over the date at the top to expand additional details and scan info.

Interacting with Ranking Pins

  1. Click any star (ranking pin) on the map to open a pop-up with competitor list and ranking information.
  2. In the pop-up, click Compare to open the two-column Local SEO Showdown view—your business on the left, the competitor on the right.

Delete a Heatmap

  1. In the business list, click …
  2. Click Delete

View and Compare Results

  • Click the GBP name to see the heatmap.
  • Use the dropdown to switch between keywords.