Track your local search performance across Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, third-party review platforms, and Search Atlas — so every optimization decision is backed by real data.
📋 Track: Use Google Business Profile Insights (Google Business Profile — external tool)
What to do
Review your GBP performance data weekly to see how people find and interact with your business.
Why it matters
These insights show what's driving results — and where to improve.
How to do it
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Open your Google Business Profile dashboard.
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Click Performance.
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Focus on:
- 🔍 Search terms people used to find you
- 🗺️ Where views came from: Google Search vs. Maps
- 🎯 Actions users took: calls, directions, website clicks
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Compare trends week over week.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Only checking once a quarter
- ❌ Ignoring drop-offs in views or calls
- ❌ Getting stuck on vanity metrics (like impressions alone)
Pro Tip
Check insights weekly — especially after publishing a new post or updating your business info. This helps you see the impact in real time.
✅ Once done, you'll have visibility into what's working and where to focus next.
📈 Evaluate: Measure Organic Traffic with Search Console (Google Search Console — external tool)
What to do
Review your local keyword traffic and page performance in Google Search Console.
Why it matters
You'll understand which pages attract searchers and how they find you organically.
How to do it
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Log into Google Search Console.
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Click Search Results.
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Apply a filter: Queries containing [your city] or other local terms.
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Review:
- Which pages get traffic
- Which search terms are performing
- Mobile vs. desktop visibility
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Not filtering for local queries
- ❌ Only checking top-level metrics
- ❌ Overlooking underperforming service pages
Pro Tip
If your local pages aren't getting traffic, adjust page titles to include your city and service (e.g., "Plumber in Denver").
This complements what you learned in Step 4 about optimizing your pages for local queries — now you're measuring the impact.
✅ Once done, you'll know how well your site supports local visibility.
🔔 Listen: Monitor Mentions and Reviews Around the Web (external third-party platforms)
What to do
Track when people mention your business or leave reviews outside of Google.
Why it matters
These signals influence your reputation — and can open new SEO or PR opportunities.
How to do it
- Set up Google Alerts for your business name + city.
- Check your profiles on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Apple Maps.
- Respond to reviews and questions promptly and professionally.
- Pursue mentions on other sites — and, where possible, a link back to your site.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Ignoring third-party platforms
- ❌ Responding late to negative reviews
- ❌ Letting outdated info stay visible
Pro Tip
Block 15 minutes every Friday to scan review platforms. Quick responses to reviews — especially negative ones — can boost trust and prevent lost customers.
✅ Once done, you'll stay ahead of problems and strengthen your local reputation.
🔎 Audit: Use Search Atlas's GBP Audit and GBP Overview (Search Atlas — native tool)
What to do
Use Search Atlas's built-in GBP Audit and GBP Overview dashboards to benchmark your profile against competitors and surface optimization opportunities directly inside the platform.
Why it matters
These native tools complement external data from GBP Insights and Search Console by giving you an audit score, competitor benchmarks, and prioritized recommendations — all in one place.
How to do it
- Log into Search Atlas.
- In the left sidebar, go to Local (GBP Projects) and open GBP Overview to see a snapshot of your profile health, recent activity, and key performance indicators.
- Navigate to GBP Audit to view your overall audit score and detailed recommendations.
- Review the Competitor Benchmark table to compare your profile against local competitors.
- Work through the top recommendations surfaced by the audit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Relying only on Google's native tools and missing competitor context
- ❌ Skipping the audit recommendations
- ❌ Not re-running the audit after making profile updates
Pro Tip
Run the GBP Audit monthly — and again after any major profile update — to track score improvements and stay ahead of competitors.
✅ Once done, you'll have a clear picture of your GBP health and how you stack up against local competitors.
🌀 You've completed Step 6 of your Local SEO setup. With monitoring in place, you can make smarter decisions based on real data — and grow your local presence with confidence.
📚 Useful Resources
📊 Monitor Performance
- Check & view your Business Profile Performance (Google Help) — steps to access and understand GBP Insights
🗺️ Navigation
➡️ Next: Step 7: Improve Your Rankings Over Time
🔝 Back to: Series Index