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**

1. Open your Google Business Profile dashboard.
2. Click **Performance**.
3. Focus on:

   - 🔍 Search terms people used to find you
   - 🗺️ Where views came from: Google Search vs. Maps
   - 🎯 Actions users took: calls, directions, website clicks
4. 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**

1. Log into [Google Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console).
2. Click **Search Results**.
3. Apply a filter: **Queries containing [your city]** or other local terms.
4. 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**

1. Set up Google Alerts for your business name + city.
2. Check your profiles on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Apple Maps.
3. Respond to reviews and questions promptly and professionally.
4. 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**

1. Log into Search Atlas.
2. 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.
3. Navigate to **GBP Audit** to view your overall audit score and detailed recommendations.
4. Review the **Competitor Benchmark** table to compare your profile against local competitors.
5. 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)](https://support.google.com/business/answer/9918094?hl=en) — steps to access and understand GBP Insights

**🗺️ Navigation**

➡️ **Next:** [Step 7: Improve Your Rankings Over Time](https://help.searchatlas.com/en/articles/11612275-step-7-boost-your-local-rankings-with-strategic-actions)  
🔝 **Back to:** [Series Index](https://help.searchatlas.com/en/articles/11605436-start-here-the-local-seo-setup-checklist)