If you're in the local business game, knowing who your competitors are and what they're up to is key to carving out your own niche. The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and to stay ahead, you need a solid strategy backed by data. That's where BrightLocal comes in. This tool isn’t just another flashy dashboard; it’s your secret weapon for local SEO domination. Let's dive in and see how you can use BrightLocal to track your competitors and capitalize on new opportunities.
1. Audit Your Competitors with Google Business Profile
First off, start with a Google Business Profile Audit. This nifty feature lets you assess your Google Business Profile against your competitors. By entering your business location and type, you can identify who’s ranking high in your area for specific search terms.
The audit gives you a wealth of info, including:
Number of citations, links, and reviews: Discover where you stand.
Star ratings and photo counts: Visual appeal matters.
Primary business categories: Are you even in the right category?
Say you find that your competitor, Sodoma Law, is ranking for the term "divorce attorney." You might notice they have fewer links than you, which indicates an opportunity: focus on building quality backlinks to up your ranking.
2. Local Rank Tracker: Benchmarking Your Success
Next up is the Local Rank Tracker report. This feature is gold for tracking how your rankings stack up against your competitors. You can monitor up to four competitors, allowing you to see how you fare in the local search arena.
Want to find out who your competitors are? Just Google relevant terms, like "lawyers Charlotte NC," and see who pops up. After running your report, check out the Chosen Competitors tab to gauge their ranking for different keywords.
Remember, knowledge is power. If a competitor is dominating a keyword like "Plumbing Services Colorado Springs," it's time to reassess your content strategy and start incorporating that keyword into your own website.
3. Citation Tracker Report: Filling in the Gaps
With the Citation Tracker report, you can uncover citation opportunities your competitors are exploiting. By analyzing who ranks high in Google Maps, you can pinpoint citations they have that you don’t.
Once you’ve generated your report, look for Competitor Citations to see which citations to target.
Take note of the Citation Authority and Citation Value columns. These metrics help you determine which citations are worth your time based on their potential to improve your SEO.
4. Local Search Audit: Understanding Your Standing
The Local Search Audit is another tool you won’t want to overlook. Here, you can see how your business compares against competitors in terms of key metrics like:
Google Index Count
Link Count
Linking Domains
If your metrics are below average, it’s time to strategize. For example, if your Linking Domains are lower than your competitors, reach out to relevant websites to get those backlinks.
5. Local Search Grid: Ranking Insights
Finally, the Local Search Grid report gives you a clear picture of how you rank for specific keywords compared to your competitors. It displays crucial metrics like:
Avg Rank
Authority Score
Number of Reviews
If your competitors have a higher authority score, it might be time to rethink your link-building strategies. As the saying goes, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," and in this case, the same applies to your competitors!
Your Next Steps
To get ahead, start setting up these five BrightLocal reports today. They’ll provide invaluable insights into your competitors’ local SEO efforts, allowing you to make data-driven decisions that will propel your business forward.
As you work on these strategies, remember that improvement in local SEO takes time and consistent effort. For more in-depth guidance, check out the BrightLocal Help Center and the Insights section on their website.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Comments