How to Track Local SEO Performance: A Simple Guide for Small Businesses

If you run a local business, showing up in nearby search results is very important. Whether you're a dentist, restaurant owner, or plumber, local SEO helps people in your area find you online. But after doing all the work — adding keywords, creating content, and getting listed in directories — how do you know it’s actually working?

In this guide, we’ll show you the simple and effective ways to check how your local SEO is performing. You'll learn what to measure, which tools to use, and what signs show you're heading in the right direction. One company that’s helping many small businesses grow through better local SEO strategies is Rankhive, and we’ll also mention how they fit into the picture.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO means improving your online visibility in search results that are shown to people near your business location. For example, when someone types “pizza near me” or “plumber in London,” Google shows businesses nearby. Local SEO helps your business appear in those results — especially in the local map section.

Why Tracking Local SEO Matters?

You might be getting more calls or visitors lately, but you need to understand if it’s because of your online efforts or something else. Tracking your SEO helps you know:

• If your Google rankings are improving

• Whether your business is getting more calls, clicks, or visits

• What areas or keywords are working best for you

• If your SEO investment is bringing real results

Key Metrics to Track Local SEO

Here are the main things you should track to see how well your local SEO is performing:

1. Google Business Profile Insights

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important tools for local SEO. From your dashboard, you can see:

• How many people found you on search or maps

• What actions they took (call, click, visit website)

• Which search terms they used to find you

• How many views your photos received

This helps you know how often you show up and how many customers are engaging with your business.

2. Local Keyword Rankings

You need to monitor how your website ranks for keywords that include your location. For example:

• “Best barber in Manchester”

• “Affordable electrician London”

• “Bakery near me”

Tools like BrightLocal, SEMrush, or Rankhive can help track your keyword performance in specific areas. You’ll be able to see if your keywords are going up or down in rankings.

3. Website Traffic From Local Searches

Using Google Analytics, check how many people are coming to your site from organic (non-paid) search. You can break this down by location to see how much traffic is coming from your target area.

Look at:

• Organic search traffic

• Users by location

• Device type (mobile, desktop)

• Time spent on your site

All these help you understand how people are finding and using your website.

4. Online Reviews and Ratings

Google reviews not only affect your reputation but also your local SEO. More positive reviews with keywords can improve your rankings.

Keep track of:

• Number of reviews

• Average star rating

• Keywords used in reviews

• How often you respond

Local SEO experts like Rankhive help businesses improve their review strategy to attract more local customers.

5. Local Backlinks

Backlinks from other local websites help improve your authority. Try to get mentions from local newspapers, bloggers, or directories.

Track:

• Number of backlinks

• Quality of the linking websites

• Anchor texts used (ideally including local keywords)

There are tools that help track backlinks, like Ahrefs or Moz.

6. NAP Consistency

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number. It must be the same everywhere — your website, directories, social profiles, etc.

Use tools to scan listings and check for mismatches. Consistent NAP info boosts trust and rankings.

7. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR shows how many people click your listing after seeing it in search results. A low CTR might mean your title or description isn’t attractive enough. Improve it by adding:

• Main keyword

• Location

• A benefit or service highlight

CTR can be seen in Google Search Console.

Tools to Track Local SEO

You don’t have to do everything manually. Here are some trusted tools that make it easier:

• Google Business Profile – Free and great for local insights

• Google Analytics – Tracks traffic and user behavior

• Google Search Console – Tracks search performance and CTR

• BrightLocal – Specialized tool for local SEO tracking

• SEMrush & Ahrefs – Powerful tools for keyword tracking and backlinks

• Moz Local – Helps manage and fix directory listings

Or, if you prefer to focus on running your business and leave SEO tracking to the experts, companies like Rankhive offer local SEO solutions designed for small business owners who need real results without the hassle.

Signs That Your Local SEO Is Working

Once you start tracking, here are some signs that your efforts are paying off:

• You appear in the Google 3-pack (map results) for main keywords

• Website traffic from your target area increases

• More people are calling or messaging from your profile

• You get more reviews and better ratings

• Local keyword rankings improve month by month

If these are happening, your local SEO strategy is on the right track.

How Rankhive Can Help?

Rankhive offers tailored SEO solutions for local businesses. Whether you need help tracking your progress, ranking for location-based keywords, or improving your online presence across Google and maps, their team focuses on strategies that deliver visible results.

They also assist with technical audits, content optimization, citation building, and local link development — all important parts of a strong local SEO campaign.

What sets them apart is their focus on clear data reporting and ongoing improvements. You don’t just get a service — you get regular updates on what’s working, what needs attention, and how your business is growing locally.

Conclusion

Tracking your local SEO performance is not just about numbers — it's about making sure your business is easy to find by people in your area. Focus on key points like your Google listing, keyword rankings, traffic sources, and online reviews. Use helpful tools or partner with experts like Rankhive if you want things done more efficiently.

By regularly checking your progress, you’ll know where you stand, what needs fixing, and how to attract more local customers every day.