How to Analyze Local SEO Competition

Your competitors appear higher on Google Maps, in the Local Pack, and in organic search results. It’s not by accident, it’s strategy. They’re doing something right, and you need to find out what that is.

Analyzing your local SEO competition gives you insights into what’s working for other businesses and how to outperform them. From local citations to backlinks and on-page SEO, this guide walks you through each step with tools and tactics to uncover and close the gaps.

What Is Local SEO Competition?

Local SEO competition refers to the businesses that compete for visibility in your geographic area. They rank for the same search terms and target the same customers.

These competitors show up for queries like:

• “best plumber near me”
• “vegan cafe Brooklyn”
• “affordable dentist in Austin”

Whether you realize it or not, these local search competitors are capturing the traffic and customers you want.

9 Steps to Analyze Local SEO Competition

Step 1: Identify Your True Competitors

Search your main keywords on Google. The top map and organic results show who you’re really competing with.

• The Local Pack (top 3 map results)
• The first page of organic search results

These are your most immediate SEO competitors. They may not be your business rivals in the traditional sense, but they are outranking you online, and that matters.

Step 2: Break Down Their Google Business Profiles

Check your competitors’ Google Business Profiles. Look for keywords, categories, reviews, photos, and updates; they all impact rankings.

• Are they using keywords in their business name?
• What categories are they listed under?
• Do they post regular updates or photos?
• How many reviews do they have? What’s the tone?
• Are they responding to customer questions?

Pro Tip: A well-optimized GBP often outranks even a great website.

Step 3: Analyze Their Local Citations

Local citations include a business’s name, address, and phone number. They boost trust, improve visibility, and signal local relevance to search engines.

Look for:

• Total number of citations
• NAP consistency across platforms
• Listings in niche or high-authority directories

If your competitors appear on directories you’re missing, get listed there too. These competitive SEO listings send strong local signals to search engines.

Step 4: Evaluate On-Page SEO and Website Content

Go beyond their business listings. Visit their websites and check for local keywords, fast loading times, and strong mobile design.

• Location-based keywords in titles and headings
• Dedicated service or location landing pages
• Fast loading speeds
• Mobile optimization
• Internal linking structure

Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs Site Audit, or Screaming Frog SEO Spider to dive deeper. Find what’s missing in your own content. Then build something better.

Step 5: Check Their Backlink Profile

Backlinks are one of the strongest ranking signals in SEO. To understand your competitors’ domain authority, investigate:

• The quality and quantity of backlinks
• Whether links come from local or industry-relevant sites
• Opportunities to replicate or exceed their link sources

Act fast on link-building opportunities. A single high-quality backlink can move the needle.

Step 6: Monitor and Track Their SEO Activity

Successful local SEO isn’t a one-time job, it’s ongoing. Set up systems to track your competitors and monitor their activity regularly. Here’s what to track:

• Keyword movement
• Review volume and ratings
• New backlinks
• GBP posts and changes

Stay alert and adjust your strategy as their tactics evolve.

Tools to Make Competitor Analysis Easier

Manually tracking competitors takes time. Use these tools to automate your SEO analysis and get faster, smarter insights.

• BrightLocal: Rank tracking, citation analysis, and review monitoring
• SEMrush: SEO gaps, domain comparisons, backlink analysis
• SpyFu: PPC + organic keyword strategies
• GeoRanker: Visualize keyword ranks by location
• Local Viking: Automate GBP posts, schedule updates, monitor rankings

These SEO competition tracker tools give you the edge to act smarter and faster.

FAQs: Real Questions, Straight Answers

Can I outrank businesses with more reviews?

Yes. Reviews are important, but so are citations, on-page SEO, and backlinks. A balanced strategy can beat a high review count alone.

How often should I analyze my competitors?

Do a full analysis quarterly. Use tracking tools to monitor changes weekly or monthly.

What if my biggest competitors are national brands?

Go hyper-local. Optimize for your neighborhood, city, and niche. You can win locally even if they have a big brand name.

Conclusion: Outrank With Strategy

Guesswork won’t get you to the top of local search. To win, you need real data, clear insights, and consistent action.

Your Local SEO Action Plan:

• Find your top competitors in Google search
• Audit their Google Business Profiles
• Check citations, content, and backlinks
• Use tools to monitor SEO competition
• Refine and adjust your strategy monthly

At Mantram Digital, we specialize in laser-focused local SEO strategies that deliver real results. Whether you’re a small business or a growing brand, we’ll help you analyze your competition, outrank them on Google, and win more local customers.

Let’s put your business on the map. Book a free strategy call today and start dominating local search.

Last Updated on August 5, 2025