What is Geo-Grid Rank Tracking?
Geo-grid rank tracking measures your Google Maps rankings from multiple points across a geographic area, then visualizes the data as a heatmap. Instead of checking your rank from one location, you check from dozens or hundreds of points.
Think of it as a grid overlay on a map of your service area. At each intersection point, the system checks where you rank for a specific keyword. The results are color-coded:
- Green: Ranking in positions 1-3 (local pack)
- Yellow: Ranking in positions 4-7
- Orange: Ranking in positions 8-15
- Red: Ranking below 15 or not found
The result is a visual map showing exactly where you dominate, where you're competitive, and where you're invisible.
Why Geo-Grid Tracking is Essential
Traditional Tracking is Blind
Traditional rank tracking checks from one location—usually your business address or city center. But that single data point can be misleading. You might rank #1 at your location but #15 a mile away.
Google Personalizes by Location
Google heavily weighs distance in local rankings. A searcher standing next to your competitor will see different results than one standing next to you. This isn't a bug—it's how local search works.
Service Areas Vary
If you serve a wide area, you need to understand ranking variations across that area. A plumber serving a metro area needs visibility in every neighborhood, not just downtown.
Strategy Requires Data
You can't improve what you can't measure. Geo-grid tracking reveals optimization opportunities: areas where you're close to breaking into the pack and areas that need more work.
How Geo-Grid Tracking Works
Step 1: Define Your Grid
Set the boundaries of your service area and the density of tracking points. A 5x5 grid gives you 25 data points; a 9x9 gives you 81. More points = more granularity but more cost.
Step 2: Select Keywords
Choose the keywords you want to track. Typically your primary service keywords: "plumber," "emergency plumbing," "drain cleaning," etc.
Step 3: Run the Scan
The tracking system simulates searches from each grid point, recording your ranking position at each location. This can take anywhere from minutes to hours depending on grid size.
Step 4: Visualize Results
Results are displayed as a heatmap overlay on a real map. You can see at a glance where you rank well (green) and where you need work (red).
Step 5: Compare Over Time
Run scans regularly to track changes. Compare week-over-week or month-over-month to see if your optimization efforts are working.
How to Read Your Ranking Heatmap
Identify Your Stronghold
Where are you consistently green? This is typically around your physical location. Understand why—it's your baseline.
Find Your Edge
Where do you transition from green to yellow to red? This edge is where proximity starts hurting you and where optimization can help most.
Spot Competitor Strongholds
Red zones often indicate competitor territory. If you run competitor tracking, you can see who dominates these areas.
Look for Anomalies
Green spots far from your location? Investigate why—maybe an area has fewer competitors. Red spots near you? Something might be wrong.
Compare Keywords
Your ranking pattern may vary by keyword. You might dominate for "emergency plumbing" but struggle for "water heater installation." This guides content and optimization focus.
Taking Action on Geo-Grid Data
Expand Your Green Zone
Look at yellow areas adjacent to your green zone. These are "almost there" opportunities where small improvements could push you into the pack.
Build Location-Specific Citations
For areas where you rank poorly, build citations that mention that neighborhood or area. Local relevance signals can improve rankings in specific zones.
Create Location-Specific Content
Create landing pages targeting specific neighborhoods or areas where you want to improve rankings. Genuine, unique content about serving those areas helps.
Prioritize Review Generation
Ask customers from target areas to leave reviews mentioning their location. "Great service in [neighborhood]!" helps with local relevance.
Consider Additional Locations
If you consistently rank poorly in a valuable area, a second location (or virtual office where permitted) can dramatically improve coverage.
Monitor Competitor Changes
If your map suddenly shifts red in an area, a competitor may have opened nearby or improved their optimization. Investigate and respond.