How Local Search Grids Reveal the Rankings That Actually Matter

If you're running local SEO for a business like a dentist, HVAC tech, or roofer, you already know that keywords help you get found. But what many businesses overlook is that where you rank matters just as much as what you rank for.
That’s where local search grids come in.
They show you how your rankings change across your service area, dot by dot, so you can stop guessing where your traffic is coming from, and start taking action that actually moves the needle.

What Is a Local Search Grid?

A local search grid is a tool that maps how your Google rankings vary by location. Instead of telling you your rank overall, it shows where you show up, and where you don’t, across your city or region.


Each dot on the grid represents a specific GPS point where a search is run for one of your keywords. The result? A color-coded snapshot of your visibility across the map.

It’s the difference between knowing you're “ranking okay,” and knowing you're #1 on Main Street, but invisible three miles east.

The 3 Metrics That Actually Matter

Local search grids give you a visual, but it’s the data behind the dots that drives strategy. These three metrics help you interpret what’s really happening.

Map Pack Rank (Average Map Position)

What it is

Your average rank in the Google Map Pack (the top 3 listings under the map).

Why it matters

This is the most valuable real estate in local SEO. If you’re not in the top 3, you're probably not being seen, or clicked.

Example

If you're ranked #2 for "plumber near me" in most of your target grid, your Map Pack Rank is 2. That’s visibility that turns into calls.

Average Total Rank

What it is

 The average of your positions across both the Map Pack and organic search results.

Why it matters

 It gives you a broader view of your overall visibility, even outside the Map Pack.

Example

If your goal is phone calls or store visits, Total Rank alone can be misleading. Most conversions happen in the Map Pack.

Share of Local Voice (SoLV)

What it is

The percentage of times your business appears in the top results for your tracked keywords across all dots.

Why it matters

SoLV shows how often you're winning vs. competitors. It gives you market share clarity.

Example

If you're in the top 3 for 7 out of 10 keywords across your map, your SoLV is 70%.

This is the metric that tells you who's dominating the local market, not just who shows up once in a while.

What Is a Local Search Grid?

A local search grid is a tool that maps how your Google rankings vary by location. Instead of telling you your rank overall, it shows where you show up, and where you don’t, across your city or region.


Each dot on the grid represents a specific GPS point where a search is run for one of your keywords. The result? A color-coded snapshot of your visibility across the map.

It’s the difference between knowing you're “ranking okay,” and knowing you're #1 on Main Street, but invisible three miles east.

The 3 Metrics That Actually Matter

Local search grids give you a visual, but it’s the data behind the dots that drives strategy. These three metrics help you interpret what’s really happening.

Map Pack Rank (Average Map Position)

What it is

Your average rank in the Google Map Pack (the top 3 listings under the map).

Why it matters

This is the most valuable real estate in local SEO. If you’re not in the top 3, you're probably not being seen, or clicked.

Example

If you're ranked #2 for "plumber near me" in most of your target grid, your Map Pack Rank is 2. That’s visibility that turns into calls.

Average Total Rank

What it is

 The average of your positions across both the Map Pack and organic search results.

Why it matters

 It gives you a broader view of your overall visibility, even outside the Map Pack.

Caution

If your goal is phone calls or store visits, Total Rank alone can be misleading. Most conversions happen in the Map Pack.

Share of Local Voice (SoLV)

What it is

The percentage of times your business appears in the top results for your tracked keywords across all dots.

Why it matters

SoLV shows how often you're winning vs. competitors. It gives you market share clarity.

Example

If you're in the top 3 for 7 out of 10 keywords across your map, your SoLV is 70%.

This is the metric that tells you who's dominating the local market, not just who shows up once in a while.

Why Local Search Grids Matter

Without search grids, you’re flying blind.

You might think your rankings are strong, until you realize you're invisible in 40% of your own service area. Or that a competitor is dominating a zip code you rely on.

Search grids help you:

Pinpoint weak

spots

Identify local competitors

Measure progress over time

Make smarter SEO decisions with real, location-based data

How Local Howl Uses Search Grids to Drive Real Results

We don’t just generate pretty maps, we use grid data to guide strategy, content, and visibility decisions that actually move your rankings.

We scan your current grid to see where you’re ranking, and where you’re not.

We track your competitors' grids to see who’s outranking you, where, and for which keywords.

We prioritize dots that matter most, neighborhoods with conversion potential.

We adjust content, posts, and citations to improve rankings in low-performing zones.

Not All Dots Are Worth It

Here’s a hard truth: even if you rank #1 somewhere, it won’t always help your business.

If a customer would have to drive past 10 other options to get to you, for something like a haircut, a pizza, or a standard HVAC repair, they probably won’t. They’ll choose the one closest to home.

That’s why we don’t just chase rankings. We focus on ranking in the zones where customers are actually likely to convert.

How Often Should You Review Your Grid?

We recommend reviewing your local grid at least once per quarter, or anytime you see a performance shift. Here’s what we look for:

  • New areas turning green (top 3)

  • Drops in SoLV

  • Rising competitors in key neighborhoods

  • Dots that plateaued (so we can pivot the strategy)

Your visibility is always changing. Regular reviews help you stay ahead of competitors, not just keep up.

Grids Show You Where the Money’s Hiding

Search grids take the guesswork out of local SEO. They don’t just tell you where you rank, they show where you’re losing leads, where you’re beating competitors, and where your next opportunity lies.

When combined with smart posting, optimized citations, and a well-tuned Google Business Profile, grid insights help you rank with purpose.