Key takeaways
- •A local map rankings report shows where a business appears on Google Maps, how that has changed and what to do next.
- •Lead with the headline and the wins, show a map for each keyword, compare competitors, and end with next steps.
- •Write for the reader. A business owner needs plain English, not a spreadsheet of positions.
A local map rankings report is the document you send to a business owner or client to show where they appear on Google Maps, how that is changing and what you are doing about it. A good one takes a few minutes to read and answers one question: is local visibility getting better?
Who a local map rankings report is for
Most reports go to a business owner, a marketing manager or an agency client. These readers are not SEOs. They want to know whether more customers can find them, and they want proof the work is paying off.
That changes how you write it. Avoid jargon. Explain a number the first time you use it. Put the point first.
What to include
A strong local SEO report has a clear order:
- A one-line headline. For example: "In Google's top 3 for 'emergency plumber' across 41% of your service area."
- The key numbers. Share of the area in the top 3, share ranked #1 and average rank, with one line explaining each.
- A map for each keyword. A grid map shows where the business wins and loses. It is the most persuasive part of the report. See a sample report.
- Change since last time. Compare scans taken the same way, so the movement is real.
- Competitor comparison. Who is in the top 3 where the business is not, with ratings and review counts.
- What's going well. Be specific and true.
- What you'll focus on next. Turn weak areas into work, not blame.
The metrics worth reporting
Three numbers cover most of what a client needs. The share of the area in the top 3 (often called share of local voice) shows how visible the business is. The share ranked #1 shows where it leads. The average rank, counting spots outside the top 20 as a miss, shows overall position honestly. Our geo-grid guide explains each one.
How often to send it
Monthly works for most clients. Rankings move slowly and Google's results vary from day to day, so a monthly view shows real trends without overreacting to noise. For a campaign or a launch, weekly updates for a short period are reasonable.
Mistakes that make reports useless
- Reporting only an average rank, which hides where the business is invisible.
- Comparing scans measured differently and calling the difference progress.
- Hiding weak results. Clients notice, and trust drops.
- Burying the headline under tables of numbers.
- Using jargon the reader has to look up.
Reporting across many locations
If you manage a franchise or a client with several locations, add a roll-up: the average across locations, how many are strong, fair or weak, the biggest gains and drops, and the locations that need attention. LocalMapRanks does this in a single portfolio report, and you can put your own logo and colours on it.
See where you rank, block by block
Run a geo-grid scan on your own business. New accounts get 25 free tokens, no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a local map rankings report?
A local map rankings report shows where a business appears in Google Maps and the local map pack, how it has changed over time and what is being done to improve it.
How do I make a local SEO report for a client?
Lead with a plain-English headline, show the key numbers and a grid map for each keyword, compare against competitors, show the change since the last report and finish with next steps.
Can I put my own branding on the report?
Yes. LocalMapRanks lets you add your logo, name, colour and contact line to client PDFs, and Pro and Agency plans can remove the Powered by line.
How long should a local rankings report be?
A few pages is plenty: a summary page, a page of numbers and next steps, and a map per keyword.