How To Use Semrush Local for Better Online Visibility and Rankings

Semrush Local is one of the best local SEO tools on the market today. By blending Semrush’s reliable keyword research tools with artificial intelligence, the app can help you get your SEO strategy on the right path.

Let’s look at how Semrush Local works.

What is Semrush Local?

Semrush Local is a suite of tools that help you:

• Improve your search engine rankings online when people in your area search for your company, services, or products
• Bring more people to your local business by keeping details like your name, address, and phone number (NAP) up to date on national and local directories
• Appear above competitors in Google Maps local search results
• Respond to customers’ Google reviews online

You can use Semrush Local as a standalone tool to support your local SEO efforts or add it on to your existing Semrush account.

Is Local SEO Expensive?

Some SEO tools are free. However, there is usually some level of investment required when purchasing a local SEO tool. The cost typically increases based on the number of locations that you wish to optimize for.

Consider how much time you’d spend trying to do everything manually. A tool like Semrush Local gives you back more time in your day.

Can I Track Local Rank for Specific Keywords?

Yes! The Semrush Local tool lets you track your rank for target keywords and shows you the results on a map.

How Much Does Semrush Local Cost?

Semrush Local pricing is $50 per month, per location.

How Do I Cancel My Semrush Local Subscription?

You can easily cancel your plan by contacting the Semrush customer service team.

I’ve asked the Semrush team for help with several plan and pricing matters over the years and they’re always very helpful and quick to respond!

How To Use Semrush for Local SEO: Step-by-step Guide

What you’ll need:

1. A Semrush Local subscription
2. A Google Business Profile; your GBP displays company information in Google Search and Maps
3. The address of at least one business location (you can keep this hidden from the public if preferred)

Step 1: Optimize Your Google Business Profile

It’s important to have all your business details mapped out correctly when using a tool like Semrush Local. The Google Business Profile optimization tool is a great starting point.

Simply connect your GBP to Semrush. Once linked, you’ll be able to see insights about your GBP performance and make sure all your profile information is up to date.

You can then schedule GBP posts, track ongoing metrics related to local visibility in Google search, and more.

Step 2: Correct Online Citations

Citations are brand mentions on business websites or directories.

Chances are, your information (aka citations) appears in some large directories like Yelp. The Semrush Listing Management tool will help you locate every directory that mentions your business. It also shows you if any of your information is listed incorrectly.

You can push corrections out to directories directly through Semrush; the tool will keep your business listings automatically updated going forward.

Step 3: Analyze Your Google Maps Ranking

You can have a GBP and use the Semrush Local tools without a physical storefront. If your small business does have locations that local customers can visit, though, you’ll want to set up and use the Map Rank Tracker tool.

This tool lets you see:

• How you rank for different keywords based on location
• View how ranking metrics change the further away you travel from a location
• Competitor rankings
• Changes in Maps rank and share of voice (your local search visibility compared to that of competing businesses)

The position tracking tool even illustrates how you rank for potential customers located just blocks apart. A color coded heatmap makes it easy to spot changes at a glance:

Step 4: View and Respond to Customer Reviews

The written reviews associated with your business are a key factor that customers consider when evaluating options. In fact, 87% of shoppers read online reviews for businesses in their area.

You can use the Semrush Review Management tool to quickly improve your online presence by managing and responding to reviews. It lets you:

• See all of your online reviews in one dashboard
• Quickly view an analysis of overall customer sentiment
• Track your review response rate over time

Semrush vs. Other Local SEO Tools

I like Semrush Local because I can add all four of these tools to the platform I already use for things like keyword research and content optimization.

But there are, of course, other options available if you’re not interested in the greater Semrush ecosystem.

Brightlocal

Brightlocal offers a mix of do-it-yourself and fully managed local marketing services. It includes tools for tracking local rankings, running local SEO audits, managing business information, and monitoring your reputation.

Yext

Yext is a complete “digital presence platform” that provides solutions for optimizing online directory listings, managing your brand’s social media presence, and creating website tools like AI chatbots.

You can see our full Yext vs. Semrush Local comparison here.

Moz Local

Moz Local is another tool for managing online citations, localized keyword rankings, online reviews, and more. Like Semrush Local, Moz directly integrates with your GBP.

Read my in-depth comparison of Semrush vs Moz for more information about the similarities and differences between them.

What Other Tools Should I Use for Local SEO?

I recommend subscribing to the full Semrush platform in addition to the Local app. This will give you access to powerful local keyword research capabilities, content marketing tools, and more.

You can then add on additional apps that give your Semrush account more functionality, including Exploding Topics Pro, which is great for keeping an eye on what your customers are interested in right now.

Use our exclusive Semrush promo code to get a 14-day free trial—and give Exploding Topics Pro a try for seven days, too!