Some weeks ago, I wrote a detailed guide on the top affordable SEO services and tools to drive visibility.
At that time, I couldn’t help but think about how underrated local SEO is. Many do not bother about or put enough into their local SEO efforts.
Just in case you’re wondering…
That’s right. Close to half of all queries on the Google search console are local searches.
Also, it’s no news that the Google Local 3-Pack, which displays the top local business listings, is now a prominent part of search results.
In fact, statistics from Go-Globe reveal that 93% of inquiries with local intent feature the Google 3-Pack at the top.
And that’s just the good part.
It gets better when you consider the results your business can get with improved local search visibility.
Interesting local SEO statistics
1. 80% of local searches convert. (Source)
2. 79% trust reviews as much as recommendations from different sources. (Source)
3. Google My Business businesses generated a 61% increase in calls during the pandemic. (Source)
4. 50% visit a store within 24 hours of doing a local search on their phone, while 34% do the search on a tablet or computer. (Source)
5. 28% of local searches end up as with a purchase. (Source)
By now, it should be pretty clear. Developing a local SEO strategy is essential to generate more organic traffic.
However, this is easier said than done. For one, the number of local search marketing tools can be pretty confusing, even when only a few can genuinely improve visibility for local businesses.
Below, I will be sharing a list of the best local SEO tools and how each one can help you boost your local search rankings on the top search engines.
What are the best local SEO software?
| Tool | $ (starts from) | Free plan/trial? | Review Manager | Citation Finder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitespark | $25/month | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Moz Local | $14/month | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BrightLocal | $29/month | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SEMRush | $99.5/month | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Synup | $30/month | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Yext | $4/week | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Business Profile | Free | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Whitespark
Whitespark was founded in 2005 as a web design agency. It has since then migrated into the business of providing quality local SEO tools for businesses.
It has some really nice tools for building local visibility and scaling up your business, but the Citation Finder is the most notable.
This feature helps you locate those citation opportunities you’ve not yet identified. The feature is essential for analyzing your competitors’ citations.
Whitespark also has a dedicated Local Rank Tracker tool. It analyzes your business alongside its competitors to help you clarify how you stack up on the rankings that matter.
Like Ahref’s tracker, it also shows your general rank on major search engines.
Other notable features:
- Business reputation management. This local SEO software lets you share reviews for your business on more than 100 review