How to Track Google Keyword Rankings Across Multiple Locations

Google results depend on where the searcher is. A business serving several towns, or with several branches, cannot rely on one ranking number. This guide explains how to structure multi-location tracking so the data is meaningful.

Why location matters

For local-intent queries, Google shows results based on relevance, distance and prominence. The same keyword can give different organic results and a different map pack in two neighbouring areas. A ranking is only meaningful for a specific place.

Decide what a "location" is

Use the places your customers actually search from.

Structure your keywords

Track each keyword per location as separate entries, for example:

• "emergency plumber leeds"
• "emergency plumber bradford"

For local intent, include the place in the keyword and set the tracking location to match. For branches, use that branch's business name for Maps tracking.

Organic and Google Maps

Track both:

• Organic position shows how your pages rank.
• Maps position shows whether your business is in the local 3-pack. Mark local keywords as Maps keywords and enter the business name exactly as on your profile.

Bizsenti AutoSEO's keyword rank tracker records both, with the competing listings, ratings and review counts.

Device

Mobile and desktop results can differ, especially for local. Track the device most of your customers use; use "both" only where the difference matters.

Set up in six steps

1. List locations and the branch or service for each.
2. List keywords per service.
3. Create keyword-location entries.
4. Label groups by location so you can filter.
5. Mark local keywords as Maps keywords with the right business name.
6. Run a baseline scan.

Avoid misleading averages

An average position across five cities hides the one that is failing. Report per location, then summarise. Show the number of keywords in the Maps 3-pack per location.

Frequency

Scan after meaningful changes (new location page, review campaign, profile update) rather than on a fixed daily schedule. See daily vs weekly rank tracking.

Reading the results

Common mistakes

• Tracking the head office's location for all branches.
• Using generic business names for Maps keywords.
• Duplicating the same page across locations.
• Reporting a single national average.

Naming and grouping conventions

Consistency makes multi-location data readable.

• Name keyword groups by location, such as "Leeds" or "Bradford".
• Keep the business name field identical to the Business Profile name for each branch.
• Use the same keyword wording across locations where the service is the same, so you can compare.
• Record the device you chose and why.

A sample structure for a three-branch business

Report each group separately, then summarise across branches.

When a location underperforms

Check the branch's Business Profile completeness and review count, whether a dedicated local page exists, the proximity of competitors, and whether the local page has unique content. Fix the cheapest causes first and re-scan after a few weeks.

FAQs

Can I track every suburb? Track the main catchments; too many entries become noise.

Why does my tracker differ from my own search? Google personalises; the tracker uses a consistent configured location.

Do I need a different page per location? If you genuinely serve it, a unique local page helps; do not clone pages.

Sources

• Google Business Profile Help: Tips to improve your local ranking on Google
• Google Search Console Help: Performance report