analyze competitors' websites for local SEO

Hi everyone. Does anyone have a guide on how to properly analyze competitors' websites for local SEO (including GBP) ?
I looked it up on YouTube, but didn't learn much new.

First, using a tool like Hrefs or Semrush, research the keywords for which that site is ranking best, review the posts, and try to offer something of greater value than your competition already provides. This is the most basic step to start competing with other websites for top positions.

Start by checking competitors keywords, reviews, and backlinks. Use tools like Google Search and Google Business Profile to study their listings, categories, and posts. Also review their content, local pages, and citations. Focus on what they do better, then improve it on your site.

ThePonch said:

Hi everyone. Does anyone have a guide on how to properly analyze competitors' websites for local SEO (including GBP) ?
I looked it up on YouTube, but didn't learn much new.

Click to expand...

Skip generic guides do it manually. Check top 3 competitors: their GBP (categories, reviews, posts), landing pages (keywords, structure), and backlinks (local dirs, citations). Note gaps—then do it better. Local SEO = copy what works + improve.

I’d start by checking these 3 things:

- What keywords they rank for locally
- Their Google Business Profile (reviews, posts, categories)
- Where their links/citations come from

Copy what works, then do it slightly better.

Pick a platform you can stay consistent, build real engagement, then expand once it’s working. Also, treat your email list like your main asset, not an afterthought.

Begin by searching your main keyword on Google Maps and identify the top listings on Google Business Profile. Study their setup check the categories they use, how often they receive reviews, the keywords in those reviews, and how active they are with photos and posts. Next, analyze their websites using tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest. Focus on the keywords they rank for, which pages bring in traffic, and how their content is organized. Finally, review their backlinks and local citations, and look for gaps in content that you can improve or cover better.

Start by analyzing your competitors Google Business Profile-check their categories, reviews, photos, posting activity and keywords they use in titles/descriptions. Then review their website for local keywords, service pages and backlinks (especially local citations and directories). Focus on what they're doing consistently well, then replicate and improve with better content, stronger reviews and more relevant local links.

The whole game is simple understand what’s already ranking then make it better.
The first enter your main keyword into Google Search or Maps and identify the top 3 competitors. Take a close look at their Google Business Profile listings:
What categories are they using
How many and what kind of reviews are there
How active are the photos and posts?

Hi there,

A solid way to approach local SEO competitor analysis (including GBP) is to keep it simple and structured:

1. Find actual search competitors
Search your main keywords (incognito) and note who ranks in the map pack + top organic results.

2. Review their GBP
Check categories, reviews (volume + keywords), photos, posts, and overall activity. Look for patterns, not things to copy.

3. Analyze their website
Focus on location pages, keyword usage (titles/headings), and how they present NAP/contact info.

4. Check backlinks & citations
Use tools to see where they’re getting links and listings, especially local or niche-relevant ones.

5. Spot gaps
Compare a few competitors side by side, what are they all doing, and what are they missing?

The goal is to understand the baseline in your niche, then do it better, not just replicate it.

ThePonch said:

Hi everyone. Does anyone have a guide on how to properly analyze competitors' websites for local SEO (including GBP) ?
I looked it up on YouTube, but didn't learn much new.

Click to expand...

ThePonch said:

Hi everyone. Does anyone have a guide on how to properly analyze competitors' websites for local SEO (including GBP) ?
I looked it up on YouTube, but didn't learn much new.

Click to expand...

Start by checking competitors google business profile to see their reviews photos and keywords they use. look at their website pages titles, and headings to find what keywords and locations they target. Also check their backlinks and content ideas, then make your site better and more helpful.

Most YouTube guides stay basic.

What actually helps is checking top competitors in maps and organic, then breaking down their GBP (categories, reviews, keywords in reviews), their top pages, internal linking, and where their backlinks/citations come from.

Then just do it better — more complete profiles, better content, more relevant links.