Competitive Analysis for Local SEO: Strategies to Outshine Your Local Competitors

Understanding your local competition is essential to gaining a competitive edge. A Local SEO analysis reveals valuable insights into competitors’ strategies and uncovers opportunities to enhance your visibility. This article outlines how to evaluate your top competitors’ Google Business Profile (GBP) and other key areas to identify strengths and growth potential. By leveraging these insights, you’ll be equipped to improve your Local SEO strategy and stand out in your area.

How to Analyse Your Top Competitors

For effective analysis, it’s essential to see how your competitors are performing in local search results. As an example, we’ll use a Spanish Restaurant to illustrate the process:

High-Competition Searches/Search terms – Search for the most relevant keyword to your business and see which competitors dominate the local pack (e.g., “restaurant + Barcelona” for a central restaurant). This helps identify who gets the most visibility and traffic.

Niche Searches/Search terms – Refine your search with specific niche keywords and a location (e.g., “Spanish Restaurant + Gothic Quarter”). This shows where your nearby competition ranks and which business to start analysing first.

Example: Spanish restaurant gothic quarter

What to Analyse in Your Competitor’s Google Business Profile Account

A comprehensive review of your competitor’s GBP can reveal strengths and opportunities to capitalise on. Here are the main elements to focus on: 

Google Reviews – Analyse the number of reviews your competitors have, how frequently they receive reviews, their average rating, and whether they actively reply to reviews. High engagement from both customers and the business positively affects user perception, overall trustworthiness and the likelihood of an interaction.

Visual Representation – Check if they regularly upload videos and images. A well-maintained visual presence can attract more customers and showcase products or services effectively.

Google Posts – Determine whether your competitors have an active Google Post strategy. Regular posts can help with visibility and inform potential customers about promotions, news, or updates.

Menu Images & Items – See if they have uploaded a menu and included detailed menu items. This transparency can be a deciding factor for customers choosing where to dine.

Q&A Section – Review whether they have a Q&A section and if they respond to questions. Prompt replies demonstrate attentiveness and reliability.

Social Media Links – Check if they link their social media profiles to their GBP. This can extend their reach and provide more touchpoints for customer interaction.

How to Outperform Your Competitors

Once you have identified the strengths and areas for improvement, you’re ready to take actionable steps:

Evaluate and Optimise Your GBP – Invest the necessary time and resources to elevate your representation, whether that involves posting more content, uploading videos, or encouraging customer reviews.

Invest in Continuous Improvement – SEO is not a one-off task. Make a habit of comparing your performance against your competitors on a monthly basis. Regular analysis allows you to adapt and improve your strategies in real-time.

Practical Optimisation Recommendations

To maximise your Local SEO impact and strengthen your Google Business Profile, consider the following optimisation strategies provided by our best practices:

Google Reviews – Encourage your satisfied clients to leave reviews, aiming for an average review rating of 4.5 stars or higher. Aim to respond to every review, whether positive or negative, to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and feedback. Learn more about how to harness the power of online reviews in this article. 

Visual Representation – Upload new images and videos monthly to keep your profile engaged. For tips, refer to our guide on Google’s GBP Gallery guidelines. This keeps your profile fresh, appealing, and more likely to attract potential customers.

Google Posts – Develop a strategy to share content on a weekly basis. Post updates that resonate with your audience, such as news, events, or special offers. Committing to a consistent posting schedule helps maintain your presence and visibility in search results while keeping your audience informed and engaged. Learn how to Unlock the Power of Google Posts.

Menu Images & Items – Keep your menu current by uploading the latest versions and removing outdated ones. This also applies to individual menu items, ensuring that potential customers have access to accurate information.

Q&A Section – Monitor your Q&A section regularly and answer any new questions promptly. This shows attentiveness and helps provide clarity to potential customers who may have similar queries.

Social Media Links – Ensure that your social media links are up to date through the Google Business dashboard. This cross-linking can increase engagement and provide additional touchpoints for your audience.

Final Thoughts

Competitive analysis is an ongoing process that positions your business for long-term success in local search. By applying these strategies, you’ll strengthen your Google Business Profile, enhance your Local SEO, and stay ahead of the competition. Consistent observation, analysis, and optimisation are key to sustaining your advantage.