---
title: "Baseline local map rankings with a grid rank tracker"
description: "Check local map rankings by running a grid rank tracker around the business instead of searching from one desk. Record a baseline on the main keyword, re-run the identical grid every 2 to 4 weeks, and run the same grid on the top local competitors to find weak areas to target first."
url: "https://seo-mcp.io/t/baseline-local-map-rankings-with-a-grid-rank-tracker"
---

# Baseline local map rankings with a grid rank tracker

Check local map rankings by running a grid rank tracker around the business instead of searching from one desk. Record a baseline on the main keyword, re-run the identical grid every 2 to 4 weeks, and run the same grid on the top local competitors to find weak areas to target first.

## Prerequisites

- Access to a local rank tracker that supports grid scans
- A verified business address to center the grid on
- The primary service keyword to track

## Steps

1. **Fix the keyword, grid size and center point** — Choose the main service keyword, set the grid size, and center the grid on the verified business address. Write these three settings down so later runs match.
   Check: A saved note lists the keyword, the grid size and the address used as the grid center.
2. **Run the baseline grid before changing anything** — Run the grid once and keep the result as the pre-change baseline. Do not edit the profile, site or categories until the baseline exists.
   Check: A dated grid export exists showing the position at every point, with the top-3 points marked.
3. **Calculate the share of the grid in the top 3** — Count the points where the business appears in the top 3 and divide by the total number of points. Record the number with the date.
   Check: The baseline record shows a top-3 point count and total point count, for example 0 of 169.
4. **Run the same grid on the top 3 competitors** — Put the three strongest local competitors through an identical grid, same keyword, size and center, and note where each one is absent.
   Check: Three dated competitor grids exist with the same keyword, grid size and center point as the baseline.
5. **Re-run every 2 to 4 weeks** — Repeat the run on a 2 to 4 week cadence with unchanged settings so each result is comparable with the baseline.
   Check: Two runs exist with identical keyword, grid size and center, and different run dates.
6. **Compare start and later grids side by side** — Place the baseline grid next to the latest grid to show movement, and use the competitor grids to pick the weak zones to target next.
   Check: A side-by-side of the baseline and latest grid shows a changed top-3 point count with both dates visible.

## Source

@bowtiedbills on 2026-10-20: https://x.com/BowTiedBills/status/2112377164255355368

Canonical: https://seo-mcp.io/t/baseline-local-map-rankings-with-a-grid-rank-tracker