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What is a rank grid?
A rank grid is a map covered in points, each one showing where your business ranks on Google Maps for a chosen search, like "bakery". It reveals that your ranking changes depending on where the customer is standing, something a single search can never show you.
In plain English
A rank grid is a set of points plotted across a map, each one checking your Google Maps position from that spot. In plain English: it's like asking the same question from lots of different streets at once.
Why does one search not tell you the full story?
If you search your own business from your till or office in Oslo, Google often favours you because you're physically close and it may remember your past searches. A customer searching from the other side of town, or from a different suburb, can see a completely different result. A rank grid removes that guesswork by checking many points at once.
How does a rank grid work?
- 1Pick a search term customers would use, like "electrician".
- 2Choose an area size: Nearby, Local or Wide.
- 3Choose a grid size: Quick, Standard or Detailed, for how many points to check.
- 4The tool checks your position from every point on the grid.
- 5Each point is colour-coded: green for top 3, amber for lower, red for not found.
How do you read the colours?
- Green means you're in the top 3 results, which is usually the local pack customers see first.
- Amber means you show up but further down the list.
- Red means you didn't appear at all from that point.
How Local SEO AI helps
Local SEO AI's map check builds this grid for you automatically and keeps tracking it weekly, so you can see whether your green points are growing or shrinking over time, instead of guessing from a single search.
Common questions
How many points are in a rank grid check?
It depends on the grid size you choose: Quick, Standard or Detailed, each covering more points for a more detailed picture.
What area should I check?
Start with Nearby if you serve a small radius, or Wide if customers travel further to reach you, such as a specialist service.
Why would my grid show mixed colours?
It's common. You might rank well close to your business and drop off further away, which tells you where to focus your efforts.
How often is my grid updated?
Weekly tracking checks your grid automatically every week, and you can also run a check now whenever you want an up-to-date look.