If you’re running a local SEO campaign without monthly reporting, you’re missing out on tons of data that can help you track clicks and ROI. And in a space where Google updates its algorithm constantly, and competitors are constantly evolving, skipping monthly reporting can be costly.
Local SEO is dynamic. Your rankings can shift based on new competitors entering the space, changes in search behavior (seasonal, mobile, voice), Google algorithm updates, reviews, and GMB activity (posts, photos, Q&A).
When optimizing a Google Business Profile (GMB) for a neighborhood bakery or managing citations for a multi-location service brand, monthly reports are how you track metrics, spot trends, and stay ahead. They’re not just about showing you data, they’re about deciding what to do next.
Client Psychology: Why Reports Build Trust
Most clients unfamiliar with SEO don’t understand SEO. Most clients know they want more calls, more foot traffic, and better visibility in search engines, but most don’t know how that happens. Monthly reports bridge that gap.
Monthly reports show progress over time, what’s working and what’s not, and how your actions connect to results.
Without monthly reports, clients start to wonder: “What am I paying for?” With reports, they say: “I see the growth. Let’s keep going.”
What Should Be in a Monthly Local SEO Report?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect on a monthly local SEO report:
1. Keyword Rankings
- Track local keyword movement (e.g., “best pizza in Crown Heights”)
- Highlight new keyword opportunities
- Show ranking improvements or drops
2. Google Business Profile Insights
- Views, clicks, and direction requests
- Engagement with posts and photos
- Profile completeness and optimization status
3. Review Monitoring
- New reviews and average rating
- Sentiment analysis (positive vs. negative trends)
- Response rate and tone
4. Website Traffic
- Organic traffic trends
- Top landing pages
- Bounce rate and time on site
5. Conversion Metrics
- Calls from GMB
- Form submissions
- Appointment bookings or quote requests
6. Citation Health
- Accuracy and consistency across directories
- New citations added
- Duplicate or incorrect listings flagged
7. Competitor Snapshot
- Who’s gaining visibility
- What they’re posting
- Review velocity comparison
8. Action Items
- What to fix
- What to double down on
- What to test next month
Monthly Reports Reveal Unseen Wins
Sometimes the biggest wins aren’t obvious. Maybe your GMB post got 300 views but only 2 clicks. That’s a signal to tweak your CTA. Or maybe your site traffic dipped, but your conversion rate went up, meaning fewer people visited, but more took action.
Monthly reports help surface these hidden wins. They help you optimize not just for visibility, but for impact.
Real World Example: The Local Café That Turned It Around
A café in Park Slope was struggling with visibility. They had great coffee, loyal customers, and a solid website, but their GMB profile was underperforming. The owner decided to hire a local SEO specialist who started optimizing their gmb profile. When they audited and started monthly reporting, they discovered:
1. Their photos hadn’t been updated in 6 months
2. Their most searched keyword wasn’t even on their homepage
3. Their competitors were posting weekly updates
They Made Changes Based On The Report. This Included:
1. Uploading new pictures
2. Optimizing and adding keyword-rich descriptions
3. Starting weekly GMB posts
Within 60 days, profile views doubled, and calls from GMB increased by 40%. The café didn’t change their coffee, they changed their GMB strategy. And it started with a report.
Why A Lack of Monthly Reports Is A Mistake
Without monthly reports:
- You miss trends
- It’s harder to justify your fee
- You lose client trust
- You’re vulnerable to being outmaneuvered by competitors
It’s like driving with a blindfold. You might be moving, but you don’t know how fast, in what direction, or whether you’re about to run out of gas.
Reports as Retention Tools
Let’s be honest: Most SEO clients don’t stay because “feel good.” They stay because they see results. Monthly reports give you a platform to:
- Celebrate wins
- Explain setbacks
- Set goals
They help to turn skeptical clients into business partners.
Reports Create Accountability
Monthly reports are essential for both clients and business owners. They challenge you to:
- Review your strategy
- Document your actions
- Stay consistent
They create a flow of accountability. And in local SEO, rhythm is important.
Conclusion: Monthly Reports Are Your Digital Compass
Local SEO isn’t stationary. It’s a moving target influenced by algorithms, competitors, and consumer behavior. Monthly reports are how you track that movement, adjust your strategy, and hit your target.
If you’re a business owner or marketer who wants to stay ahead of the competition, monthly reports are essential.
If you’re managing a single location business or scaling a multi-location brand, make monthly reporting part of your marketing routine. That’s how you show value, build trust, and stay progressive.
Don’t have the expertise or time to do local SEO or monthly reporting?
We’re here to help. Contact us today and get a free audit and action plan to increase local SEO visibility in local search.