1 - How does Localo calculate your current position?

Data in Localo is collected on an ongoing basis (live) each time user is creating a query for a keyword.

Each point with a number represents the position in Google Maps search results of your chosen profile under chosen keyword at the specific geographic locations.

You can think about each location as about a person standing with a "mobile phone" at every specified point and making a search on device in Google Maps for a keyword that you have created a query for. Number (in circle) represents position of the company that been chosen at the beginning in search results

The number assigned to every circle it is a position under which your business/company came out in the search results at the location marked on the map.

2 - How to read results from your position?

We count the average position on the whole grid for each of the found companies - google business profile (yours and your competitors)
Then we sort the companies by the average position obtained from the grid above
Then sort the list - in which place in this sorted list, your company is located, It is a position number that we present as your position on the grid.

Example:

5 different companies

1. company average (mathematical) position on the map is 4.0
2. company average position on the map is 6.3
3. company average position on the map is 12.2

4. company average position on the map is 13.4

5. company average position on the map is 13.9

In our list :

The first company will have a number 1
Second company number 2
and third number 3

Please note that in some circumstances, the area and number of checked locations might change - it is normal that position can fluctuate.Google employs "Live Ranking Factors" to determine rankings, which include dynamic elements like traffic conditions, environmental factors, and changes in business profile popularity. These ongoing changes explain why positions may appear volatile despite no action from your side.

Once your "Pin" (location) will gain prominence the area of influence might grow as well, which will result in a change in the number of locations checked.These fluctuations are also influenced by external variables like traffic levels and other real-time contextual data that Google incorporates into its ranking system.

In search results, long term trend is more representative than one-off fluctuations.

3 - Why do rankings fluctuate?

Localo determines the business positions on the map using dynamic factors derived from Google’s ranking system. These factors are influenced by real-world conditions and can vary frequently. Another crucial factor is competitive analysis expansion. Localo evaluates visibility by comparing your business to competitors in specific regions. Over time, as your influence area expands, additional competitors and broader regions may be included in the comparison, impacting visibility and rankings. Ranking tools often simulate real-time searches to measure your position accurately. However, this method captures a single moment in time and might not reflect persistent trends. This snapshot approach can sometimes amplify the perception of rank fluctuations.

Examples of Live Ranking Factors

Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic or congestion can change how businesses are displayed in searches.
Environmental and Contextual Factors: Real-time data like air quality and other environmental elements may affect rankings.
Popularity and Profile Changes: Surge in activity or interaction with a business profile, such as increased reviews, may cause variations in rankings.4. Competitive Landscape Changes: Expanding the area of comparison to include more competitors can lead to shifts in visibility and rankings.
Search Algorithm Updates: Google continuously updates its ranking algorithms, which can lead to short-term variations in keyword rankings.

Why Rankings May Fluctuate

Ranking factors are highly dynamic and may shift due to events or periodic data updates by Google. Many factors, like environmental conditions or traffic, are out of a business owner’s control, making fluctuations a natural part of the system.This is because long-term trends smooth out the impact of dynamic and uncontrollable factors, giving a more stable representation of your business’s performance over time.

Best Practices for Interpreting Keyword Rankings

Focus on Trends Over Time: Look at keyword performance trends over weeks or months rather than daily changes. Sudden drops in rank typically correct themselves as external influences stabilize over time.
Monitor Key Geographic Areas: Pay special attention to your rankings within local areas that are most relevant to your business. Slight drops in less significant locations may not warrant concern.
Avoid Overreacting to Short-Term Changes: Short-term ranking drops are common and often temporary. Use these as opportunities to reassess your broader strategy but avoid drastic responses based on isolated data points. To better interpret these dynamics, it's essential to shift focus toward analyzing keyword performance trends over weeks or months rather than daily fluctuations. By understanding the broader picture, you can identify meaningful changes and insights.

How is your ranking position calculated and how do you read the map results in Localo?