When using Localo to analyze keyword performance, you may occasionally encounter a message stating:
“We could not find enough competitors to carry out a reliable analysis.”
This alert appears when Google Maps doesn't return enough comparable business listings for the keyword you're tracking. Here’s why it happens - and how to fix it.
1 - What Triggers This Message?
This message is shown when the keyword you're analyzing cannot be reliably benchmarked against other businesses in your area. It usually means one or more of the following:
The keyword is too niche or brand-specific
For example, if you're tracking your exact company name, Google Maps may only display your listing.There's only one business clearly dominating results
This creates an unbalanced comparison because there are no meaningful competitors in that local pack.Google Maps doesn’t show any listings for that keyword
This may happen if the keyword has very low search volume or is not commonly used in your area.Your business isn't yet visible (indexed) for this keyword
If your listing doesn’t appear in the map results for a term, Localo can't compare it with others.The keyword doesn’t trigger a map view at all
Some terms only return website results and not Google Business Profile listings.
2 - What You Can Do Next
If you’re seeing this message, here’s how to move forward:
1. Double-check how the keyword performs on Google Maps
Open Google Maps and type in the keyword as a customer would. Ask yourself:
Do multiple similar businesses show up?
Does your business appear?
Is the keyword relevant to your services?
If the map shows a rich set of competitors, but Localo still shows this alert, reach out to our support team - we’ll investigate.
2. Use more general or widely searched keywords
Instead of narrow or brand-specific terms, try adding:
Common service-based phrases (e.g., "plumber near me" instead of "Ace Plumbing Co.")
Location-based queries ("hair salon in Austin")
Category terms related to your business
These will increase the chances that Google Maps shows a full local pack, which allows Localo to generate competitive insights.
Why This Matters
Localo’s keyword reports depend on having at least a few other businesses ranking for the same term in your area. Without them, we can’t show accurate graphs, rankings, or improvement opportunities.
The comparison is what fuels personalized task suggestions, position tracking, and visibility scoring. Without competitors, the system can’t do its job effectively.
3 - What If You Still Want to Track That Keyword?
You can absolutely continue tracking that keyword - even if results are limited. Here’s what will happen:
We’ll keep monitoring it.
If your business gains visibility for it, we’ll start showing data.
Meanwhile, we recommend also adding broader keywords to get actionable tasks and visibility recommendations.
That way, you’re building toward future success without stalling your current progress.
Related Resources
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help.
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