When it comes to managing our local SEO efforts, having the right tools can make all the difference in our business visibility and performance. In today’s comparison, we’re examining two popular local SEO tracking solutions: Local Falcon and Local Viking. Both tools have established themselves in the local search optimization space, but they offer different approaches to helping businesses monitor and improve their local rankings.
Throughout this article, we’ll dive deep into the features, pricing, usability, and overall value of these two platforms. We’ll also introduce a third alternative that might be worth considering for your local SEO toolkit. By the end of our analysis, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which solution best aligns with our business needs and budget constraints.
Understanding Local SEO Tracking Tools
Before we compare Local Falcon and Local Viking specifically, let’s establish why local SEO tracking tools are essential for businesses with physical locations or those serving specific geographic areas.
Why Local SEO Matters
Local SEO has become increasingly important as more consumers use search engines to find nearby businesses. According to Google, searches including the phrase \”near me\” have grown exponentially over the past few years. When potential customers search for products or services in their area, we want our business to appear prominently in those results.
Local search visibility directly impacts:
- Foot traffic to physical store locations
- Phone calls and website visits from local customers
- Overall business revenue and growth
- Competitive advantage in local markets
The Role of Geo Grid Tracking
Both Local Falcon and Local Viking utilize what’s known as \”geo grid\” tracking. This approach allows us to see how our Google Business Profile (formerly GMB) listings appear in search results from different geographic locations within our target area.
Geo grid tracking is valuable because Google customizes search results based on the searcher’s location. Our business might rank differently for someone searching from the north side of town versus the south side. Understanding these variations helps us optimize our local SEO strategy more effectively.
Local Falcon: Overview and Key Features
Local Falcon was one of the first dedicated tools for tracking local search rankings across geographic areas. It focuses specifically on monitoring Google Business Profile rankings through its geo grid technology.
Core Features of Local Falcon
- Geo Grid Rank Tracking: Local Falcon’s primary function is showing how our business ranks for specific keywords across different locations within our target area. The visual grid display makes it easy to spot patterns and opportunities.
- Customizable Search Parameters: We can adjust the grid density, search radius, and other factors to match our specific business needs.
- Competitor Analysis: The tool allows us to track our competitors’ rankings alongside our own, providing valuable competitive intelligence.
- Scheduling and Reporting: We can schedule regular rank checks and generate reports to track performance over time.
- Keyword Tracking: Monitor multiple keywords relevant to our business across the geo grid.
Local Falcon Pricing Structure
Local Falcon operates on a credit-based system. Each scan of the geo grid consumes a certain number of credits based on the grid density and other factors. The platform offers several pricing tiers:
- Pay-as-you-go options for businesses with occasional tracking needs
- Monthly subscription plans with varying amounts of included credits
- Enterprise options for agencies or businesses managing multiple locations
The credit-based approach provides flexibility but requires careful management to avoid unexpected costs when running frequent scans across multiple locations or keywords.
Local Falcon User Experience
The Local Falcon interface is straightforward and focused on its core functionality. The visual representation of ranking data makes it accessible even for users without extensive SEO experience. The learning curve is relatively gentle, with most users able to set up and run their first scan within minutes.
The platform is web-based, requiring no software installation, which makes it accessible from any device with an internet connection.
Local Viking: Overview and Key Features
Local Viking offers a broader suite of local SEO tools beyond just rank tracking. It positions itself as a more comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage multiple aspects of their local search presence.
Core Features of Local Viking
- Geo Grid Rank Tracking: Similar to Local Falcon, Local Viking provides geo grid tracking to monitor rankings across different locations.
- GBP Management Tools: Local Viking includes features for managing Google Business Profile listings, including posting, photo management, and more.
- Review Management: The platform offers tools for monitoring and responding to customer reviews across platforms.
- Rank Tracking Beyond Maps: While Local Falcon focuses primarily on map pack results, Local Viking also tracks organic search rankings.
- Automated Posting: Schedule and publish posts to your Google Business Profile directly from the platform.
- Multi-Location Management: Tools specifically designed for businesses with multiple locations or agencies managing multiple clients.
Local Viking Pricing Structure
Local Viking typically offers subscription-based pricing with different tiers based on the number of locations, keywords, and features needed. Their pricing model includes:
- Monthly subscription plans with varying levels of access to features
- Different tiers based on the number of locations being managed
- Agency-specific plans for managing multiple client accounts
Unlike Local Falcon’s credit-based system, Local Viking generally provides a set number of scans or features per month based on the subscription level.
Local Viking User Experience
Local Viking’s interface is more comprehensive than Local Falcon’s, reflecting its broader feature set. This can make it slightly more complex for new users, but the additional functionality may be worth the learning curve for businesses needing a more complete local SEO solution.
The platform is regularly updated with new features and improvements based on user feedback and changes to Google’s algorithms and features.
Direct Comparison: Local Falcon vs Local Viking
Now that we’ve explored each platform individually, let’s compare them directly across several key dimensions.
Geo Grid Tracking Capabilities
Both tools offer geo grid tracking, but there are some differences in their approaches:
- Grid Density: Local Falcon typically offers more granular control over grid density, allowing for very detailed local ranking analysis.
- Visualization: Local Falcon’s visualization of the grid data is often considered more intuitive, with its color-coded map interface.
- Scheduling: Local Viking generally offers more robust scheduling options for recurring scans.
- Data Retention: Local Viking typically retains historical data longer, making it easier to track changes over extended periods.
Feature Breadth and Depth
The most significant difference between these tools is their scope:
- Local Falcon is more focused, specializing almost exclusively in geo grid rank tracking. It does this one thing very well but doesn’t offer much beyond this core functionality.
- Local Viking offers a broader suite of tools, including GBP management, review monitoring, posting capabilities, and more. It’s more of an all-in-one local SEO platform.
For businesses looking specifically for the best geo grid tracking, Local Falcon might have the edge. For those wanting a more comprehensive local SEO solution, Local Viking offers more tools under one roof.
Pricing Comparison
The pricing models differ significantly:
- Local Falcon’s credit-based system provides flexibility but can be less predictable for businesses that need frequent scans.
- Local Viking’s subscription model offers more predictable monthly costs but might be more expensive for businesses with minimal tracking needs.
For businesses with occasional tracking needs or those monitoring just a few locations, Local Falcon might be more cost-effective. For agencies or businesses with multiple locations requiring regular monitoring and additional features, Local Viking’s subscription model could provide better value.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
- Local Falcon has a simpler interface focused on its core functionality, making it easier to learn for new users.
- Local Viking offers more features but comes with a steeper learning curve due to its broader functionality.
The right choice depends on your team’s technical expertise and how much time you can invest in learning a new platform.
Reporting Capabilities
Both tools offer reporting features, but with different strengths:
- Local Falcon provides clean, focused reports specifically about geo grid rankings.
- Local Viking offers more comprehensive reports covering multiple aspects of local SEO performance, including rankings, reviews, and GBP insights.
The reporting needs of your business or clients will help determine which approach is more valuable for your situation.
SEOMaven.ai: A Powerful Alternative Worth Considering
While Local Falcon and Local Viking are both established players in the local SEO tracking space, SEOMaven.ai offers an alternative approach that combines geo grid tracking with advanced AI-powered insights.
Key Features of SEOMaven.ai
- AI-Enhanced Geo Grid Tracking: Similar to the other tools, SEOMaven.ai provides geo grid tracking but adds AI analysis to identify patterns and opportunities that might not be immediately obvious.
- Predictive Ranking Insights: The platform can help predict how changes to your GBP listing might impact rankings across different locations.
- Integrated Local SEO Toolkit: Beyond just tracking, SEOMaven.ai offers optimization suggestions based on your specific business category and location.
- Competitor Intelligence: More advanced competitor analysis features that go beyond just tracking their rankings.
- Customizable Reporting: Create reports that align with our specific business goals and KPIs.
How SEOMaven.ai Compares
SEOMaven.ai positions itself between the focused approach of Local Falcon and the broad feature set of Local Viking. It offers more functionality than Local Falcon but with a more streamlined, user-friendly interface than Local Viking.
The AI-powered insights are a significant differentiator, potentially saving time in analysis and providing more actionable recommendations. For businesses that want more than just raw data but don’t need the full suite of GBP management tools, SEOMaven.ai represents a strong alternative for marketers looking to optimize their local search visibility.
Use Case Scenarios: Choosing the Right Tool
To help you determine which tool might be best for your specific situation, let’s explore some common use cases and which platform might be most suitable.
Single-Location Small Business
For a small business with a single location focused primarily on understanding and improving local rankings:
- Best Option: Local Falcon or SEOMaven.ai
- Why: Local Falcon offers straightforward tracking at a potentially lower cost for occasional use. SEOMaven.ai provides additional insights that might be valuable for businesses with limited SEO expertise.
- Considerations: If the business also needs help managing their GBP listing and reviews, Local Viking might be worth the additional cost.
Multi-Location Business
For businesses with multiple locations needing to track performance across all their stores or offices:
- Best Option: Local Viking or SEOMaven.ai
- Why: Both offer tools specifically designed for managing multiple locations. Local Viking provides more GBP management features, while SEOMaven.ai offers more advanced analytics across locations.
- Considerations: The number of locations and frequency of tracking needed will impact costs significantly.
SEO Agency Managing Multiple Clients
For agencies providing local SEO services to multiple clients:
- Best Option: Local Viking or a combination of tools
- Why: Local Viking’s broader feature set allows agencies to offer more comprehensive services. However, some agencies might prefer using Local Falcon for tracking and separate tools for other aspects of local SEO management.
- Considerations: White-label reporting capabilities and client management features become more important in this scenario.
Business in Highly Competitive Local Market
For businesses in industries with intense local competition (like law, healthcare, or home services):
- Best Option: SEOMaven.ai or a combination of Local Falcon and specialized tools
- Why: The AI-powered insights from SEOMaven.ai can help identify competitive advantages. Alternatively, the detailed tracking from Local Falcon combined with specialized competitive analysis tools might provide an edge.
- Considerations: The level of detail needed in competitive analysis will help determine the best approach.
Implementation Strategies for Maximum Value
Regardless of which tool we choose, implementing certain strategies will help us get the most value from our investment.
Establishing Baseline Rankings
Before making changes to our local SEO strategy:
- Run comprehensive scans across our entire service area
- Track rankings for all our primary keywords
- Document our visibility in different neighborhoods or districts
- Identify areas of strength and weakness in our current performance
This baseline will allow us to measure the impact of our optimization efforts accurately.
Regular Monitoring Schedule
Establish a consistent monitoring schedule based on our business needs:
- Weekly tracking for highly competitive industries or during active optimization campaigns
- Monthly tracking for maintenance and long-term trend analysis
- Quarterly deep-dive analysis to inform strategic decisions
Consistent tracking allows us to identify trends and respond quickly to ranking changes.
Competitive Benchmarking
Use our chosen tool to track not just our own rankings but also those of our top competitors:
- Identify competitors who consistently outrank us in specific areas
- Analyze their GBP listings for potential optimization ideas
- Monitor their performance after Google algorithm updates
- Use competitive insights to refine our own strategy
Integration with Other SEO Efforts
Local SEO tracking should not exist in isolation. Integrate insights from our tracking tool with:
- On-page SEO optimization for location pages
- Content creation targeting local keywords and topics
- Link building efforts focused on local relevance
- Review management and response strategies
This integrated approach ensures all aspects of our SEO strategy work together toward improved local visibility.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Users of local SEO tracking tools often encounter certain challenges. Here’s how we address them:
Managing Tracking Costs
For businesses concerned about the costs associated with frequent tracking:
- Solution: Focus on tracking our most valuable keywords rather than every possible variation
- Solution: Adjust grid density based on the size of our service area (denser in core areas, less dense in peripheral areas)
- Solution: Schedule less frequent tracking for stable keywords and more frequent tracking for competitive terms
Interpreting Ranking Fluctuations
Local rankings can fluctuate for many reasons, making data interpretation challenging:
- Solution: Look for patterns rather than reacting to single-day changes
- Solution: Correlate ranking changes with specific optimization actions or Google updates
- Solution: Consider seasonal factors that might impact search behavior in our industry
Translating Data into Action
Having data is only valuable if we can turn it into actionable insights:
- Solution: Establish clear KPIs tied to business outcomes, not just ranking positions
- Solution: Create a systematic process for reviewing data and implementing changes
- Solution: Test specific changes and measure their impact before making widespread adjustments
Keeping Up with Google’s Changes
Google frequently updates its algorithms and GBP features:
- Solution: Follow industry news sources to stay informed about changes
- Solution: Join user communities for our chosen tool to learn how others are adapting
- Solution: Maintain flexibility in our strategy to adapt to platform changes
Future Trends in Local SEO Tracking
As we look ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of local SEO tracking tools:
Increased AI Integration
We expect to see more AI-powered features in local SEO tools, including:
- Predictive analytics to forecast ranking changes
- Automated optimization suggestions based on competitive analysis
- Natural language processing for review sentiment analysis
- Pattern recognition to identify ranking factors specific to our industry
Tools like SEOMaven.ai are already moving in this direction, but we anticipate this trend will accelerate across all platforms.
More Comprehensive Local Search Visibility
Future tools will likely expand beyond just Google Maps rankings to include:
- Visibility in voice search results
- Performance in Google’s local finder
- Presence in emerging local platforms and directories
- Integration with social media location-based features
Enhanced Integration Capabilities
We expect to see better integration between local SEO tools and other marketing platforms:
- Direct connections to CRM systems to track search visibility to customer acquisition
- Integration with call tracking and attribution platforms
- Connections to website analytics for comprehensive performance measurement
- API improvements allowing for custom dashboard creation
Making Your Final Decision
As we conclude our comparison of Local Falcon vs Local Viking (with SEOMaven.ai as an alternative), here are the key factors to consider when making your final decision:
Budget Considerations
Evaluate not just the initial cost but the total investment based on our specific needs:
- How many locations do we need to track?
- How many keywords are essential to monitor?
- How frequently do we need to run scans?
- Are there seasonal factors that might require more intensive tracking during certain periods?
Calculate the total cost across all platforms based on our specific usage patterns before deciding.
Feature Requirements
Create a prioritized list of must-have features versus nice-to-have capabilities:
- Is geo grid tracking our primary need, or do we require additional local SEO tools?
- How important are reporting capabilities for our internal processes or client deliverables?
- Do we need GBP management features, or do we handle that separately?
- How valuable would AI-powered insights be for our team?
Team Capabilities
Consider our team’s expertise and available time:
- Do we have experienced SEO professionals who can interpret raw data, or would we benefit from more guided insights?
- How much time can our team invest in learning a new platform?
- Will multiple team members need to use the tool, requiring consideration of user management features?
Growth Trajectory
Think about not just our current needs but where our business is headed:
- Are we planning to expand to new locations in the near future?
- Will we be taking on more clients if we’re an agency?
- Are we entering more competitive markets that might require more sophisticated tracking?
Choose a solution that can grow with our business to avoid the need to switch platforms later.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Local SEO Tracking Solution
After our comprehensive comparison of Local Falcon vs Local Viking, with SEOMaven.ai as an alternative option, we can see that each platform offers distinct advantages for different business scenarios.
Local Falcon excels in focused geo grid tracking with a straightforward, user-friendly interface and flexible credit-based pricing. It’s an excellent choice for businesses primarily concerned with monitoring local rankings across geographic areas without needing additional GBP management features.
Local Viking offers a more comprehensive suite of local SEO tools beyond just rank tracking, making it suitable for businesses or agencies looking for an all-in-one solution for local search optimization. Its subscription model provides predictable costs for regular monitoring.
SEOMaven.ai represents a strong alternative that balances detailed tracking with AI-powered insights, potentially offering more actionable intelligence from your ranking data. It’s worth considering for businesses that want more than basic tracking but don’t need the full range of GBP management features.
The best choice ultimately depends on our specific business needs, technical capabilities, and budget constraints. We recommend taking advantage of any free trials or demos offered by these platforms to experience their interfaces and features firsthand before making our final decision.
Whichever tool we choose, implementing a systematic approach to local SEO tracking and optimization will help improve our business’s visibility in local search results, driving more foot traffic, calls, and revenue from our target geographic areas.
Remember that tools are just one component of a successful local SEO strategy. They provide valuable data and insights, but the actions we take based on that information will ultimately determine our local search success.
