Local Falcon is a different way of visualizing ranking data in local search. Below is a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions. For even deeper learning, you can always check out our knowledge base as well.
Answers for:
What does Local Falcon do?
Local Falcon is a local rank tracker that scans multiple points at varying distances from the target business. It then displays Google Business Profile rankings for listings that show up either in the Maps portion of the organic search or from a search in the Google Maps Local Finder (i.e. Google Maps). Local Falcon can also track local search ranking for Apple Business Connect listings on Apple Maps.
How accurate is Local Falcon?
As accurate as possible. While there's no one "right" SERP result, we wouldn't have released the tool if it wasn't providing accurate information. If you want more details, check out this article where we compare our scan to two other local rank trackers.
Why are Local Falcon's results sometimes different from the ones I see in my browser?
Rankings are highly variable and dependent on many factors. These variables include whether or not you're logged into Google, if you're browsing "Incognito," whether or not the IP address has been used for similar searches, and more. Even the zoom level of your map can affect your final results. Local Falcon pulls data from "clean" Google searches that aren't influenced by previous search history; therefore, they may be slightly different. There is no "perfect" rank scan for local results, because everyone sees slightly different results in a real-world scan.
If I change the address of the business on Google Business Profile (GBP) will the scan still work?
Once the address is officially updated on Google Business Profile, you can update the address in your account by navigating to your "Saved Locations" from the "Locations" drop-down and clicking the button with the pencil icon to enter a new address for your listing. This will ensure you continue to receive accurate scan results.
What information do you collect about me while using the site?
We will only ask for information that is necessary to be in compliance with the law. For example, we will need your address when upgrading your account to comply with tax regulations. All scan data is saved in your account for future reference and that information is kept on our servers. We are in compliance with GDPR and will not release any information about you or your account without your authorization or being compelled to by law.
What localities does this local rank tracker work in?
Local Falcon works everywhere in the world and with any language!
Do I need a Google API key to use Local Falcon?
No. You can use Local Falcon without signing up for any Google API keys.
Do you save scan results?
Every scan you perform is saved in your account. Numerous reports are available after each scan. Saved scan results can be found in the "Reports" drop-down menu in your Local Falcon Dashboard.
Why are Local Falcon's results sometimes different from other rank trackers?
Other rank trackers make you choose a location, usually a zip or postal code, and then scan from one spot within that area. Since even a small amount of distance can lead to a different map ranking scan result, it's normal for slight differences to appear.
How to use the Local Falcon Map Scan tool (step-by-step guide + video)
Using the Local Falcon Map Scan tool only takes a few steps. While there are multiple ways to perform a scan (Quick Scan, Campaign Scan, or via the API), we've outlined the basics in the steps and in the video, below:
How to Use Local Falcon:
You must have at least one keyword and one business in-mind (e.g. "Pizza Hut" wants to search for "Pizza Delivery Near Me"), but we recommend using about 5 to 10 keywords to start.
Add the keyword(s) you would like to track (tip: use the new "Suggested Keywords" feature for a few ideas about where the business is already ranking).
Choose the grid size (our most popular is the 9x9) and radius (we like to suggest 2 mile radius for urban settings, 5 miles for suburban, and 10 miles for rural, but this is just a suggested starting point).
Tap "Run Scan" and when the scan is complete you can view the Scan Report (tip: you can also share the report with by tapping the share icon).
Don't forget you can also convert your favorite one-time scans into "Auto Scans" so you can see how business ranking changes over time by using the popular "Trend Report".
Here's a quick overview video, narrated by Yan Gilbert:
Data Retrieval API: This API pulls scan data from standard Local Falcon scans and pools them in your custom reporting tool.
On-Demand Scan API: This API allows you to build your own custom interface and reporting tools. This grants you full control over the input and output of Local Falcon data.
Yes! There are many ways to do this; however, you'll need to run a scan at least twice in order to export in bulk or use Campaigns. You can also use this Looker Studio Template if neither of those cases are applicable to you.
What should my SoLV be?
The ultimate SoLV goal is always 100, but in most cases that isn't going to happen for a number of reasons.
We recommend running a few scans to see how far you currently reach (i.e., grid points where you have a SoLV above 0), then using that info set a goal on how far you want to reach in X number of months. Use that distance goal when setting up your reports, then strive to get your SoLV to as close to 100 as possible.
However, depending on how competitive the area is, getting your SoLV to 100 may not be possible. You could then use the Competitor Report to see who has the highest SoLV in the area and set the goal to surpass them.
What's the difference between Google Maps locations and Apple Maps locations?
Google Maps locations are businesses listed via Google Business Profile, while Apple Maps locations are businesses listed via Apple Business Connect.
In terms of relevance, Google Business Profile listings are much more widely used, as users can access Google Maps from any device, and it's the preferred maps app for the majority of users. On the other hand, only people using Apple Maps on iOS devices can see Apple Business Connect listings, and many iOS users replace the native Apple Maps app with Google Maps.
Do past reports show old business information?
Yes, all reports for scans run after July 26, 2024 show the business name, address, and review score/number of reviews as they appeared at the time of the scan. Any reports from before then automatically update to display the most recent information.
Why does my old report display my current business information?
If you ran the scan before July 26, 2024, the business information displayed in reports (name, address, reviews) automatically updates to the most recent info. All reports from scans run after July 26, 2024 will display the business info as it appeared at the time of the scan.
