When it comes to tracking your Google Maps rankings, not all tracking methods give you the full picture. Whether you're a local business, SEO consultant, or agency, understanding where your business shows up across the map is key to optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) and driving real traffic.
In 2025, two dominant approaches are used for local rank tracking:
👉 Linear (single-point) tracking
👉 Grid-based (multi-point) tracking
But what's the difference? And which one should you rely on?
Let’s break down grid vs. linear GMB rank tracking—so you can choose the right strategy for your local SEO efforts.
Linear or single-point rank tracking measures your Google Maps position from one specific location—typically a city center or a manually chosen zip code.
Simple and fast to set up
Useful for small service-area businesses
Still effective for general position monitoring
Doesn't show how you rank outside that one location
Misses ranking variability across neighborhoods
Can give a false sense of visibility
Example: You may rank #1 for “plumber in London” from city center, but #15 just 2km away.
Grid-based tracking maps your Google Maps rankings across a grid of multiple geographic points (usually within a radius). This shows how your business performs in different parts of your service area.
Reveals weak zones and hidden opportunities
Helps improve rankings in specific neighborhoods
Ideal for hyperlocal SEO optimization
Shows full picture of real-world visibility
Slightly slower scans
More data to analyze
Some tools charge more for grid scans
| Feature | Linear Tracking | Grid-Based Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking Detail | One point | Multiple points |
| Local Accuracy | Low | High |
| Optimization Insight | Limited | Deep/localized |
| Setup Time | Very fast | Slightly more effort |
| Best For | Solopreneurs, single-location check | Agencies, multi-location businesses |
Use Grid Tracking if:
You're managing local SEO for multiple locations
You want to dominate neighborhoods or local packs
You need to show clients visual data and growth areas
You want more control over your visibility zones
Use Linear Tracking if:
You only care about one central location
You want a quick glance at general ranking
You're testing keywords or new optimizations
Several tools offer powerful grid-based tracking in 2025, including:
âś… GMBRadar: Fast, simple, and affordable Maps grid tracker with great UI.
âś… Local Falcon: Advanced tool with historical data and bulk scans.
âś… Local Viking: Includes GMB automation features along with geo-grid scans.
Among these, GMBRadar is especially beginner-friendly and budget-conscious—perfect for freelancers, agencies, or business owners looking to visualize their Google Maps rankings without the learning curve.
If you're serious about local visibility, grid-based tracking gives you a clear advantage in 2025. It helps you move beyond vanity metrics and focus on localized performance, so you can take action that drives real results—foot traffic, calls, and customers.
Linear tracking still has its place, but it’s like checking your temperature in just one spot. Grid tracking is a full-body scan of your local SEO health.
👉 Want to try grid-based tracking now? Check out GMBRadar, and see exactly where your business stands—block by block.