Grid visibility
Measure map presence at consistent points across the legitimate service area.
SeattleSEO.us field guide
Washington Local Search Benchmark Framework
A transparent framework for measuring local visibility across Washington markets without presenting invented industry statistics.
Practical guidance
Benchmark the market you actually serve.
Public rank claims and statewide averages can hide proximity, category and query differences. A useful benchmark records the same queries, grid points, devices and conversion definitions over time, then annotates profile and competitive changes.
By SeattleSEO.us · Updated
Query ownership
Track discovery, service, branded and comparison searches separately.
Business outcomes
Connect visibility to qualified calls, forms, directions or booked work where measurable.
Define the sample
Record the city, service category, query list, observation points, device context and time window. Use the same sample on the next review so a change in measurement does not look like a change in performance.
Separate observation from outcome
Keep map visibility, organic landing pages and qualified inquiries in separate columns. Annotate profile edits, releases and business changes rather than assuming every movement was caused by SEO.
Document missing data
This is a measurement method, not a published Washington dataset. Note unavailable queries, tracking gaps and uncertain lead attribution. Publish numeric benchmarks only with a reproducible method and source data.
Your review checklist
Use these points to record findings and decide what needs attention.
- Market and query set
- Map-grid baseline
- Organic landing baseline
- Competitor observation
- Call and form definitions
- Monthly annotated comparison
Questions, answered
Before the next step.
Is this page publishing benchmark statistics?+
No. It explains a measurement framework until a verified, methodologically documented dataset is available.
Why do map rankings differ by location?+
Distance, relevance, prominence and market activity vary by the searcher's location and context.
Can cities be compared directly?+
Only cautiously. Category competition, population, geography and service behavior differ across markets.
Sources and further reading
Keep exploring