BrightLocal

About BrightLocal
BrightLocal is a local SEO platform that helps agencies and businesses get the insight needed to improve local search performance.
Unlike standard SEO tools, BrightLocal's platform is entirely dedicated to local SEO and how to improve it. To do this it has several powerful tools and reports, which include:
- Local Search Rank Checker
- Local Search Grid
- Citation Tracking
- Local Search Audit
- Google My Business Audit
As online reviews play a key part in local SEO success, BrightLocal also includes three review management tools. These cover the full review lifecycle, from acquiring more reviews, ongoing monitoring and response, and lastly, to showcasing them on your website with an easy-to-install reviews widget.
BrightLocal plans start at $39/month, and there is a free 14-day trial that requires no card to get started.
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- Industry: Internet
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10
Long Time User & Fan
Reviewed on 2021/03/04
To some degree or other we've used all the different toolsets, and every single local business...
To some degree or other we've used all the different toolsets, and every single local business we've worked with has been entered into the system. For some we've used limited items, like citation building and tracking, and for others we've used the whole suite. The improvements over the years have been impressive, with white label dashboard a few years ago, right up to the recent local rankings grid reports.
Pros
The ease of setup when entering a new client is probably my favorite feature, the way you can literally utilize every tool in the shed during a clean click through process.
Cons
The fact that their "Citation Checker" shows an ever growing number, and displays a chart giving a false impression of growth when the old citations may no longer exist. When a citation no longer exists, it should come off the report just like a lost link would.
The Google Analytics integration is also very basic, and it would be nice to have more data options, but for a basic customer dashboard it's okay. It's going to need an update soon, since new businesses are defaulting to GA4 and I dont think this integrates
Reasons for Switching to BrightLocal
I did not choose BL as an alternative, but as a supplement to Raven and SEMrush, and I've kept them for more than 8 years, I think.Response from BrightLocal
Hi Scott,
Thanks for taking the time to leave us this review. It's great to hear you've found the tools easy to use.
You'll be pleased to know every time the Citation Tracker report is re-run we search for any listings that can no longer be reached (for instance; if they return a 404 error). These will then be removed from the report, and you'll see an alert of this at the top of the report page.
Thank you for your feedback regarding Google Analytics, our developers are currently working on the integration with GA4 and we hope for this to be available in the near future.
I'm glad you've noticed our improvements over the years, we've been working hard to provide better tools for our customers.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with our support team if there's anything else.
Best Wishes,
Myles - BrightLocal CEO
- Industry: Internet
- Company size: Self Employed
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10
BrightLocal for Quality and Price
Reviewed on 2021/11/19
Overall experience is satisfactory.
Overall experience is satisfactory.
Pros
Citation Management, Rankings, GBP, Reputation Management - affordable and accurate all in one place SEO management software
Cons
No backlink monitoring system yet available for managing / getting backlinks
Alternatives Considered
SE RankingReasons for Choosing BrightLocal
I made the switch because SEOProfiler does not have Citations, but they do have backlinks management. I still use them until BL has a backlink management system in place.Reasons for Switching to BrightLocal
CostResponse from BrightLocal
Thank you for taking the time to review BrightLocal.
As I'm sure you're aware, we're always looking for ways to improve, so your feedback is appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Myles - BrightLocal CEO
- Industry: Marketing & Advertising
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used for 1-5 months
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 0.0 /10
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Reviewed on 2019/11/16
Unsatisfied
Unsatisfied
Pros
I don't have anything positive to say about my experience
Cons
"Subscription Fees will not be refunded for early cancellation or any other reason" is their policy. This includes if you purchased the yearly plan and used their software for 1 minute, hour, or day... you will not get a refund, whether you are satisfied or likely not.
We moved on from BrightLocal because we want our product to scale with us, and the only way to resolve inaccurate data displayed to our client-facing dashboard is to fix it manually.
They only make sure the information displayed is accurate if you have an Enterprise plan. They claimed that I was misinterpreting the data (not true at all), but then went on to say no platform is 100% accurate, so which one is it...?
Response from BrightLocal
Hi Rhen
I'm Myles, BrightLocal's CEO.
I'm very sorry that you had such a frustrating experience.
Our policy is not to refund fees, however, we have refunded your payment in full as a gesture of goodwill.
We put a huge amount of effort and resources into data accuracy but the data isn't always 100% correct for a few reasons. I won't go into the detail here but long story short, finding listings isn't an exact science.
All customers have access to the same technology, but Enterprise customers have access to an account manager who can assist them when there is an issue.
We provide training, education, and support to every customer so they really understand how to get the best out of BrightLocal. It's clear that you would have liked more support than you received and I will be discussing this with our Head of Support and what more we can do moving forward.
I would really like the chance to talk 1-1 so I can apologize personally; I have emailed you directly.
Thanks
Myles

- Industry: Computer Software
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Daily for 1-5 months
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10
Indespensible
Reviewed on 2021/11/17
The experience has been a five star experience. It's a great resource that's easy to use, with...
The experience has been a five star experience. It's a great resource that's easy to use, with excellent support, and very competitively priced.
Pros
The software has nearly everything needed to review, analyze and build Local SEO and digital marketing strategies. This is the first time I've used a tool that covers +90% of our needs. It's easy to setup and use, especially with the extensive and well formed support and training videos and articles provided. Top that off with quick and personal support through calls and chat, and this is a real winner for our organization and customers.
Cons
BrightLocal is a multifaceted set of tools, and initially it was challenging understanding what features are included in the plan vs what were paid add-on tools. Add to the complexity a credit system for reporting and other features and understanding the costs can seems nearly impossible until you begin to use the tools. More keyword research tools would be helpful. Adding more niche review sources would also be helpful.
Response from BrightLocal
Thank you for the review, Michael.
It's been really great to read your kind words, and I'm pleased you've been able to incorporate BrightLocal into your strategy so well.
That being said, the feedback is always really important too and I'm sorry to hear there was a bit of a learning curve when getting started with pricing and credits. We do have a great team on hand to help, and you're welcome to email, book a call or live chat with the team when required. We've recently launched a free academy too, and you'll find a lot of your questions may be answered there.
We've also launched a course dedicated to keyword research so please take a look!
As always, if there's anything else you need please get in touch with the team.
It's great to be working with you.
Myles - BrightLocal CEO

- Industry: Financial Services
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Weekly for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Ease of Use
- Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10
Good option for start-up Agencies or Freelancers
Reviewed on 2020/11/20
Whilst it may not be perfect, for those of us starting out on our own this is a very inexpensive...
Whilst it may not be perfect, for those of us starting out on our own this is a very inexpensive way of collating and tracking all the data we need to report to clients on a monthly basis.
Pros
BrightLocal is inexpensive for the features it provides, which allows you to track a lot of SEO metrics in once place. This makes it really handy for tracking and reporting purposes. Their local citations also allow quick link building options when required.
White-label reporting options also gives you quick access to download user friendly and well displayed ranking and brand data to send to your clients, branded with your own logo. This is a real time-saver if you cannot afford some of the more expensive SEO products.
Cons
The reporting options could do with some additional customisation. Whilst you can white-label and add your own branding, the actual data that is presented is fairly linear. For example, you can only compare rankings to one point in time, and can't compare both starting rankings and month-on-month in the same report.
If you opt to use their lead-generator audit tool be aware it uses a credits system. This runs out fast depending on how you set it up, so I don't personally believe it's a viable source of generating leads.
Alternatives Considered
SemrushReasons for Switching to BrightLocal
Huge difference in price which meant BrightLocal was far more viable for my position as a start-up.Response from BrightLocal
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us Jonny.
It's great to hear you've had a positive experience, especially the fact we've been able to save you time!
I appreciate the comments regarding our reporting options and the ability to do more report comparisons, this is something for us to consider for future improvements. I'm sorry you've not found the Agency Lead Widget suitable for your needs though, additional credits are available and we do try and keep these at a low price to ensure they're cost-effective for our customers.
Best Wishes,
Myles - BrightLocal CEO
BrightLocal FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions for BrightLocal.Q. What type of pricing plans does BrightLocal offer?
BrightLocal offers the following pricing plans:
- Starting from: US$39.00/month
- Pricing model: Subscription
- Free Trial: Available
Single Business: $35/mo (billed monthly) $29.17/mo (billed annually) Multi Business: $60/mo (billed monthly) $50/mo (billed annually) SEO Pro: $90/mo (billed monthly) $75/mo (billed annually) A 14-day free trial is available - no credit card needed.
Q. Who are the typical users of BrightLocal?
BrightLocal has the following typical customers:
Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500
Q. What languages does BrightLocal support?
BrightLocal supports the following languages:
English
Q. Does BrightLocal support mobile devices?
BrightLocal supports the following devices:
Q. What other apps does BrightLocal integrate with?
BrightLocal integrates with the following applications:
AgencyAnalytics, Google Analytics 360, Meta for Business
Q. What level of support does BrightLocal offer?
BrightLocal offers the following support options:
Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat
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