7 Pros + Cons of BrightLocal SEO Software
It has taken a looooong time for local SEO software to, like, not be absolutely terrible. But I think we’re finally there.
The market is definitely good enough to move away from Google Sheets and manual tracking to a more professional, standardized setup for clients & businesses alike.
I ended up going with BrightLocal a couple years ago for my software. Here are a few notes on what I like and don’t like.
BrightLocal is a local SEO software that finally makes managing local search campaigns easier. I've been using it for a couple of years and really appreciate its user-friendly design and accurate data tracking. The affordable pricing and excellent support are big pluses, too. However, it lacks broader SEO tools, which means I still rely on other platforms for tasks like keyword research. Overall, it’s a solid choice for agencies focused on local SEO, but be mindful of potential extra costs for citations.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Accurate data with high reliability
- Affordable pricing for various business sizes
- Excellent documentation and responsive support
- Efficient citation tracking with color coding
- Lacks broader SEO tools
- Additional costs for citation and add-on services
- Costs can add up with multiple locations
Pros
Lovely, Useful Tool Design
I’ve found BrightLocal’s interface pretty intuitive compared to other SEO tools I’ve used. The dashboard presents all essential functions through a clean sidebar menu that lets me access key features in just 1-2 clicks.
The reports section uses a card-based layout which makes scanning multiple client campaigns effortless. I especially appreciate how the citation tracking interface uses color coding to highlight missing or incorrect business information making it simple to spot issues that need attention.
Accurate, Useful Data
The data accuracy in BrightLocal has been consistently reliable in my experience. Their ranking tracker pulls results from actual Google searches which provides more precise local rankings than many competitors.
I’ve validated their citation data across multiple business listings and found a solid accuracy rate – even among the big data aggregators. The review monitoring captures reviews within 24 hours and I haven’t encountered any missed reviews so far.
Affordable Pricing for All Business Sizes
BrightLocal’s pricing structure offers exceptional value especially for agencies like mine. Their entry-level plan starts at $39/month while the most popular agency plan costs $59/month. I appreciate that they offer monthly billing without requiring annual commitments. Each plan includes core features like rank tracking citation monitoring and review management.
Excellent Documentation & Support
The support team has impressed me with their quick response times typically under 4 hours. Their knowledge base contains over 200 detailed articles covering every feature. I particularly value their video tutorials which helped my team get up to speed quickly. When I encountered issues with bulk uploading citations their support team provided step-by-step guidance and even created a custom tutorial for my specific use case.
Cons
No General SEO Tool Add-On
BrightLocal’s laser focus on local SEO means it lacks broader SEO functionality that I often need. I’ve had to maintain separate subscriptions to tools like Ahrefs or Semrush for essential SEO tasks. There’s no built-in keyword research tool backlink analysis or content optimization features.
When I’m working on comprehensive SEO campaigns I find myself constantly switching between platforms to get a complete picture of my clients’ SEO performance. This single-focus approach while great for local search creates workflow inefficiencies especially when handling clients who need both local and organic SEO support.
Citation & Add-On Pricing Can Be Tricky
I’ve discovered that costs can add up quickly beyond the base subscription. Citations are tricky in SEO. No single citation matters a ton, but in aggregate they can have an effect. Budgeting $2 per citation plus extras for the big aggregators is useful to have inside of BrightLocal, but also tricky to price out.
The key is establishing repeatable processes. I spent my first month creating templates and workflows. It’s so much easier than hacking away at Google Sheets and the time-saving alone justifies the price.
Next Steps
BrightLocal stands as my go-to solution for managing local SEO campaigns despite its limitations. I’ve found its specialized features and reliable data essential for delivering results to my clients.
While it might not be an all-in-one SEO platform I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks particularly for agencies focused on local search optimization. The platform’s affordable entry point and scalable options make it worth considering for businesses of any size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BrightLocal and what does it do?
BrightLocal is a specialized local SEO tool that helps businesses and agencies manage their local search presence. It offers features like citation management, rank tracking, and review monitoring, making it easier to optimize local search campaigns and track their performance.
How much does BrightLocal cost?
BrightLocal’s pricing starts at $39/month for the basic plan for one location – more locations and features add to the cost. While the base subscription is affordable, additional costs may apply for services like citation building and review generation. Pricing scales based on the number of locations and services needed.
What are the main advantages of using BrightLocal?
Key advantages include an intuitive user interface, accurate citation tracking, reliable review monitoring, and comprehensive customer support. The platform offers excellent documentation, video tutorials, and webinars to help users maximize their experience.
What are BrightLocal’s limitations?
The main limitation is its focus solely on local SEO, lacking broader SEO functionalities. Users often need additional tools like Ahrefs or Semrush for complete SEO coverage. The pricing structure can also be complex, especially when managing multiple locations.
Is BrightLocal suitable for managing multiple locations?
Yes, BrightLocal is well-suited for managing multiple locations. It offers features like bulk uploads and consolidated reporting views. However, costs can increase significantly with each additional location, so careful planning is recommended.
What’s the best way to get started with BrightLocal?
Start with establishing a clear workflow, setting up location groups, and tracking baseline rankings. It’s recommended to begin with the Growth plan and utilize automated features. Create repeatable processes for client onboarding and campaign launches for maximum efficiency.
How reliable is BrightLocal’s data?
BrightLocal provides consistently reliable data with high accuracy rates in citation tracking and review monitoring. The platform delivers timely updates and accurate reporting metrics for local SEO campaigns.
Can BrightLocal handle citation management?
Yes, BrightLocal offers comprehensive citation management features. However, citation building and management services come at additional costs. It’s recommended to bundle these services for cost efficiency when managing multiple locations.
