When it comes to local SEO tracking, BrightLocal is one of the most reliable tools in the market. One of its most powerful features is the Ranking Tracker, which allows you to compare your website’s performance against competitors in Google’s local search results. But what if you want to remove old competitors and add new ones in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker?

This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, explain why competitor management is important, and provide actionable SEO insights to improve your local search rankings.

Why Manage Competitors in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker?

Competitor tracking is not just about monitoring who’s ranking above you—it’s about understanding the competitive landscape in your niche.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Accurate insights: Keeping your competitor list updated ensures you’re monitoring the right businesses.
  • Eliminate irrelevant competitors: Over time, some competitors may close their business, change location, or stop investing in SEO.
  • Add new challengers: Local SERPs are dynamic. New businesses can emerge and start ranking above you.
  • Better decision-making: By analyzing the right competitors, you can improve your local SEO strategy, target high-value keywords, and optimize your content.

How to Remove Competitors in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker

If your competitor list is outdated, you can easily remove businesses that no longer matter to your SEO strategy.

Steps to Remove Competitors:

  1. Login to BrightLocal Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Ranking Tracker for your chosen campaign.
  3. Go to the Competitors tab.
  4. Find the competitor you want to remove.
  5. Click on the delete/remove option next to their name.
  6. Save your changes.

👉 Pro Tip: Before removing, check if the competitor has completely lost visibility or if they’re still ranking for certain keywords. Sometimes, “inactive” competitors might reappear.

How to Add Competitors in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker

Adding competitors in BrightLocal helps you benchmark against new market players.

Steps to Add Competitors:

  1. Go to your Ranking Tracker project.
  2. Click on Competitors.
  3. Select Add Competitor.
  4. Enter the competitor’s business name, website, or local listing URL.
  5. Confirm and save.

👉 Pro Tip: Focus on competitors who rank well in Google Maps, local pack results, and organic search for your target keywords.

Best Practices for Competitor Management in BrightLocal

  1. Review competitors monthly – Local search changes quickly.
  2. Track both direct & indirect competitors – Example: a pizza shop should also track food delivery apps.
  3. Use location-based tracking – Add competitors in specific locations you want to dominate.
  4. Analyze keyword overlap – See which keywords competitors rank for that you don’t.
  5. Monitor citations & backlinks – Many BrightLocal users combine competitor tracking with Local Citation Tracking.

Final Thoughts

Managing competitors in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker is essential for staying ahead in local SEO. By regularly removing irrelevant competitors and adding new ones, you ensure your SEO data is accurate and actionable.

If you want to rank higher on Google, don’t just focus on your own metrics—learn from the businesses already outranking you. BrightLocal gives you the tools to do exactly that.

FAQs About BrightLocal Competitor Tracking

Q1. Can I track unlimited competitors in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker?
No, BrightLocal sets a limit based on your subscription plan. You can, however, update and rotate competitors anytime.

Q2. Why should I remove competitors from BrightLocal Ranking Tracker?
To avoid tracking irrelevant or outdated competitors and keep your reports clean.

Q3. Can I add competitors based on keywords?
Yes, BrightLocal allows you to add competitors based on business name, website, or local listings appearing for specific keywords.

Q4. Does removing competitors affect historical data?
No, removing competitors won’t delete past reports. You’ll still have historical comparisons in your BrightLocal dashboard.

Q5. Is competitor tracking necessary for local SEO success?
Yes, competitor insights help you identify keyword gaps, content opportunities, and local SEO strategies to outrank others.

✅ By following this guide, you now know exactly how to remove and add competitors in BrightLocal Ranking Tracker, optimize your local SEO campaigns, and stay ahead of competitors in Google’s search results.