> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rankability.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rankability.com/track/gbp-group-tracking.md).

# GBP group tracking

GBP groups combine the same keyword set across multiple business locations. Rankability creates one underlying Track project for every keyword–location pair, then rolls their Local Pack results into a keyword-by-location matrix.

Use a group when one brand has several offices, stores, service areas, or franchise locations that may rank differently—or compete with one another—for the same local searches.

## Before you start

You need:

* the client’s brand name and website domain;
* at least one keyword;
* at least one address that Rankability can resolve to map coordinates;
* a meaningful label for each location;
* enough usage for the number of keyword–location projects and their scans.

A Google Business Profile connection is **not required to create the tracking group**. Locations are selected through address search. Connect GBP when you also want authorized Business Profile data or in-app review replies for matching locations.

Plan the group size before creating it. The dialog shows the number of keywords multiplied by the number of resolved locations, which equals the number of Track projects that will be created. Each project tracks Local Pack and Google organic by default, and Local Pack usage also scales with the selected grid size.

## Create a GBP group

1. Select the client and open **Track**.
2. Open the **GBP groups** view inside Track. GBP Groups is not a separate primary sidebar tool.
3. Choose **Create GBP group**.
4. Enter a group name, brand name, and website domain.
5. Select a grid size. Larger grids use more points and cover a wider area.
6. Enter one keyword per line.
7. Search for each business address and select a resolved result.
8. Give each location a clear label, such as “Downtown” or “West County.”
9. Review the keyword × location project count and combined first-scan usage impact.
10. Confirm the estimate, then create the group.

Creating the group creates the underlying Track projects and queues their first scans only after the server confirms that the account can cover the combined estimate. Do not submit the form twice if the initial results take time to appear.

## Read the Rankings view

The **Keyword × location matrix** shows each keyword as a row and each location as a column.

* A location cell shows its average Local Pack rank across completed grid points.
* The smaller line shows how many observed grid points ranked in the top three out of the total points returned.
* **Group avg** averages the ranked locations for that keyword.
* **Pack share** is the percentage of observed group grid points where the tracked location appeared in the top three.

Select a location cell to open its underlying Track project and inspect the complete result. A dash means there is no comparable completed Local Pack result for that cell; it is not a rank of zero.

Location cards summarize average rank, top-three appearances, and the number of keywords. For groups with more than one location, they can also summarize the last 30 days of reviews and unanswered-review counts when review data can be resolved.

## Understand cannibalization alerts

The group can flag **Internal cannibalization detected** when multiple locations associated with the brand appear to compete in the same Local Pack context for a keyword.

Treat the alert as an investigation prompt, not proof that one listing harmed another. Open the affected keyword–location projects and check:

* whether both listings legitimately serve that search area;
* whether the location labels, business names, addresses, or domains caused a false match;
* whether the keyword should be assigned more narrowly by service area;
* whether proximity makes overlap expected.

## Run another group scan

Choose **Run scan** from the group. The button shows combined usage impact. Rankability asks you to confirm the scope and then queues a scan for every underlying project without a pending or running scan. Projects already in progress are reused rather than duplicated.

Because a group expands into keyword × location projects and Local Pack grids, a seemingly small increase in keywords, locations, or grid size can increase usage substantially. Review the group dimensions before rescanning and avoid clicking again while scans are active.

## Export or share the report

Use **Export report** to download CSV for the last 7, 30, or 90 days, or all available history.

Use **Share** to create a read-only live report that reflects current rankings without another export. You can:

* enable or disable the link;
* rotate the token to revoke an old link;
* add or remove a password;
* set the link to never expire or expire after 7, 30, or 90 days.

Anyone with an active unprotected link can view it. Use a password and expiry for client-sensitive reports, and disable or rotate the link when access should end.

## Reviews across locations

Groups with more than one location include a **Reviews** tab. It shows recent reviews that Rankability can associate with the group’s locations and separates responded from unanswered items.

Review discovery can work from resolved public place data. Replying directly from Rankability requires a valid GBP connection and a matching connected location. If in-app reply is unavailable, you can still review the item and mark it responded after handling it elsewhere.

## Delete a group carefully

Deleting a group permanently removes the group and all of its associated Track projects. This cannot be undone. Export anything you need and confirm that no other workflow relies on those project histories before deleting.

## Troubleshooting

* **A location cannot be added** — Select a result from address search so Rankability has resolved coordinates; typed text alone is not enough.
* **The matrix is empty** — Wait for the first scans to complete, then refresh the group. Do not create a duplicate group.
* **A cell shows a dash** — Open the underlying project and check whether a Local Pack scan completed and returned grid results.
* **Run scan shows zero new scans** — Every underlying project already has a pending or running scan, so Rankability reuses those runs instead of charging for duplicates.
* **The estimate is larger than expected** — It combines every new keyword × location project and every selected platform. Local Pack also multiplies by the grid’s point count.
* **Reviews are missing** — Confirm the brand and address identify the intended Google place. Review data covers recent resolvable results, not a guaranteed complete archive.
* **Reply is unavailable** — Connect GBP for the client and make sure the group place matches a connected Business Profile location.
* **The group is larger than expected** — The project count is keywords multiplied by resolved locations. Grid points and default platforms apply within each project.

## Related articles

* [Set up keyword tracking](/track/setting-up-keyword-tracking.md)
* [Supported tracking platforms](/track/supported-tracking-platforms.md)
* [Understand the Track workspace](/track/reporter-executive-summary.md)
* [Understand Search Performance Index](/track/understanding-spi.md)
* [Connect client Google services](/account-and-settings/connecting-client-google-services.md)
* [GBP Auditor guide](/audit/gbp-auditor-guide.md)