If you want your business to show up on Google Maps, appear in the Local 3-Pack, or dominate local search, you need more than just a website and hope.
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ToggleYou need data. You need visibility. You need speed.
That’s where Chrome extensions come in, especially for local SEO.
These lightweight tools you plug directly into your browser that let you:
- Instantly audit your Google Business Profile.
- Spy on your competitors’ categories and reviews.
- Analyze keyword visibility.
- Fix local ranking issues, without logging into five dashboards.
In this guide, I’ve ranked the 10 best Chrome extensions for local SEO in 2025, including the exact one I use to audit competitor listings and find hidden GMB categories: GMB Everywhere.
Let’s start with why you need these tools in the first place.
Why You Need Chrome Extensions for Local SEO in 2025
You already know that local SEO is competitive. But here’s what the data says:
- 83% of consumers search online to find local businesses, according to SOCi’s 2025 Consumer Behavior Index report reported by as reported by PRNewswire on May 7, 2025.
- 44% of all clicks go to businesses featured in Google’s Local 3-Pack (Redlocalseo).
- And according to BrightLocal, 91% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
So if you’re not:
- Choosing the right categories
- Earning high-quality reviews
- Posting weekly updates
- Or analyzing the businesses already ranking in your niche…
You’re falling behind.
Chrome extensions solve this by putting fast, real-time SEO insights right inside your browser, no dashboards, no guesswork, no paid consultants required.
Want to see which categories your competitors are using, and how often they post or get reviewed? Install GMB Everywhere to get the data in seconds.
Top 6 Chrome Extensions for Local SEO (At a Glance)
Here’s a quick comparison of the best Chrome extensions that help with Google Business Profile (GMB) audits, local keyword research, competitor analysis, and on-page SEO, ranked by their core features and use cases:
Extension | Key Feature | Free/Paid | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
GMB Everywhere | Audit GBP listings, see competitor categories, reviews, post activity, and get AI-powered category suggestions | Free + Pro | Freelancers, local SEOs, agencies, small business owners |
PlePer Local SEO Tools | GBP monitoring, category explorer, local audit tools, GBP analysis | Free + Pro | Category research, citation checks |
GMBSpy | View primary and secondary GMB categories directly in Google Maps | Free | Beginners or quick audits |
BrightLocal Citation Tracker | Track local citation, audit the local SEO, listing management, and consistency (NAP) across 100+ platforms | Paid | Agencies managing multiple business listings |
Local Viking GeoGrid Viewer | Rank tracking, GMB management, and GMB post scheduling | Paid | Franchises, agencies with location-based tracking |
Whitespark Citation Finder | Discover citation gaps and audit existing listings | Paid | Local citation building and reputation tracking |
1. GMB Everywhere — Best Overall for GMB Audits

GMB Everywhere is a powerful Chrome extension built specifically for auditing Google Business Profiles. It integrates directly into Google Maps, so you can spy on your competitors’ categories, review counts, post frequency, and profile activity, in one click.
One thing I love about this is that it’s made for all, whether you’re a freelancer, local marketer, agency owner, or business owner managing your listing.
This tool helps you:
- Instantly audit any Google Business Profile
- Spy on your competitors’ GMB categories
- See their total reviews, post frequency, and photo count
- Discover their visibility strategy, without leaving Google Maps
Pros:
- Instantly shows competitor categories (primary + secondary)
- Reveals reviews, posting activity, and photos
- AI-powered tool suggests the best categories for your business
- Export audit reports (great for freelancers or agencies)
- The free version is very useful
- You can perform live audits on Google Maps directly (no dashboard needed).
Cons:
- Some advanced features require the Pro plan
- Doesn’t manage GMB directly (audit only)
Do you want to know why your competitor ranks #1 and you don’t? Install GMB Everywhere and run an audit in under 60 seconds.
2. PlePer Local SEO Tools — Best for Category Research & Audits

PlePer is a niche tool for Google Business Profile category research. It shows available GMB categories by country and includes a browser extension for quick audits.
Price: Free + Pro
Key Features:
- Export GMB categories
- Local citation and audit tools
- Basic listing comparison
Best For:
- Category research
- GMB managers and agencies
Pros:
- Great for discovering GMB categories
- Helps find missing profile info
- Includes local citation tools
- Free tier available
Cons:
- Some features require login to platform
- The interface is less beginner-friendly
6. BrightLocal – Best for Agencies Managing Citations
Website: brightlocal.com
Price: Paid
BrightLocal’s extension works with their full suite to audit NAP consistency and citations across 100+ platforms.
Best For:
- Agencies managing multiple local clients
- Deep citation tracking
8. GMBSpy – Basic Category Checker (Free Alternative)

Website: chrome.google.com → GMBSpy
Price: Free
A stripped-down alternative to GMB Everywhere. It shows only primary and secondary GMB categories on Maps.
Best For:
- Beginners
- Light research
Limitations:
- No review data
- No audit/export tools
- No AI recommendations
10. Local Viking – GMB Scheduling + Geo-Rank Tracking
Website: localviking.com
Price: Paid
This is a full suite for GBP management. It lets you:
- Schedule GMB posts
- Geo-grid rank tracking
- Keyword rotation
Ideal for:
- Agencies
- Franchises
- Multi-location brands
How to Choose the Right Chrome Extension for Your Local SEO Goals
Not every business needs every tool. The right Chrome extension depends on what stage you’re at and what your top local SEO challenges are.
Here’s a quick guide:
Use Case | Best Extension |
See competitor GMB categories | GMB Everywhere |
Audit your own GBP profile | GMB Everywhere, PlePer |
Choose the right business category | GMB Everywhere’s AI Category Tool |
Research keywords for GMB posts | Keywords Everywhere |
Schedule Google Posts | Local Viking |
Track citations and NAP | BrightLocal |
Audit website for local on-page SEO | Surfer SEO, SEO Minion, Detailed SEO |
If you’re new to local SEO or manage multiple businesses, start with a free tool like GMB Everywhere, which covers the essentials in one click.
Bonus: How I Use GMB Everywhere in My Local SEO Workflow
Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes on how I use GMB Everywhere:
- I search for my target service + location on Google Maps
e.g., “Hair salon in Ikoyi” - I open the top 3 listings and click the GMB Everywhere icon
This shows their primary/secondary categories, review counts, photo uploads, and post activity - I compare their data to my client’s or business listing
I use this to find missing categories, low review volume, or posting gaps - I run the AI category suggestion tool
Especially helpful for new clients in niches like real estate, law, or beauty services - I export a GMB audit and send it as a PDF
Perfect for client reporting or service upsells
This tool has helped me rank service businesses in the 3-Pack in under 30 days, just by matching what top listings are already doing.
Conclusion:
One Extension Can Change Your Local SEO Game
You don’t need to buy 10 tools or pay an agency $1,000/month. With the right Chrome extension, you can:
- Spy on what your competitors are doing
- Audit your listings.
- Pick the right categories
- Rank higher in the Google Local Pack
Start with the one tool that does it all: Install GMB Everywhere (Free + Pro)
FAQs About Chrome Extensions for Local SEO
What is the best Chrome extension for local SEO?
The best Chrome extension for local SEO in 2025 is GMB Everywhere. It allows you to audit any Google Business Profile, see competitor categories, reviews, and post activity directly inside Google Maps.
Are Chrome extensions safe to use for SEO?
Yes, reputable Chrome extensions like GMB Everywhere, Surfer SEO, and Keywords Everywhere are safe. Always install from the official Chrome Web Store and check reviews and permissions.
Can Chrome extensions help me rank higher on Google Maps?
They can’t guarantee rankings, but they give you insights to optimize your profile. Extensions like GMB Everywhere let you see exactly what’s working for competitors in the Google 3-Pack, so you can apply the same strategies.
Is GMB Everywhere free?
Yes, GMB Everywhere offers a free version with essential audit tools. It also has a Pro version that unlocks AI-powered category suggestions, bulk audits, and client-ready reports. Try it here.
What are the must-have Chrome extensions for local SEO freelancers?
Start with:
GMB Everywhere (GBP audits, reviews, categories)
Keywords Everywhere (keyword volume + intent)
Detailed SEO or SEO Minion (on-page audits and metadata checks)