# How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth > Local Marketing Audits deliver a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details and compare results to competitors. - Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/reporting/marketing-audit-reports/how-to-use-local-marketing-audits-compare-reports-for-strategic-growth - Section: Reporting / Marketing Audit Reports - Reading time: 6 min - Images: 19, each explained below - Modified on Fri, 4 Sep at 6:39 AM --- GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results against competitors. --- **TABLE OF CONTENTS** - [What is the Local Marketing Audit?](#what-is-the-local-marketing-audit) - [Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit](#key-benefits-of-the-local-marketing-audit) - [Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits](#permissions-and-access-for-local-marketing-audits) - [How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports](#how-to-generate-local-marketing-audit-reports) - [Refresh a Local Marketing Audit](#refresh-a-local-marketing-audit)  - [Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports)](#understanding-your-report-your-business-profile-and-compare-reports) - [Audit Report Settings](#audit-report-settings) - [Report Timeline](#report-timeline) - [Sharing a Local Marketing Audit](#sharing-a-local-marketing-audit) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - [Related Articles](#related-articles) --- # **What is the Local Marketing Audit?** The **Local Marketing Audit** is a powerful diagnostic tool designed to help you understand the overall health and performance of your business. It provides a comprehensive analysis across several key areas like listings, reviews, website performance and SEO, helping you identify growth opportunities. --- ## **Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit** - **Measure Business Health at a Glance:** Get an in-depth snapshot of how your business is performing across critical marketing and operational dimensions. - **Reinforce Agency Value:** Show your clients exactly where their business stands and how your agency is driving improvements. - **Boost Visibility into Key Metrics:** Access detailed insights that can guide strategy, optimize performance, and enhance client satisfaction. --- ## **Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits** Proper access ensures the right teammates can run, refresh, configure, and share audits while maintaining control over your data. This feature is **enabled by default for all users** within a Sub-Account. **Email Delivery Note:** If you’ll email reports from Settings → Report Generation, those recipients should have at least View permissions.**[](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155050978546/original/G59Scf-HglYkzzIbsSBG9U1d0SWevkY1Tw.jpeg?1754425581)** You can manage access under following these steps: 1. Go to **Settings** → **My** **Staff**. Select the user and click **Edit**. ![Step 1 of 2: Go to Settings → My Staff. Select the user and click Edit](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063627665/original/64rzKiGufBVZ3STcXVxAHBOOOnGGXVyKHg.png) **Step 1 of 2: Go to Settings → My Staff. Select the user and click Edit** This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 2 in the "Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Settings → My Staff. Select the user and click Edit. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. The next step is to go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission for View & Manage Local Marketing Audit and save your changes. - Where to go: Go to Settings → My Staff. Select the user and click Edit. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: Settings, My, Staff, Edit, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting - Next: Go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission for View & Manage Local Marketing Audit and save your changes. Full procedure: 1. Go to Settings → My Staff. Select the user and click Edit. <- this image 2. Go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission for View & Manage Local Marketing Audit and save your changes. 2. Go to the **Roles** & **Permissions** tab**.** Enable or disable the permission for **View & Manage Local Marketing Audit** and save your changes. ![Step 2 of 2: Go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063627683/original/QkqCoU3phfkPgkBFrfUVGTr5td_VKIGrkg.png) **Step 2 of 2: Go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission…** This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission for View & Manage Local Marketing Audit and save your changes. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Where to go: Go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission for View & Manage Local Marketing Audit and save your changes. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. Go to Settings → My Staff. Select the user and click Edit. 2. Go to the Roles & Permissions tab. Enable or disable the permission for View & Manage Local Marketing Audit and save your changes. <- this image --- ## **How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports** #### **Step 1:** Open Local Marketing Audit 1. In the left navigation bar, click **Reporting**. 2. At the top, select the **Local Marketing Audit** tab. 3. Click the blue **Generate New Report** button. ![Step 1: Open Local Marketing Audit (image 3 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063703498/original/TLg-rQJ48D7eDLKY91k_ZsXhVGdq91J4-A.png) **Step 1: Open Local Marketing Audit (image 3 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Open Local Marketing Audit" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles #### **Step 2:** Review & Select Business Details Your Business Name, Address, Phone, Website is automatically pulled from your location information into the Generate Report module. Review and make any needed edits to the information.  ![Step 2: Review & Select Business Details (image 4 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063704498/original/_4_6AEx2PSM1uPeb2kEj1_rse-xsMeG0Kw.png) **Step 2: Review & Select Business Details (image 4 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Review & Select Business Details" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles #### **Step 3:** Review Google Business Profile If a **Google Business Profile** (GBP) is already connected, you can select it from the dropdown. If not, simply enable the toggle to search Google Maps directly using your business name, address or Google Maps URL. ![Step 3: Review Google Business Profile (image 5 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063704727/original/dQ38KCIkLaIpppUAAZFt669huzGtVzvEhg.png) **Step 3: Review Google Business Profile (image 5 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Review Google Business Profile" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles #### **Step 4:** Generate Report Once all information has been added and verified, click **Generate Report**.  ![Step 4: Generate Report (image 6 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063704947/original/lf4aHfo9X6slurRrbU0dCL_nqDvoZBBugg.png) **Step 4: Generate Report (image 6 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Step 4: Generate Report" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles --- ## **Refresh a** **Local Marketing Audit**  When you update your website, GBP, listings, or tracking, you can refresh the audit instantly. There is now waiting period and no need to recreate the report. To refresh your audit, just click **Refresh Report** at the top of the Local Marketing Audit page. ![Refresh a Local Marketing Audit (image 7 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063627408/original/Tsrb0KE43FkNHqWmt0Mt113mHERARv_d1w.png) **Refresh a Local Marketing Audit (image 7 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Refresh a Local Marketing Audit" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles --- ## **Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports)** The report is organized into two primary areas. Use **Your Business Profile** to assess your current state and **Compare Reports** to benchmark against competitors.  ### **Your Business Profile** 1. **Google Business Profile Audit:** Evaluate the completeness and optimization level of your GBP listing. 2. **Website Performance Audit:** Check for speed, responsiveness, SEO-friendliness, and overall user experience. 3. **Local SEO Heat Map:** Visualize local search visibility across different keywords and geographic areas. Create up to three heatmaps for the business, with a separate keyword, grid size, and search radius for each heatmap. You can also remove the automatically selected keyword and use the keywords most relevant to your analysis. 4. **Listings Analysis:** Ensure your business information is consistently and accurately listed across platforms. 5. **Online Reviews Audit:** Analyze review quantity, quality, and response patterns to gauge your reputation health. 6. **Business Detail Accuracy Check:** Review foundational business data (name, address, phone, etc.) for correctness and consistency. For additional information, see: [Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/agency-view/marketing-audit-reports-2/understanding-the-grades-in-your-marketing-audit-report) ![Your Business Profile (image 8 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063627755/original/ddXT0OczUFzZvvY8gA6NzL0A0ZM8f3ITIg.png) **Your Business Profile (image 8 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Your Business Profile" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles ### **Competitive Analysis (Compare Reports)** Understand how your business stacks up against the competition with our AI-Powered Competitor Analysis. This feature helps you uncover actionable insights by comparing your business's online presence with others in your market. Benchmark your current audit against competitors, section by section (GBP, Listings, SEO, etc.).  The Competitor Analysis covers two critical areas: - **Listings Comparison:** Review the accuracy, completeness, and optimization of your business listings compared to your competitors. - **Online Reputation (Reviews) Comparison:** Gain insight into review volume, sentiment, and engagement strategies. Understand how your reputation measures up and where you can improve. For additional information on this report, see [Prospecting: Competitor Analysis Report.](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/agency-view/prospecting-tool/prospecting-competitor-analysis-report) **Note:** The analysis is based on published listings available online for both your business and the selected competitors. #### **How to Add Competitors and Generate the Report** 1. Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the **Compare Reports** tab. ** ![Step 1 of 3: Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063706637/original/ESj3BYsfiGRKTG9WnmqsqRckDQlULKh__A.png) **Step 1 of 3: Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab** This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 3 in the "How to Add Competitors and Generate the Report" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. The next step is to add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. - What this covers: Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: Compare Reports, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit - Next: Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. Full procedure: 1. Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab. <- this image 2. Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. 3. Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. ** 2. Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click **\+ Compare** then search for the business you would like to compare. ![Step 2 of 3: Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063707088/original/mgQKlM2J5DupRFKRWrfZmHXBVOeatdXVfg.png) **Step 2 of 3: Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the…** This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 3 in the "How to Add Competitors and Generate the Report" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. The next step is to click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. - What to click: Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: + Compare, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit - Next: Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. Full procedure: 1. Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab. 2. Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. <- this image 3. Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. 3. Click **Compare Reports**. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. ![Step 3 of 3: Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063707280/original/Rdq-wfodDeT-XC6qO6RmWkqxyR1dg00UDA.png) **Step 3 of 3: Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor…** This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "How to Add Competitors and Generate the Report" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - What to click: Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: Compare Reports, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit Full procedure: 1. Once your Marketing Audit is generated, go to the Compare Reports tab. 2. Add Up to 3 Competitor Businesses. Click + Compare then search for the business you would like to compare. 3. Click Compare Reports. This will initiate the AI-driven Competitor Analysis and generate side-by-side insights. <- this image --- ## **Audit Report Settings** Centralized Audit Settings let you change once and apply forward. Configure how future audits behave, settings do not modify historical reports.  To open the **Audit Report Settings**,click the **three dot** menu in the top‑right corner and choose **Settings** from the dropdown. ![Audit Report Settings (image 12 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063626449/original/t4Q2MJkYxst6S2A4yOTWu9LpkDryHzXtwQ.jpeg) **Audit Report Settings (image 12 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Audit Report Settings" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles Audit Report Settings includes three tabs: Business Details, Report Generation, and Report Sections. - **Business Details:** Update Name, Address, Phone (NAP), Website, and choose the Google Business Profile (GBP) used for audit generation. - **Report Generation:** Choose how often reports run (Monthly, Quarterly, or Manual only) and enable or disable email delivery for reports - **Report Sections:** Decide which audit sections are included and reorder sections to match your priorities. ![Audit Report Settings (image 13 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063626627/original/zcw7-hHMF0QTEX2uGrPVcyIVdgEBWKT8aA.png) **Audit Report Settings (image 13 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Audit Report Settings" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles --- ## **Report Timeline** The interactive Report Timeline stores prior audit reports for up to 12 months, so you can quickly review past performance, view improvements, and analyze trends. Click **Report Timeline** at the top of the audit to open the Report Timeline. From here you can: - Click a date to instantly open an older report. - Hover to preview a summary card with key metrics. - Quickly compare scores and sections over time ![Report Timeline (image 14 of 19)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063627317/original/Sc9plzDQl1VryKdVfbZ-iurmMwUbFq5vXA.png) **Report Timeline (image 14 of 19)** This screenshot appears in the "Report Timeline" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting Full procedure: 1. What is the Local Marketing Audit? 2. Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit 3. Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits 4. How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports 5. Refresh a Local Marketing Audit 6. Understanding Your Report (Your Business Profile & Compare Reports) 7. Audit Report Settings 8. Report Timeline 9. Sharing a Local Marketing Audit 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Related Articles --- ## **Sharing a Local Marketing Audit** Sharing options make it easy to deliver findings to clients and teammates in the format they prefer. Choose between a polished PDF for formal reports or quick delivery via email, SMS, or a shareable link ### **Export the Audit as a PDF** Use a PDF when you need a client-ready report with consistent formatting. You can even choose the language of the exported report! 1. Click **Export PDF**. ![Step 1 of 2: Click Export PDF](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080101547/original/geu2mNPaVgy0joYQmtTHw1TzhQ-OdDMJOQ.png) **Step 1 of 2: Click Export PDF** This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 2 in the "Export the Audit as a PDF" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you click Export PDF. For context, this section explains: GHL Customer Care’s Local Marketing Audit in Sub-Accounts delivers a fast, accurate snapshot of local visibility. Generate audits with verified business details, refresh on demand, and review progress with a 12‑month Report Timeline. This article explains how to generate an audit and compare results…. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. The next step is to select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. - What to click: Click Export PDF. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: Export PDF, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit - Next: Select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. Full procedure: 1. Click Export PDF. <- this image 2. Select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. 2. Select a **language** from the dropdown then click **Export PDF** to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. ![Step 2 of 2: Select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063627524/original/f8nvjK1OlC7anb8iM3Lob48JWXVntSkDFA.png) **Step 2 of 2: Select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download…** This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Export the Audit as a PDF" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - What to choose: Select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: language, Export PDF, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, . Full procedure: 1. Click Export PDF. 2. Select a language from the dropdown then click Export PDF to download. When the shared web report contains multiple Local SEO heatmaps, recipients can switch between the heatmaps to compare local visibility across different keywords. <- this image ### **Share Report via Email, SMS or a Link** Use the built-in share tools to send the report directly to contacts or generate a secure link you can drop into chat threads! 1. Click **3 dot** menu and from the dropdown select **Share Report**. ![Step 1 of 3: Click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063705182/original/P9GkJThzEhzAIX0kof3WodRo_6BqUhIi2g.png) **Step 1 of 3: Click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report** This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 3 in the "Share Report via Email, SMS or a Link" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. The next step is to choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. - What to choose: Click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: 3 dot, Share Report, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, . - Next: Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. Full procedure: 1. Click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report. <- this image 2. Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. 3. Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. 2. Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. ![Step 2 of 3: Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063705251/original/JfAu6MqkXEnTm3_yEhhyMHZqpsTYfwD_qA.png) **Step 2 of 3: Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language…** This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 3 in the "Share Report via Email, SMS or a Link" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. The next step is to enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. - What to fill in: Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit, Reporting - Next: Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. Full procedure: 1. Click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report. 2. Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. <- this image 3. Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. 3. Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click **Share Report** to send. ![Step 3 of 3: Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155063705418/original/aZst6b1XZoHG1bYHdrEYJAbbS80KnxJHLw.png) **Step 3 of 3: Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report…** This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "Share Report via Email, SMS or a Link" section of "How to Use Local Marketing Audits & Compare Reports for Strategic Growth". At this point in the walkthrough you enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. This part of the guide covers 12 fields, listed below. - What to fill in: Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. - Fields: Key Benefits of the Local Marketing Audit, Permissions & Access for Local Marketing Audits, How to Generate Local Marketing Audit Reports, Refresh a Local Marketing Audit, Audit Report Settings, Report Timeline, Sharing a Local Marketing Audit, Frequently Asked Questions, Related Articles, Quickly compare scores and sections over time, Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report, Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections - Controls: Share Report, TABLE OF CONTENTS, Local Marketing Audit, enabled by default for all users, Settings, My, Staff, Edit, Roles, Permissions, ., View & Manage Local Marketing Audit Full procedure: 1. Click 3 dot menu and from the dropdown select Share Report. 2. Choose a delivery method (Email, SMS or Share Link), select a language and enter contact information. 3. Enter the email Subject Line and Email Content then click Share Report to send. <- this image --- ## **Frequently Asked Questions** **Q: Can I refresh an audit anytime?** Yes. You can re-run the audit instantly with no waiting period and without recreating the report. **Q: Do changes in Settings affect old reports?** No. Settings changes apply to future audits only; previously generated reports remain unchanged. **Q: Can I use the Competitive Analysis Report without first generating the Local Marketing Audit?** No, the Competitor Analysis depends on the Audit Report data. You must generate the audit first. **Q: Can I export the audit in other languages?** Yes. Choose a language from Export PDF or Share Report. This does not change your account language. --- ## **Related Articles** - [Understanding the Grades in Your Marketing Audit Report](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/agency-view/marketing-audit-reports-2/understanding-the-grades-in-your-marketing-audit-report) - [Prospecting Tool: Grading Sheet and Sidebar in Marketing Report](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/agency-view/marketing-audit-reports-2/prospecting-tool-grading-sheet-and-sidebar-in-marketing-report) - [Step-by-Step Guide on Customizing Audit Report Sections](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/agency-view/marketing-audit-reports-2/step-by-step-guide-on-customizing-audit-report-sections) - [Analysing Website Performance of a prospect in the Marketing Audit Report](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/agency-view/marketing-audit-reports-2/analysing-website-performance-of-a-prospect-in-the-marketing-audit-report) --- Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com