How to Migrate from Localo to Search Atlas: Step-by-Step Guide

Search Atlas takes the foundation Localo builds for GBP management and layers it with automation,...

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Search Atlas takes the foundation Localo builds for GBP management and layers it with automation, multi-channel data, and AI execution at scale. The platform unites local rank tracking, citation building, competitive analysis, and reputation management in a single, connected system.

With OTTO SEO, the built-in AI assistant, you schedule GBP posts, respond to reviews, update business details, and deploy structured data across hundreds of listings without touching each one manually. 

This guide walks you through how to migrate from Localo to Search Atlas, set up your local keyword tracking, use OTTO SEO for GBP automation, build citations, and generate branded client reports.

1. How to Import Local SEO Data and Set Up GBP Project in Search Atlas

The first step is to move your keyword tracking data from Localo into the Search Atlas Local SEO Heatmap.

From Localo

Log in to your Localo account and go to Trackings > Keywords > Export.

Choose your preferred format (JSON or CSV) and download the file to your device.

In Search Atlas

Go to Local SEO > Connect GBP, and link your verified listing.

Set Up GBP Project in Search Atlas step 1

Authorize access and connect your verified property.

Select your Business

Set Up GBP Project in Search Atlas step 2

Search by business name, Place ID, business URL, or import via email invitation.

Click + Save to create your local SEO project.

Configure the Heatmap

After GBP is connected and the project saved, go to Local SEO > Local SEO Heatmap.

Set Up GBP Project in Search Atlas step 3

Add the keywords that are going to be tracked, choose between circle or rectangle to define the tracking area, and set the radius. We recommend:

  • 3–5 miles → Use 3 layers or grids
  • 10–25 miles → Use 4–5 layers or grids

The bigger the mile radius, the more layers or grids you should use. This recommendation increases grid density for wider coverage.

Schedule refresh intervals and choose specific times when your business is open. Avoid midnight or off-hours, as it may show lower ranks than actual performance.

Configure the Heatmap step 1

Click on the pins to omit unnecessary ones (e.g., uninhabited areas) to save quota and avoid skewed average ranks.

Configure the Heatmap step 2

Editing Existing Reports

Click on an existing project and click on the top of the page.

Configure the Heatmap step 3

A timeline will be available to check the progress of the rankings over time. Click on Edit heatmap and you will be able to change all of the configuration.

Configure the Heatmap step 4

Compare Competitors

It’s possible to analyze how the business compares its rankings against each competitor in the area. Click on an individual pin you want to target.

Configure the Heatmap step 5

A list of local competitors will pop up for the same keyword and pin. Click on Compare to choose which one you want to compare.

Configure the Heatmap step 6

Your business and the selected competitor will be compared side by side. You can freely move the camera, zoom out, and zoom in to analyze all of the region.

Configure the Heatmap step 7

Set Up Local Rank Tracker

Go to Keywords > Keyword Rank Tracker

set up local keyword rank tracker search atlas step 1

Enter the business’ website or target page, select the exact location being targeted, and click on Start Tracking.

Set, device preference, language, frequency, custom naming, and description of campaigns or view.

Add the local keywords from your Local Falcon sheet.

Add Multiple Locations

If you have multiple businesses for the same project, click + Add New Location to track keywords for multiple locations in one report (e.g., Las Vegas and New York) and assign different keyword sets to each.

set up local keyword rank tracker search atlas step 2

2. Setting Up Local Citation Building

Search Atlas offers a powerful tool for building local citations by submitting your business data to the 5 major data aggregator networks. 

This is a one-time process paid for with Hyperdrive credits, not a recurring subscription.

In Search Atlas

Go to Dashboard > GBP Galactic or Local SEO > Local Citations

Select the desired business name from the dropdown menu. Ensure the correct Google Business Profile is linked.

search atlas data aggregator citations network submissions

Choose the Data Aggregator Network(s) you want to submit to. The options are Data Axle, Foursquare, Neustar Localeze, Yellow Pages Network, and GPS Network.

Click the three dots to review the pre-filled business details and provide any additional details required.

edit or submit local citation

Click Submit to finalize the process.

The data will begin to appear on the Citation Listing screen.

data aggregator step 2

Post-Submission

The process spans approximately 40–45 days, depending on the aggregators. You can update submitted details later for free if needed. 

A complete report with live and updated citations will be available after four weeks.

3. How to Enable Automated SEO Optimization in Search Atlas?

Localo doesn’t offer an AI SEO agent to automate Local SEO tasks.

With Search Atlas, you can set up OTTO SEO, the AI agent that automates nearly every SEO task, including technical audits, on-page optimization, link building, content creation and optimization, Local SEO and GBP optimization, and more.

Obs: It’s necessary to go through the Site Audit on your project before activating OTTO.

Go to Projects > + Add a Website

search atlas set up OTTO step 1

Select one of your projects that doesn’t have OTTO installed, or add a new website.

search atlas set up OTTO step 2

Select the GSC and GBP, and add the details about your business.

search atlas set up OTTO step 3

Next, proceed with the tutorial to install OTTO.

search atlas set up OTTO step 4

Installing OTTO on another CMS

Go to OTTO & Projects > Installation Guide. You will find short tutorial for:

  • Google Tag Manager
  • WordPress
  • Shopify
  • Webflow
  • Squarespace
  • ClickFunnels
  • Wix
  • GoHighLevel (GHL)
  • Custom Installation
search atlas OTTO installation guide

Here is a quick recap on how to install OTTO SEO on WordPress.

Go to your WordPress dashboard. Open the Plugins section. Search for “Search Atlas” in the plugin directory. Click Install Now, then activate the plugin.

otto installation wordpress step1

Copy the API key provided during setup. Open the Search Atlas plugin settings by clicking the Search Atlas logo in the left-hand menu. Navigate to General Settings. Paste the API key into the SearchAtlas API Key field and continue.

otto instalation wordpress step 3

Copy the code provided in the next step. Return to your WordPress dashboard. Access the plugin settings again. In General Settings, check the Enable OTTO box. Paste the code into the OTTO Pixel UUID field. Save changes.

otto instalation wordpress step 5

OTTO SEO now runs inside WordPress, automating fixes and SEO updates across your site.

How to Configure OTTO SEO?

Here is a quick tutorial on how to configure OTTO Autopilot and settings.

8. How to Leverage Search Atlas Onboarding Process?

Search Atlas offers multiple support channels to help you with any question or issue. Here is how to make the most of our onboarding process.

Watch Tutorial Videos

Search Atlas offers step-by-step tutorials on YouTube to help you set up reports, dashboards, and automations.

Book a 1:1 Onboarding Session

During your trial, you can schedule a 1:1 onboarding session directly from the dashboard. A product expert will help you customize your setup, connect integrations, and configure OTTO SEO for automation.

Follow the 7-Day Email Campaign

As soon as you start your free trial, you’ll receive a 7-day onboarding email sequence. Each email walks you through a core feature.

Technical Documentation

Access full technical docs via the Help Center for detailed instructions on using every tool. Everything is searchable and regularly updated.

Join Our Community of SEO Experts Today!

Related Reads to Boost Your SEO Knowledge

Visualize Your SEO Success: Expert Videos & Strategies

Real Success Stories: In-Depth Case Studies

Ready to Replace Your SEO Stack With a Smarter System?

If Any of These Sound Familiar, It’s Time for an Enterprise SEO Solution:

You manage 25 - 1,000+ websites
You manage 25 - 1,000+ GBP accounts
You manage $50,000 - $250,000+ Google ad spend across your portfolio