Local results vary by the searcher's physical location, which makes "what position are we" a question with no single answer — and a reporting problem that damages client trust if it is not addressed early.
The client checks from their office and sees position one
They are standing next to the business. Of course it ranks. A customer three miles away sees a different result, and the gap between those two experiences is where most local SEO arguments start.
Report a grid, not a number
Rank tracking that samples multiple points across a service area shows coverage rather than a position. It reveals the real finding: strong within two miles, invisible at five, which is an actionable radius problem rather than an abstract ranking.
Proximity is the factor you cannot optimise
Distance from the searcher is heavily weighted and unchangeable. Accepting that reframes the goal from "rank first everywhere" to "extend the radius where we rank at all", which is achievable and honest.
The metrics that actually matter locally
Calls, direction requests and profile views from the business profile beat position for a local business, because they are the actions that produce revenue. Leading reports with those rather than rankings usually improves the conversation immediately.