yext vs rio-seo
Yext vs Rio SEO — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Yext and Rio SEO dominate the enterprise local SEO space, but they serve different needs within multi-location businesses. Yext is the 800-pound gorilla with the most comprehensive listing distribution network and advanced knowledge management features. Rio SEO positions itself as the more agile alternative, focusing specifically on local SEO fundamentals without the enterprise bloat.
The choice typically comes down to scale and complexity. Fortune 500 brands with thousands of locations and complex data management needs gravitate toward Yext's solid infrastructure. Mid-market companies with 50-500 locations often find Rio SEO's streamlined approach more practical and cost-effective.
Feature Comparison
Yext's standout advantage is its PowerListings network, which pushes business data to over 200 directories, search engines, and apps including Google, Facebook, Bing, and Apple Maps. Their Knowledge Manager handles complex entity relationships and can manage everything from store hours to product catalogs across locations. Yext also offers advanced features like conversational AI, social media management, and detailed analytics dashboards. Rio SEO focuses on core local SEO essentials: location page optimization, local listing management across major directories, and review monitoring. Their platform includes local rank tracking, competitor analysis, and automated reporting. While Rio SEO covers fewer directories than Yext (around 50 major ones), they focus on the high-impact platforms that drive actual traffic and conversions. Rio SEO's location page builder is notably more SEO-focused, with built-in schema markup, local keyword optimization tools, and page speed optimization features that Yext treats as add-ons or requires custom development.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms use custom enterprise pricing, but the cost structures differ significantly. Yext typically starts around $500-1,000 per location annually, with pricing scaling based on features, locations, and data complexity. Enterprise contracts often run $50,000-500,000+ annually. Rio SEO generally costs 30-50% less than Yext for comparable location counts, with pricing starting around $300-600 per location annually. They're more transparent about pricing tiers and don't require as many add-on modules to get full functionality.
Best For
Yext is better when you're managing 1,000+ locations, need complex data relationships (like franchise hierarchies), require integration with multiple enterprise systems, or need advanced features like AI-powered chat or social media management. Their listing distribution network is unmatched for maximum visibility. Rio SEO is better when you have 50-500 locations, prioritize actual SEO results over feature breadth, need faster implementation, or want more hands-on support. Their focus on core local SEO fundamentals often delivers better ROI for mid-market brands.
The Verdict
Rio SEO wins for most multi-location businesses. Unless you need Yext's massive directory network or advanced enterprise features, Rio SEO's focused approach delivers better local SEO results at a lower cost. Yext is worth the premium only for enterprise brands with complex needs and unlimited budgets.