Local SEO Checklist
Complete interactive checklist for Google My Business optimization and Google Maps ranking improvement.
Why is Local SEO Important for Your Business?
According to Google, "near me" searches have grown over 500% in recent years. 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, and 88% of people who search for a local business on their phone call or visit within 24 hours.
Local SEO isn't just about being found—it's about being found by the right people, at the right time, in the right location. A fully optimized Google My Business profile can increase your visibility in Google Maps and the local pack results, driving more foot traffic and phone calls.
Key Components of Local SEO
1. Google My Business (GMB) Optimization
Your GMB profile is your digital storefront on Google. A complete and optimized profile includes:
- Accurate business hours, including special holiday hours
- High-quality photos of your location, products, and team
- Services and products listed with descriptions
- Regular posts about offers, events, and updates
- Proper business category selection
2. NAP Consistency Across Directories
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone Number. Inconsistencies in your business information across different directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, Facebook, etc.) confuse search engines and hurt your local rankings. Our checklist helps you audit and correct these inconsistencies.
3. Local Citations & Backlinks
Citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number. Quality citations from authoritative local directories and industry-specific sites build trust with search engines. The checklist includes the most important citation sources for your business type.
4. Reviews & Reputation Management
Positive reviews are social proof that influences purchasing decisions. They also improve your local search rankings. Google considers the quantity, quality, and recency of reviews when determining local rankings.
How to Use This Local SEO Checklist
- Start with High Priority Tasks: Focus on the red-tagged items first—these have the biggest impact on rankings.
- Work Category by Category: Complete all tasks in one category before moving to the next for better organization.
- Save Your Progress: Use the "Save Progress" button to store your checklist state. It will be saved in your browser's local storage.
- Revisit Monthly: Local SEO requires ongoing maintenance. Revisit this checklist monthly to ensure you're maintaining best practices.
- Track Results: Monitor your Google Maps ranking, GMB insights, and website traffic to measure improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to see results from Local SEO?
Initial improvements can appear within 2-4 weeks for citation cleanup and GMB optimization. Significant ranking improvements typically take 3-6 months of consistent effort. The timeline depends on your competition, location, and how complete your initial profile was.
Should I use a service area or physical address?
If customers visit your physical location, use your address. If you serve customers at their locations (like plumbers or electricians), use a service area. Google recently changed guidelines to allow service area businesses to hide their address while still appearing in local results.
How many photos should I have on my GMB profile?
Aim for at least 10-15 high-quality photos initially, and add 2-3 new photos monthly. Include exterior shots, interior shots, team photos, product photos, and action shots of your business in operation. Photos should be at least 720px x 720px.