5 minute read

Local SEO checklist for service businesses

The essentials for showing up on Google Maps and in local searches near you.

Claim and complete your Google Business Profile

Your profile is often the first thing a local customer sees. Claim it, choose the right primary category and fill in every field you can.

• Accurate hours, including public holidays
• A clear description of what you do and where
• Recent photos of your work and premises

Keep your details identical everywhere

Your business name, address and phone number should read the same on your website, your profile and every directory. Small differences make it harder for search engines to trust them.

Add location details to your website

A contact page with your details, a map or directions link, and LocalBusiness structured data all help connect your website to your profile.

Gather reviews steadily

Ask happy customers for reviews as part of your normal process, and reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and promptly.

Check how you rank across your area

You may rank well near your premises and poorly a few suburbs away. A map rank grid shows where you appear and where competitors win.

Get listed where customers look

Industry and local directories still send customers and help confirm your details. Find the ones where competitors appear and you do not.