Local SEO Checklist 2025
Use this checklist to keep your business visible, trusted, and competitive in local search results. Follow these steps consistently, and you'll build real local authority over time.
1. Google Business Profile Setup
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile (GBP).
- Use your exact business name — no extra keywords.
- Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) matches your website and directories.
- Complete every field: hours, website, description, categories, attributes.
- Select the most accurate primary category and relevant secondary ones.
- Add service areas if you visit or deliver to customers.
- Upload high-quality photos (exterior, interior, team, products) monthly.
- Add short videos under 30 seconds showing your space or team.
- Keep hours updated, including holidays.
- Use clear call-to-action buttons (Call, Directions, Book, etc.).
2. Build Local Relevance and Authority
- Use location-based keywords naturally (city, neighborhood, “near me”).
- Create dedicated pages for each city or service area.
- Mention local landmarks, community events, or neighborhood details.
- Publish local content: event updates, seasonal guides, community stories.
- Earn backlinks from local organizations, news sites, and events.
- Engage with local audiences on social media or sponsor local causes.
3. Leverage Customer Feedback and Reviews
- Request reviews after each positive customer interaction.
- Include review links in texts or follow-up emails.
- Respond to every review — positive or negative — within 48 hours.
- Personalize replies with first names and context.
- Handle negative feedback calmly; move resolutions offline.
- Feature top reviews on your website and social channels.
- Review competitor feedback to spot gaps or opportunities.
4. Maintain Consistency Across Platforms
- Audit all listings for identical NAP information.
- Fix inconsistencies in spelling, abbreviations, and formatting.
- List on the major directories: Google, Bing, Yelp, Apple Maps, Facebook.
- Add niche-specific directories (HomeAdvisor, TripAdvisor, Angi, etc.).
- Join Chamber of Commerce and verified local business sites.
- Remove outdated or duplicate listings from old addresses.
- Perform NAP audits every quarter.
- Research competitors’ directory profiles for new placement ideas.
5. Optimize for Mobile and Voice Search
- Test your site with PageSpeed Insights and aim for under 3 seconds load time.
- Compress large images and remove unused scripts.
- Use reliable, fast web hosting.
- Add visible “Tap to Call” buttons on mobile pages.
- Create FAQs using conversational, question-style phrases.
- Include voice-friendly terms such as “Who’s the best [service] near me?”.
- Embed Google Maps and add “Get Directions” links to contact pages.
- Keep hours and contact info visible and clickable on every page.
6. Track Performance and Adjust
- Check GBP Insights weekly for calls, direction requests, and photo views.
- Monitor rankings in Google Maps and the Local Pack.
- Track local traffic through Google Analytics and Search Console.
- Watch review counts and star ratings monthly.
- Record new backlinks and citation sources.
- Refresh photos, posts, and attributes at least once a month.
- Revisit this checklist every quarter to align with Google updates.
7. Long-Term Mindset
- Treat local SEO as an ongoing practice, not a campaign.
- Post updates, reply to reviews, and add new visuals regularly.
- Use insights data to refine your focus areas.
- Stay consistent — over time, visibility and customer growth compound.
Your Guide To Outrank 99% Of Your Local Competitors
Follow the local SEO checklist we’ve laid out, keep your information accurate, update your profile regularly, and build local authority. Do it month after month, and you’ll see results that compound. The businesses that treat this as ongoing practice, not a campaign, are the ones that stay visible and keep winning new customers year after year. If you’d like an expert to review your local SEO setup, book a FREE audit with our team.
