The Ultimate Local SEO Checklist | Profit Parrot

A local SEO checklist isn’t just an option for small businesses – it’s essential. With the rise of mobile searches and ‘near me’ queries, businesses are now competing for a top spot in local search results more than ever before. If you’re running a local business, how can you make sure you’re being found by potential customers?

This local SEO checklist will help you optimize your online presence, attract more local customers, and boost your bottom line. Let’s dive into the must-have strategies for a successful local SEO campaign this year.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Did you know that 97% of people learn more about a local business online than from any other source? Your Google Business Profile is one of the most critical factors for local search ranking. Claim your profile if you haven’t already, and be sure to verify it.

Key steps include:

• Ensuring your business information (Name, Address, Phone – NAP) is consistent.
• Selecting the correct business category (Did you know your category can directly impact local search ranking?).
• Posting updates and offers to keep your audience engaged.
• Responding to reviews regularly – both positive and negative – to show you’re engaged and active.

Ask yourself: When was the last time you updated your Google Business Profile?

2. Do Thorough Local Keyword Research

If you want to rank locally, you need to know what terms people are searching for. “Near me” searches have grown by over 500% in recent years, and many of those queries come from voice searches or mobile devices.

Find out what local customers are typing into Google to discover businesses like yours. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you uncover the best local keywords for your business. Don’t just focus on broad terms; get specific with long-tail keywords like “best pizza in downtown Ottawa” or “affordable plumbing services in Calgary.”

Ask yourself: Are you targeting keywords that truly reflect how your customers search?

3. Perfect Your On-Page SEO for Local Pages

Your website is your local storefront online. But without optimizing your on-page SEO, you’ll miss out on valuable local traffic. Make sure your location pages are fully optimized. Here’s how:

• Title tags and meta descriptions should include your city or region, along with relevant keywords.
• Add LocalBusiness schema markup so search engines know more about your business, including its location, hours, and services.
• Include NAP information on every page (especially the footer) to boost consistency.

For businesses with multiple locations, create unique, optimized landing pages for each area. Local SEO thrives on specificity.

4. Get Listed in Online Directories and Ensure Citation Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to online directories. Make sure your business information is identical across the web, whether it’s on Yelp, Bing Places, or industry-specific directories.

According to Moz, citation signals like consistency across directories make up around 7% of the local search ranking factors. Tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal can help you manage and monitor your listings. Regularly check for incorrect or duplicate listings that could confuse potential customers or Google.

5. Collect Reviews – And Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Them

Think about the last time you tried a new local business. Did you read the reviews first? If so, you’re in the majority. 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Not only do reviews build trust with potential customers, but they also factor into local SEO rankings.

Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or other relevant platforms. Make it easy by sending follow-up emails with a review link or asking for feedback after a purchase.

Ask yourself: How many reviews have you received in the last month? How are you responding to them?

6. Build Local Backlinks

Getting backlinks from authoritative local websites signals to Google that your business is relevant and trusted within the community. Think about partnerships with local organizations, sponsorship of local events, or guest blogging for regional websites.

Here are a few ways to earn local backlinks:

• Sponsor a local event and ask for a backlink from the event’s website.
• Partner with local influencers or bloggers for cross-promotional content.
• Contribute guest posts to local news outlets or online magazines.

Ask yourself: Are you proactively working on gaining quality local backlinks?

7. Optimize for Voice Search

Voice search is becoming increasingly popular for local searches, especially with the growing use of smart speakers and mobile devices. 50% of all searches are now voice-based, with people asking questions like, “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” or “Best Italian restaurant near me.”

To optimize for voice search, include question-based keywords in your content. Consider adding a FAQ section to your site that answers common questions about your business.

8. Mobile Optimization and Speed

With over 60% of Google searches coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional. Google’s mobile-first indexing means that your site needs to load quickly and look great on smartphones and tablets.

Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to see how your site performs and make improvements where necessary. Make sure images are optimized, and unnecessary elements that slow down your page are removed.

Ask yourself: How fast does your site load on mobile?

9. Track Your Results

Finally, how do you know if your local SEO efforts are paying off? Google Analytics and Google Search Console are great tools for tracking traffic, conversions, and keyword rankings.

Additionally, use Google Business Profile Insights to track how often your business is appearing in searches, how many people are clicking to call, and how much foot traffic you’re receiving from online efforts.

Take Charge of Your Local SEO This Year with This Local SEO Checklist

Local SEO can be the difference between a potential customer choosing your business or a competitor’s. By following this checklist and staying updated on the latest trends, you’ll be well-positioned to attract local customers, improve your rankings, and grow your business.

Are you ready to improve your local SEO?

Boost your online presence with Profit Parrot’s expert services: SEO, PPC, Google Ads, Google Business Profile, and content marketing to grow your business. Get started with a FREE analysis today.