When someone searches for a service “near me”, Google shows a map with three businesses before any normal results. Getting into that “local pack” can bring a steady stream of calls and visits, often without spending anything on ads. Here’s the checklist we use for every local SEO client.
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
- Verify the profile and use your real business name, without extra keywords.
- Choose the most accurate primary category, then add relevant secondary ones.
- Add opening hours, holiday hours, services, service areas and a clear description.
- Upload real photos of your team, premises and work, and keep adding new ones.
Keep your NAP consistent everywhere
Your Name, Address and Phone number should be identical on your website, your Google profile, Facebook, directories and anywhere else you’re listed. Small differences confuse search engines and weaken trust.
Build a steady flow of reviews
Reviews are one of the strongest local ranking signals, and they persuade customers too. Ask every happy customer, make it easy with a direct review link or QR code, and reply to every review, positive or negative.
A business with 80 recent reviews beats one with 8 old ones, almost every time.
Create location and service pages
Give each main service its own page on your website, and if you serve several areas, create genuinely useful pages for each one. Include your address, a map, local photos and answers to the questions customers in that area ask.
Get the technical basics right
- Add LocalBusiness schema markup to your site.
- Make sure your site loads fast and works perfectly on mobile.
- Link your website from your Google profile and use tracking links to measure calls and visits.
Post updates and offers
Google Business Profile lets you publish posts, offers and events. Posting once a week shows the profile is active and gives searchers another reason to choose you.
Track what matters
Watch calls, direction requests and website clicks in your profile insights, plus rankings for your key “service + area” searches. Review them monthly and double down on what works.
Local SEO compounds over time. Follow this checklist consistently and you’ll see more calls within a few months. Want us to handle it? Explore our SEO service or request a free local audit.