Local SEO Checklist: 30 Tasks to Rank Nearby

Local SEO involves many small tasks. This checklist groups them so you can work through them in order and revisit them every few months.

Google Business Profile

• Claim and verify your profile. See how to set up Google Business Profile
• Choose the most accurate primary category and relevant secondary ones
• Add accurate hours, including special hours for holidays
• Write a clear, honest business description
• List your services or products
• Add your website, phone number, and booking or ordering links
• Upload real photos and keep them fresh. See posts and photos
• Check for duplicates. See duplicate listings

Consistency and citations

• Use the same name, address, and phone number everywhere. See NAP consistency
• Claim Apple Maps and Bing listings. See Apple Maps and Bing Places
• List yourself in the directories that matter for your industry. See which online directories matter
• Fix or remove outdated listings

Reviews

• Ask satisfied customers for reviews, ethically. See how to get more Google reviews ethically
• Reply to every review, positive or negative. See responding to negative reviews
• Never offer rewards for positive reviews or filter who you ask

Website

• Show your address, phone, and hours on the site, in the footer too
• Embed a map and give directions
• Create a page for each core service. See how to write service pages
• Create genuine location or area pages where needed. See location pages and service area pages
• Use local keywords naturally. See local keywords
• Add local business schema
• Make sure the site is fast and mobile-friendly. See mobile-friendly checklist
• Add a tap-to-call button

Content and links

• Publish locally relevant content. See hyperlocal content ideas
• Add testimonials and case studies with permission
• Earn links from local organizations. See local link building ideas
• Sponsor or support local causes

Tracking and upkeep

• Set up Search Console and analytics. See Search Console
• Track calls, direction requests, and form enquiries. See tracking local SEO results
• Review rankings from different locations
• Check listings every quarter
• Update photos, hours, and offers before holidays
• Avoid common errors. See local SEO mistakes to avoid

If you are brand new

Start with the profile, consistency, and reviews, then build outward. See local SEO for new businesses. For specific business types, see restaurants, home services, professional services, and retail shops. To climb the map results, read how to rank in the Google Map Pack.

The bottom line

Local SEO rewards accuracy, consistency, and steady effort. Work through the list, then repeat the checks regularly.