Local SEO Checklist – How to Rank Your Business Locally

Key Takeaways:

• Local SEO should be part of your overall online marketing strategy.
• Local SEO is different than traditional/general SEO and has its own ranking factors.
• Utilize ‘Google My Business’ to optimize visibility in Google Maps and Local Search Results Pages (SERPs).
• Make sure all business information on citation sites is accurate and up to date for improved rankings.
• Monitor competitors’ SEO strategies for new ideas or potential areas of improvement for your local business.

Your local SEO checklist is essential. It’s how potential customers in your area will find your business and know that you exist. Gaining those rankings can be tough; it takes plenty of practice to get it right. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Things like registering your business with Google, using keywords that reference your local area, and using Schema for your geographical location are all essentials on the checklist that will define your local SEO rankings.

There is plenty to learn before you’re a pro, and this is the perfect place to start. Big changes like keywords and little modifications like improving your website speed on mobile have an impact. If you want local customers to find you, it’s time to focus on local SEO.

What are the Benefits of Local SEO?

Local SEO allows business owners to TARGET customers in the area, increasing visibility and sales opportunities. Local SEO also helps your website rank higher on Google’s search engine results page (SERP), so potential customers can FIND you easier.

Additionally, Local SEO gives potential customers the information they need about your company, including contact information and hours of operation. This makes it EASIER for them to contact you or visit your store.

Pro Tip: It can also help you stand out from competitors, giving your business the competitive edge it needs to succeed.

Your Local SEO Checklist

This is, the most IMPORTANT part of the guide. Below, you will find the most important aspects of your SEO checklist to ensure you are showing up in LOCAL searches [1].

Every business NEEDS a local search engine optimization strategy to succeed and be seen. So, it’s a good idea to incorporate ALL of these tips into your local SEO strategy.

Make Sure Your Business is Registered with Google

The first step is to make sure your business is REGISTERED with Google. This lets Google know that you exist and HELPS it understand what services or products you offer. It also means that you will show up when customers search for the services in the AREA that you offer.

Pro Tip: Your Google Business profile should contain updated information as part of your business listing so that it stands out from other local businesses and customers can see that you’re active.

Make Sure You Mention Your Location on Your Website

Include your business’s LOCATION in website headers, titles, and meta descriptions. You should also ensure it is included on your social media profiles so POTENTIAL customers can easily find you.

Work to Get Online Coverage Locally

You can increase your local VISIBILITY by getting covered in blogs, newspapers, and other media outlets. This is good for link-building and exposure. Local reviews and MENTIONS from locals also IMPROVE your rankings with Google.

Pro Tip: Working with local coverage isn’t just good for your SEO; it can also lead to fantastic partnerships with other small businesses in the area.

Use Local Keywords

Local keywords are ESSENTIAL for your Local SEO checklist. Consider the words potential customers would search for when looking for a business like yours in their AREA. These are the terms you SHOULD be using in your content, titles, meta descriptions and more.

Make Sure Your Website Loads Quickly on Mobile

Mobile has become the MOST USED device for internet browsing, and Google ranks websites based on their loading speed. This means you need to make sure your website loads QUICKLY on ALL devices, especially when it comes to mobile.

Get Google Reviews (Good Ones)

Google reviews are essential for Local SEO. People who read them will be more likely to leave a review themselves, and in turn, it gives your business CREDIBILITY. Make sure you only receive good reviews so that people can trust the QUALITY of your products or services.

Pro Tip: You should never pay for reviews, as this is unethical and illegal in many states and countries.

Make Quality Content That References Your Local Area

Creating content is another IMPORTANT Local SEO checklist item. Make sure the content you produce references your local area and includes RELEVANT keywords to increase your search engine RANKINGS.

Use the Geographic Markup from the Schema

Schema markup is an HTML code that you can add to your WEBSITE. It adds Local SEO value, giving search engines MORE information about your business and its location. Additionally, it helps with Local SEO by displaying your business’s contact information on SERPs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Do Local SEO Yourself?

Yes, Local SEO is something you can do yourself. However, if you want to get the best results and optimize your Local SEO effectively, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional SEO company specializing in Local SEO.

Where Can I Find Local Keywords?

You can find local keywords using keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. You can also search for local keywords using Google’s autocomplete feature.

Simply start typing in a keyword related to your business, which will provide you with suggestions that people are searching for in your area.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence for local searches. Local SEO involves optimizing your website and content, using local keywords and getting listed in local directories to improve your visibility in local searches.

Is Local SEO Important?

Yes, Local SEO is important because it helps you appear in local searches when customers are looking for your products or services. Local SEO can help your business stand out from competitors and gets more eyes on your website.

Who Needs Local SEO?

Any business with a physical location or local service area should have Local SEO. Local SEO helps to increase visibility in local searches and get potential customers to visit your store or website or call you for more information.