Local SEO Checklist – Rank Higher in Your City or Region

Wiki Article

Want your business to show up better in local searches, like “pizza near me” or “best plumber in [your city]”? Local SEO can help with that. It's all about making sure people in your area can find your business online when they need it. Whether you run a coffee shop or a cleaning service, improving your local SEO brings more eyes—and feet—to your business. Here’s a simple checklist to get you started. Helpful tip: Duckwebdesign has a nice blog about SEO basics if you’re just getting your feet wet.

First, make sure your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is set up and correct. Add your current address, business hours, phone number, and website. Choose the right business category, like “Bakery” or “Auto Repair Shop.” Add photos, respond to reviews, and keep the info updated.

Next, collect customer reviews, especially on Google. Ask happy clients to leave a few kind words. More reviews usually mean better visibility. Try to reply to all of them too—even the not-so-great ones. It shows that you care and helps build trust.

Your website also plays a part. Include your city or region in key places like your homepage title, service pages, and your content. For example, say “Dog walker in Austin” instead of just “Dog walker.” That helps search engines connect your business to local searches.

Don’t forget online directories like Yelp, Facebook, Bing Places, and local Chamber of Commerce websites. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (called NAP info) are exactly the same everywhere. Even small differences like “St.” vs. “Street” can confuse search engines.

It also helps to write blog posts or updates about local events, tips, or news related to your business. That tells search engines you're part of the local community.

Finally, be patient. Local SEO is a work in progress. Keep up with your updates and customer interactions, and over time, you'll likely see better search results—and more customers from your area.

So there you have it: a friendly starting point for boosting your visibility nearby. Start with one step, then keep going. You’ve got this!