The Ultimate Local SEO Checklist: 30+ Things to Boost Local Rankings

Want to show up first when locals search for your service?

This local SEO checklist has everything you need to rank higher on Google, get more calls, and drive foot traffic to your business. Use the interactive checklist below to track your progress, and don’t forget to download the PDF version to keep on file.

TLDR / Key Summary

• Local SEO helps your business rank on Google Maps and local search
• It starts with optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP)
• Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info across the web is essential
• Local content, links, and reviews help boost visibility
• Behavioral signals (clicks, calls, messages) matter more than ever

Full Local SEO Checklist:

Google Business Profile

Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
Ensure business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate
Add primary and secondary business categories
Write a compelling business description with keywords
Add high-quality business photos and logo
Add business hours (and update for holidays)
Add website, appointment, and service area links
Turn on messaging (if applicable)
Post weekly Google updates
Respond to all Google reviews

On-Page SEO

Include city + service keywords in your H1s and title tags
Optimize meta descriptions with location intent
Embed Google Maps on your contact/location page
Use local schema markup (LocalBusiness, FAQ, Reviews)
Optimize page speed and mobile responsiveness
Add NAP details in footer or contact page
Use internal links with location keywords

Local Listings & Citations

Submit to top business directories (Yelp, BBB, Angi, etc.)
Use consistent NAP across all listings
Monitor and update incorrect or duplicate listings
List your business on industry-specific directories

Reviews & Reputation

Ask happy customers for Google reviews
Reply to both positive and negative reviews professionally
Add review widgets or testimonials to your website
Monitor reviews on third-party sites (Facebook, Yelp, etc.)

Local Content

Publish blog posts on local events or news
Create service area landing pages with unique content
Use location keywords in image ALT tags

What is Local SEO and Why It Matters

If you’re a local business, showing up on Google Maps or in the local pack (that 3-pack right below ads) isn’t a bonus — it’s survival.

Local SEO is how you get there.

It’s not about ranking nationally or trying to win on impossible keywords. It’s about showing up when someone nearby searches for [your service] near me or best [your service] in [your city].

That’s what this checklist is for: to help you dominate your neighborhood, not the whole internet.

1. Google Business Profile Is Non-Negotiable

Your Google Business Profile is your local storefront online.

It’s the first impression. And yes, people do judge your business by it.

Here’s what to get right:

• Choose the best primary category (don’t get cute here)
• Fill out all fields (hours, services, links, etc.)
• Use high-quality photos of your team, space, or work
• Post updates weekly — even if it’s just a quick “Spring Tune-ups Available” or “Open This Weekend”

Pro tip: Keywords in your business description can help. Don’t overdo it, but mention what you do and where you do it.

2. On-Page SEO for Local Pages

Google doesn’t just look at your GBP. It cross-checks with your website. If your site says one thing and your profile says another, you lose trust points.

Essentials for your website:

• Consistent NAP info in your footer (use schema markup too)
• Dedicated location pages if you serve more than one city
• Embed a Google Map on your contact/location page
• Use city/service combos in your title tags (e.g. “HVAC Repair in Salem, MA”)

TIP: Your site better be mobile-friendly and load fast. Most local searches happen on phones, usually in a car.

3. Reviews Are Fuel

Think reviews don’t affect rankings? They do.

Google wants to recommend businesses that people love, and reviews are how they know.

What to focus on:

• Ask for reviews often (SMS works best)
• Try to get keywords in reviews naturally (“The best pest control in Woburn”)
• Respond to every review, even the bad ones
• Share your best reviews on your site and social profiles

Bonus: The faster you reply to messages or reviews on GBP, the more trust you build with Google.

4. Citations Still Matter (But Only Good Ones)

Citations = your business listed on sites like Yelp, BBB, Angi, etc.

You don’t need thousands. You need the right ones — accurate, consistent, and relevant.

Here’s the strategy:

• Start with the big aggregators (Data Axle, Neustar, Foursquare)
• Claim listings on sites that rank for your keywords (hint: Yelp usually does)
• Make sure your NAP info matches exactly across the board
• Use tools like BrightLocal or SEMRush to find citation gaps

5. Build Local Links (Without Being Weird)

Local backlinks are gold. They’re harder to get, but way more valuable than some random blog link from another country.

Ideas to build them:

• Sponsor a local event or team (most will link to your site)
• Submit guest posts to local publications or blogs
• Create city-specific resource content (like “Best Places to Run in Providence” if you’re a PT clinic)
• Partner with a local nonprofit or school

The more local sites that vouch for you, the more Google believes you belong on the map.

6. Behavioral Signals = Secret Sauce

This is the part most people ignore.

Google tracks what people do on your profile and website.

Do they:

• Click your phone number?
• Tap for directions?
• Check out your photos?
• Click through to your website?

More engagement = higher rankings. So keep your GBP fresh. Make your site helpful. And try to get brand searches by running low-cost local ads or encouraging referrals.

7. Tracking It All

You can’t improve what you don’t track.

Here’s your basic setup:

• Use Google Search Console to track local keyword rankings
• Use Google Analytics to track clicks, time on page, and conversions
• Use call tracking to see which local pages or listings drive leads
• Try a tool like Localrank.so to monitor your local rankings across cities

Want to Keep This Handy?

• Use the checklist above to stay on track
• Download the printable PDF
• Bookmark this page, or better yet, link to it from your own website if you’re in the biz ;) 

Final Word

Local SEO isn’t rocket science. But it does take consistency, clarity, and a little creativity.
Start with the basics. Get found. Then get chosen.

If you need help with Local SEO Services? You know where to find us.