The Ultimate Local SEO Checklist: 45 Steps to Dominate Google Maps Rankings

Are you a local business owner struggling to get noticed on Google Maps? You’re not alone. Appearing at the top of local SEO search results can make or break your business. At Slade Insights, we’ve compiled a comprehensive 45-point SEO checklist to help you skyrocket your Google Maps rankings and attract more local customers.

Why Local SEO Matters

Before we dive into the checklist, let’s understand why local SEO is crucial:

• 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information
• 88% of consumers who do a local search on their smartphone visit or call a store within a day
• 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else

According to a recent study by BrightLocal, 93% of consumers used the internet to find a local business in the last year, with 87% reading online reviews for local businesses[1]. This underscores the critical importance of optimizing your local online presence.

Now, let’s explore the strategies that will put your business on the map – literally!

The 45-Point Local SEO Checklist

Optimize Your Google Business Profile

1. Select the Correct Primary and Secondary Category: Research top businesses in your area and use tools like GMB Everywhere to find optimal categories.
2. Add Keywords to Your Business Name: Include service and location keywords if legally allowed, ensuring consistency across all directories.
3. Complete Your Google Business Profile: Fill out all details, including hours, locations, and services offered.
4. List Your Services: Add all your services in the “Products” section, including relevant keywords.
5. Make Your Listing Interactive: Add images, FAQs, and posts to engage users.
6. Upload More Images: Add a large number of high-quality images to your profile.
7. List Your Opening Hours: Ensure accurate business hours are filled in.
8. Add Videos: Upload engaging videos to improve interaction.
9. Post Regularly: Keep your profile active with regular updates.
10. Link Social Media Profiles: Add links to your social media accounts.
11. Add FAQ Section: Include commonly asked questions and answers for added engagement.

Manage Your Reviews

12. Aim for High Google Ratings: Strive for a 4.7-star rating or above.
13. Encourage Detailed Reviews: Ask customers to mention specific services and results.
14. Maintain a Consistent Flow of Reviews: Aim for a steady stream each month.
15. Include Keywords in Reviews: Ask customers to mention the services you provided.
16. Encourage Photos in Reviews: Request customers to include photos for added SEO benefit.
17. Respond to All Reviews: Reply to every review, including keywords in your responses.
18. Handle Negative Reviews: Respond professionally and encourage new reviews to push them down.

Optimize Your Website

19. Create Service-Specific Pages: Develop separate, optimized pages for each service.
20. Use Keywords Strategically: Include relevant keywords in headers, subheaders, and content.
21. Optimize Your Domain: If possible, include service and location keywords in your domain name.
22. Internal Linking: Ensure all pages link back to the homepage and each other.
23. Produce Quality Content: Regularly update your site with relevant, high-quality content.
24. Secure Your Site: Ensure your website uses HTTPS for better ranking.
25. Improve Website Speed: Optimize your site to load in 1.65 seconds or less. A study by Portent found that the first five seconds of page load time have the highest impact on conversion rates.
26. Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your site is responsive and fast on mobile devices.
27. Implement Local Schema: Add local schema markup to help Google understand your business information.
28. Optimize Images: Use descriptive ALT tags for all images.
29. Create a Sitemap: Generate and upload a sitemap to help Google index your site.
30. Embed Google Listing: Add your Google Business profile to your contact page or footer.

Build Your Online Presence

31. Acquire Local Inbound Links: Get backlinks from local directories and websites.
32. Ensure Citation Consistency: Maintain consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across all directories.
33. Focus on Link Quality: Prioritize backlinks from high-domain-authority sites.
34. Optimize Anchor Text: When guest posting, use relevant keywords in anchor text.
35. Gather Third-Party Reviews: Accumulate positive reviews on sites like Yelp and industry-specific directories.
36. List on Other Maps: Add your business to Bing Maps and Apple Maps for increased exposure.
37. Industry-Specific Directories: Get listed on relevant, niche directories.
38. Increase Domain Authority: Build more content and acquire high-quality backlinks.

Advanced Strategies

39. Niche Down Your Website: Focus on ranking for one core service on your Google profile.
40. Physical Location Matters: Secure a location in the city center if possible.
41. Avoid Keyword Spamming: Don’t stuff keywords or create multiple profiles.
42. Enter Correct Service Areas: List all locations you serve in your Google profile.
43. Leverage Social Proof: Encourage customers to leave reviews using direct links or QR codes.
44. Consistent Content Updates: Post regular updates, blog posts, or news articles on your website.
45. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your SEO performance and adjust strategies as needed.

Conclusion

Implementing this 45-point checklist will significantly boost your local SEO efforts and improve your Google Maps rankings. Remember, SEO is an ongoing process, so stay consistent and patient. Need expert help in navigating the complex world of local SEO? Contact Slade Insights today for a personalized strategy to dominate your local market!

Ready to skyrocket your local business visibility? Download our FREE Local SEO Checklist and start climbing the Google Maps rankings today!