Stop guessing. Use this checklist to systematically improve your local SEO. Tick off each step as you go.
✅ Step 1: Claim & Verify Google Business Profile
If you haven't done this, stop everything. Go to business.google.com and claim your profile. Verification takes 3-5 days by postcard.
✅ Step 2: Complete Every GBP Section
Fill in: business hours, services, products, description, attributes (e.g., "women-owned", "free wifi").
✅ Step 3: Add 10+ Photos
Include: exterior, interior, team, products, team at work. Add 2-3 new photos weekly.
✅ Step 4: Get 5+ Reviews
Ask happy customers for reviews. Send a direct link. Respond to every review within 24 hours.
✅ Step 5: Fix NAP Consistency
Your Name, Address, Phone number must be IDENTICAL across: website, Google, Yelp, Facebook, directories.
✅ Step 6: Build Local Citations
Get listed on: Yelp, Bing Places, Thomson Local, Yell.com, Cylex UK, FreeIndex, Scoot.
✅ Step 7: Create Location Pages
If you serve multiple areas (e.g., E1, E14, E8), create a dedicated page for each.
✅ Step 8: Add Local Schema Markup
LocalBusiness schema helps Google understand your location. Add it to your website header.
✅ Step 9: Build Local Backlinks
Get links from: local news sites, chamber of commerce, business directories, community pages.
✅ Step 10: Track Your Rankings
Use Google Search Console to monitor "near me" keywords. Check your Map Pack position monthly.
Want me to audit your current local SEO? I'll tell you exactly what's missing.