Local SEO is the work of showing up when people near you search for what you do, like “roofer near me,” “Akron accountant,” or “dog groomer in Stow.” You don’t need to be a tech expert to get the basics right. Work through this checklist one item at a time.
Your Google Business Profile
- Profile claimed and verified
- Most specific primary category chosen
- Service area set to the towns you actually serve
- Hours, phone, website, and services filled in
- Real photos added and updated regularly
Your website
- One clear page for each main service
- Your town and service area mentioned naturally on your pages
- A page title and meta description for every page
- Your phone number easy to tap on a phone
- Name, address, and phone number matching your Google profile exactly
- Fast loading and easy to use on a phone
Reviews
- A simple, honest way to ask happy customers for a review
- A reply to every review, even the tough ones
- Never buying or faking reviews. It breaks Google’s rules and can get your profile suspended.
Listings and mentions
- Consistent business name, address, and phone on major directories
- Membership listings, like a local chamber of commerce, if you belong
- Local sponsorships or community involvement that earn a mention and a link
If you get stuck on the list
Some of these are quick, and some take a while. If you’d like help figuring out which ones matter most for your business, I’m glad to take a look. Start with the free website check or read about how I approach SEO.