Local SEO Checklist: 25 Steps to Dominate Local Search in 2024
Complete local SEO checklist with 25 actionable steps to dominate local search results. Boost your local visibility, attract more customers, and outrank your competition.
Local SEO is crucial for businesses that serve specific geographic areas. With 46% of all Google searches having local intent, optimizing for local search can make or break your business. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through every essential step to dominate local search results.
Whether you're a small business owner or managing multiple locations, this 25-step local SEO checklist will help you improve your local search visibility, attract more customers, and increase your revenue from local searches.
Quick Wins (Start Here)
These 5 steps can be completed in under 2 hours and will immediately improve your local search visibility:
Complete Local SEO Checklist
1Google My Business Optimization
1.1Claim and verify your Google My Business listing
Ensure you have complete control over your business information
1.2Complete all business information fields
Fill out every available field including hours, phone, website, and description
1.3Add high-quality photos (minimum 10)
Include exterior, interior, team, and product/service photos
1.4Set accurate business hours
Include regular hours, holiday hours, and special hours
1.5Choose the correct business category
Select the most specific category that describes your business
2Local Citations and Directories
2.1Submit to Yelp
Create and optimize your Yelp business listing
2.2List on Yellow Pages
Submit your business to online Yellow Pages directories
2.3Register with Better Business Bureau
Create a BBB profile for credibility and local authority
2.4Submit to local chamber of commerce
Join your local chamber and get listed in their directory
2.5List on industry-specific directories
Find and submit to directories relevant to your industry
3Website Local SEO
3.1Add location pages for each service area
Create dedicated pages for each city you serve
3.2Include NAP (Name, Address, Phone) on every page
Ensure consistent business information across your website
3.3Add local schema markup
Implement structured data to help search engines understand your business
3.4Create location-specific content
Write content that mentions local landmarks, events, and communities
3.5Optimize for local keywords
Target keywords like "service + city" throughout your content
4Reviews and Reputation
4.1Set up review monitoring system
Use tools to track reviews across all platforms
4.2Encourage customer reviews
Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and other platforms
4.3Respond to all reviews professionally
Reply to both positive and negative reviews promptly
4.4Create review generation process
Develop a systematic approach to collecting reviews
4.5Monitor and address negative reviews
Address complaints quickly and professionally
5Local Link Building
5.1Partner with local businesses
Build relationships and earn links from local partners
5.2Sponsor local events
Get mentioned and linked from event websites
5.3Submit to local business associations
Join relevant local groups and get listed on their websites
5.4Create local content partnerships
Collaborate with local bloggers and influencers
5.5Submit to local media
Get featured in local newspapers, magazines, and websites
Essential Local SEO Tools
Free Tools:
- • Google My Business
- • Google Search Console
- • Google Analytics
- • Google Trends
- • Yelp for Business
Paid Tools:
- • BrightLocal
- • Whitespark
- • Moz Local
- • SEMrush
- • Ahrefs
Measuring Local SEO Success
Rankings
Track your position for local keywords
Visibility
Monitor local pack appearances
Calls & Leads
Track phone calls and form submissions