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Local SEO Checklist for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses

Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization (Formerly Google My Business)

  • Accurate business name, address, phone (NAP).
  • Business hours (including holidays).
  • High-quality photos of your storefront, products, and team.
  • Select relevant categories (e.g., “Retail Store,” “Restaurant”).
  • Add a brief keyword-rich business description.
  • Enable messaging and booking (if applicable).

On-Page SEO for Local Rankings

  • Optimize website content:
  • Include location keywords (e.g., “best coffee shop in [City]”).
  • Create a dedicated “Contact/Locations” page with NAP, map embed.

Local Citations & Directories

  • List your business on these platforms:
  • Apple Maps, Bing Places, Yahoo Local.
  • Yelp, Tripadvisor, Facebook, Angi (for service businesses).
  • Industry-specific directories (e.g., Zocdoc for healthcare).
  • Ensure NAP consistency across all listings.

Reviews & Reputation Management

  • Encourage customer reviews (politely ask in-person, via email, or receipts).
  • Respond to all reviews (thank positive, address negative professionally).
  • Monitor reviews with tools like Google Alerts or ReviewTrackers.

Local Content & Link Building

  • Blog about local topics (e.g., “Top 5 Family-Friendly Spots in [City]”).
  • Get backlinks from local partners, chambers of commerce, or news sites.
  • Sponsor local events (and get mentioned on their websites).

Cybersecurity for Local SEO (Often Overlooked!)

  • Secure your website:
  • Install an SSL certificate (HTTPS).
  • Use strong passwords and 2FA for CMS (e.g., WordPress).
  • Protect your GBP account:
  • Enable 2FA for Google accounts.
  • Monitor for unauthorized edits or hijacking.
  • Avoid fake reviews: Report suspicious or fraudulent reviews to Google.

Technical SEO Checks

Track & Improve

  • Monitor rankings with tools like BrightLocal or Google Search Console.
  • Track GBP insights (views, searches, calls, direction requests).
  • Update regularly: Refresh photos, posts, and offers monthly.

Bonus Tools & Tips

  • Free tools: Moz Local, Ubersuggest (for keywords).
  • Post on GBP: Share updates, events, or promotions weekly.
  • Competitor analysis: Spy on competitors’ keywords and backlinks with SEMrush.
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