Write down your business facts once
Keep one master copy so your website and listings never disagree.
Practical resource 04
Local SEO Checklist
Start with one master list of your business name, address or service area, phone, hours, and website. Then make every page and listing match it. A few correct listings beat many sloppy ones. For profile-specific tasks, use the Google Business Profile checklist.
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Write down your business facts once
Keep one master copy so your website and listings never disagree.
- Write down your exact business name, as customers see it on signs and invoices.
- Write down your address, or the areas you serve if you visit customers.
- Write down your main phone number and website address.
Local pages on your website
Each local page should describe a real location or service area with details specific to it.
- Publish one page for each real staffed location, with hours, services, and directions.
- For service areas, describe where you actually go and any travel limits.
- Add a real local example or photo to each area page.
Listings beyond Google
Customers also use Apple Maps, Bing, Yelp, and industry directories. Keep the ones they use accurate.
- Claim your listing in Bing Places for Business.
- Claim your Apple Maps place card in Apple Business (formerly Apple Business Connect).
- Correct your details on Yelp and the main directories in your industry.
Local pages on your website
Each local page should describe a real location or service area with details specific to it.
Listings beyond Google
Customers also use Apple Maps, Bing, Yelp, and industry directories. Keep the ones they use accurate.
Monthly local check
A short check each month keeps small errors from spreading.
Questions business owners ask
How to use this resource.
01What affects Google's local results?+
Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance, and prominence. You can improve accurate information and your real reputation, but you cannot control where the searcher is.
02Do we need hundreds of directory listings?+
No. Keep Google, Apple Maps, Bing, and the directories your customers actually use accurate. More low-quality listings do not help.
03Should a service-area business show its home address?+
Follow Google's address rules. If customers do not come to the address, you should generally hide it and list the areas you serve.
Primary guidance
Verify against current sources.
Related guides
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