Local search is where many service businesses win or lose customers. Someone types a service and a place, or “near me”, and the first few businesses get most of the calls. This checklist covers what to fix on your website and your profiles.
On your website
- A page per service. Each page should explain one service clearly: who it is for, what is included, how it works and how to book.
- A page per area you serve. Write each one properly, with real local detail, examples and answers, not a copy with a different city name.
- Name, address and phone details. Put them in the footer and contact page, written exactly the same way everywhere.
- Title tags and headings. Include the service and area where they fit naturally.
- Local business structured data. Add markup for your organization, services and service area.
- Embed a map and directions if customers visit you.
- Mobile speed. Most local searches happen on phones; slow pages lose calls.
- Click-to-call and a short form on every page.
Your Google Business Profile
- Claim and verify it, choose accurate categories and list your services.
- Match your business name, hours and phone number to your website.
- Add real photos and keep them current.
- Reply to every review, good or bad.
- Post updates and offers occasionally.
Reviews and trust
- Ask satisfied customers for a review right after the job is done, with a direct link.
- Show real testimonials on your site.
- Never buy or invent reviews.
Citations and links
- List your business consistently on the major directories your customers use.
- Earn links from local organizations, suppliers and partners.
- Keep every listing identical to your website.
Online-only businesses
If you serve customers remotely, do not invent a local address. Focus on service pages, industry pages and the regions you genuinely serve, and be clear about how you work. That is how we present ourselves: an online studio serving the US and Canada. See our location pages for an example, or read about our SEO service.