Local SEO
Local SEO checklist: 20 steps to rank in your area
A practical local SEO checklist covering Google Business Profile, citations, reviews, location pages and tracking.
Google Business Profile
- Claim and verify your profile
- Choose the most accurate primary category
- Add every relevant secondary category
- List all services with descriptions
- Set accurate hours, including public holidays
- Add your service areas
- Upload real photos regularly
- Post updates or offers monthly
Consistency
- Use the same business name, address and phone everywhere
- Fix duplicate or outdated listings
- Get listed on key Australian directories and industry sites
Reviews
- Ask every happy customer, every time
- Reply to every review, good and bad
- Never buy or gate reviews
Website
- A page for each main service
- Location pages for priority areas, with real local detail
- LocalBusiness and Service schema
- Your address and phone in the footer, matching your profile
Authority and tracking
- Earn local links from suppliers, associations and community groups
- Track calls, forms and profile actions monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important local SEO factor?
A complete, accurate Google Business Profile with steady reviews is the strongest starting point.
Do I need a physical address for local SEO?
No. Service-area businesses can hide their address and set service areas instead.
How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
Check it monthly, and add photos and posts regularly.
