When’s the last time you Googled your business? If you’re like most owners, you might assume your customers can find you online without a hitch — but that’s not always the case. Local SEO isn’t just about being on Google; it’s about being easily findable and trusted in your community.
We’ve compiled a Local SEO checkup to help you spot quick wins and long-term improvements. Here are five simple audits you can do this year to ensure your business shows up when customers search “near me.”
Why Local SEO Matters for Small Businesses
Nearly half of all Google searches seek local information. That means when someone nearby types “coffee shop near me” or “best plumber in Montgomery, AL,” your business has a golden opportunity to show up. Local SEO bridges the gap between online visibility and real-world foot traffic.
Audit Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the foundation of local SEO.
- Check that your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are accurate.
- Update your hours, services, and categories.
- Upload current photos of your storefront, products, or team.
- Encourage fresh reviews — and respond to them regularly.
Pro tip: Businesses with photos on their profiles get 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps, and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.
Strengthen Local Signals on Your Website
Your website should send clear signals to Google (and your customers) that you serve a specific area.
- Include your city + service keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and headings.
- Add your full address and phone number in the footer.
- Embed a Google Map and give clear driving directions.
- Highlight local testimonials or case studies.
Clean Up Your Local Listings and Citations
Consistency builds trust with search engines. Inconsistent or outdated listings can hurt rankings. Some businesses outsource this to a professional listing service.
- Search for your business across Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing Places, Facebook, and industry-specific directories.
- Correct old phone numbers or addresses.
- Eliminate duplicate listings.
Manage Reviews and Build Online Reputation
Reviews are today’s word-of-mouth referrals.
- Audit your current reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp.
- Build a simple process to request reviews (email follow-up, QR codes at checkout, or links on receipts).
- Respond to every review — especially the negative ones. A calm, professional reply can turn a bad experience into a trust-building moment.
Create a Local Content Strategy That Connects
Show Google — and your community — that you’re rooted locally.
- Write blog posts or service pages tied to your area, like “Top 5 Summer Landscaping Tips for Montgomery, AL.”
- Share stories about local sponsorships, events, or partnerships.
- Use schema markup for events, services, and location-specific details to help search engines better understand your content.
Bonus: Test Mobile Friendliness and Page Speed
Over half of local searches happen on mobile devices. People will bounce fast (leave your website) if it is slow or hard to navigate.
- Audit your site speed with PageSpeed Insights. This free tool from Google shows how quickly your site loads on all devices.
- Optimize images and streamline your site’s code to improve load times.
Wrapping It Up
Local SEO isn’t a one-and-done project — it’s an ongoing checkup that keeps your business visible when it matters most. By running these audits regularly, you’ll be confident that when people nearby are searching for your services, you’re the one they find.
Every day, people are searching for businesses just like yours. A few smart SEO moves can ensure they find you, not your competitors. Contact Dogwood Media Solutions to get started with a customized Local SEO plan.
Meta Description
Keep your business visible in local searches with this 2025 Local SEO Checkup. Learn how to audit your Google Business Profile, reviews, website, and local listings to attract more customers in your area.
