strategy·8 min read·

Local SEO Checklist for Service Businesses

Local SEO isn't mystical. It's a checklist. Most businesses fail at it because nobody walks them through the checklist.

The on-page checklist

Title tag includes service + city.

H1 includes service + city.

Description tag includes service + city + value prop.

LocalBusiness schema markup.

Embedded Google Map.

NAP (name, address, phone) consistent everywhere.

Service-area pages for every town you actually serve.

The Google Business Profile checklist

Verified.

Primary category set to your most-specific accurate category.

Secondary categories filled.

Service area set if you go to customers.

Posts published weekly.

Q&A seeded with your top 5 FAQs.

Reviews requested after every job.

Photos refreshed monthly.

The off-site checklist

Citations on the top 10 directories for your industry.

Reviews on Google, Yelp, and one industry-specific site (Houzz for contractors, Avvo for lawyers, etc.).

Links from local press, partners, or community organizations.

FAQ

60–120 days for most service businesses, assuming consistent execution.

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