Local SEO is one of the most powerful opportunities for a small company to attract customers in its own neighborhood.
Imagine the digital version to ensure that the shop window looks inviting, the sign is readable and the instructions are easy to follow.
A local SEO test is the investigation, which ensures that all digital storage elements work together.
The good news is that everyone can carry out a DIY audit with the right steps. This guide divides everything into clear actions without technical jargon, so that even first timers can participate.
Fast local checklist for SEO audit
Step 1: Check your Google business profile
Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression that a customer has. A complete, exact profile can make the difference between a click and an ignorating man.
What to do:
- Register at Google Business Profile Manager.
- Double-Check-Nickerchen (name, address, telephone number). Even small differences such as “street” against “St.” Can create confusion.
- Update business hours, including seasonal or vacation changes.
- Add high -resolution images of the stores, the team or the menu. Companies with photos usually get more clicks.
- Fill your business categories, attributes (e.g. “family -friendly”, “wheelchair user”) and services.
A polished profile improves visibility in Google Maps and helps the company to stand out in the local package. Many companies also overlook Google Business Ranking factors Like categories, photos and reviews that play a role in search placement.
Post-updates weekly events, advertising campaigns or recordings behind the backdrops, to show Google that business is active.
As soon as your profile is up to date, the next step is to ensure that your details are consistent on the Internet.
Step 2: Check the local offers and quotes
Quotes are mentions of your company on directories and review platforms. They only help if the details are consistent everywhere.
How to check quotes:
- Search for “(company name) + (telephone number)” and “(company name) + (address)”. Note each list.
- Compare everyone to your GBP and your website. Correct outdated details.
- Search for niche directories: restaurants via Opentable, Salons on Booksy, lawyers on Avvo.
Inconsistent quotations reduce trust with search engines. Strong Nap In directories such as Yelp, yellow pages and bing places is one of the most reliable options for improving the local ranking.
Check the quotes quarterly to catch mistakes early.
More frequent mistakes: Many companies update their website address, but forget to update Yelp or Facebook, which leads to this Double listings Customers and search engines confuse this.
With consistent details in the directories, it is time to ensure that your own website sends the right signals.
Step 3: Audit on-page SEO
Your website is the basis for the online presence. Even if a company ranks in the card package, customers usually click on the website before making a decision.
What to check:
- Title -Tags and Meta descriptions: Add a local key word. Example: “Dentist of the Austin family – Bright Smiles Dental.”
- Headings (H1, H2, H3): Organize content for readability.
- Contents: Of course, add the location. Example: Instead of “We fix climate systems”, write “Trusted climate system repair in Phoenix”.
- Scheme -Markup: Add the Localbusiness scheme so that Google clearly understands your services and location.
On-page SEO makes it clear what they do and where they serve and makes Google easier for Google to manage them through competitors.
Create unique destinations for every city or neighborhood for companies with several locations.
More frequent mistakes: Copy the same content “Services” on several site pages. Google can see this as a double content.
As soon as the website is optimized, the next step is to ensure that visitors have a smooth experience when they land on it.
Step 4: Checking the website speed and mobile kindness
A fast, mobile-friendly website is not just a bonus-es is expected. Most local search queries are carried out on smartphones and slow websites push customers away.
How to check the speed:
- Perform your website via Pagespeed knowledge. Goal on 90+ on mobile devices and desktop.
How to fix problems:
- Compress large pictures with Tinypng.
- Use lazy shop for pictures.
- Remove unnecessary plugins or code.
- Upgrade to a reliable hosting provider.
Checklist for mobile usability:
- Buttons and fonts should be easy to tap without zooming zooming.
- Test booking or contact forms on mobile devices.
- Keep the navigation menus easy and clear.
Faster locations lower the bounce rates, while mobile -friendly design improves both ranking lists and conversions.
More frequent mistakes: Upload 5 MB photos directly from a phone to the website. Large pictures dramatically pull off the speed.
As soon as the website is loaded quickly and works well on mobile devices, the next priority is to build trust through reviews.
Step 5: Analyze reviews and call
Reviews are today’s word of mouth. They not only influence customers, but also take into account the local Ranking algorithm from Google.
Exam steps:
- Count reviews in Google, Yelp, Facebook and niche platforms.
- Note average star reviews. Everything that is under 4 stars urgently need to be improved.
- Look for recurring topics: “Slow Service”, “friendly staff” or “great value”.
- Check repetition. A five-star rating three years ago will not help as much as one of the past week.
Companies with constant review growth are higher and convert more visitors. Get reviews It’s not just about numbers – quality review answers are the key and play a major role, especially if you have had bad Google reviews in the past.
Use automated check request tools. With platforms such as GHL (Gohighlevel) you send friendly text or e -mail examination inquiries to satisfied customers.
The aim is to include service keywords in your answers and to encourage your customers to check for your specific service.
Example:
- Answer for bad reviews: “Thank you.”
- Better review answer: “Thank you for your friendly words, Sarah! We are glad that you enjoyed your car on the same day and look forward to seeing you again soon.”
The next step is the authority through backlinks with the next step.
Step 6: Rate backlinks and local links
On the left are digital notes. The more trustworthy and relevant the connections, the more the authority of the website.
Exam steps:
- Use MOZ, Semrush or Ahrefs to see backlinks.
- Search for local sources: Chamber of Commerce, Local Newspaper Fish or Community blogs.
- Identify Spammy links and reject them if necessary.
- Plan to build new connections through the commitment of the community.
Examples of connection options:
- Sponsor a local charity event.
- Partner with a nearby school for a scholarship side.
- Write guest posts for a neighborhood magazine.
Local links have more weight than irrelevant. Proven Local strategies for link building Helps companies build both authority and community presence.
More frequent mistakes: Buy cheaper, irrelevant backlinks. These can harm rankings instead of helping.
With strong links, the last step is measured whether all this work pays off.
Step 7: Follow the results and put it
An examination is only useful if progress is monitored and improvements are pursued.
How to pursue progress:
- Use Ubersugest or Semrush for Keyword rankings.
- Monitor the website traffic with Google Analytics.
- Track leads: calls, contact form submissions or bookings.
- Check the GBP knowledge for calls, clicks and instructions.
- Use tools like Local Falcon to get a detailed location -based ranking in Google Maps.
SEO is not a unique job. The regular persecution shows what improves and where the strategy has to be adapted.
Perform a simple monthly report with rankings, traffic and leads. Over time, this helps to identify long -term patterns.
SEO audits provide clarity and direction
A local SEO test is the basis for stronger online visibility. By treating profiles, quotations, website content, speed, ratings and backlinks, companies can improve ranking and attract more customers nearby.
For ongoing growth, consider adding a blog to publish fresh, keywork content that supports local SEO and creates trust. The consistent creation of content, coupled with regular audits, helps to maintain visibility and to build long -term authority.
A consistent audit is not just a checklist, but the beginning of an ongoing growth cycle.
Frequently asked questions
A local SEO audit evaluates how well a company appears in local search queries. It includes profiles, website content, quotes, reviews and backlinks.
It ensures that potential customers find precise, current information. Even small mistakes can reduce visibility and cost a company valuable leads.
A full exam twice a year is ideal, with monthly mini checks for profiles, reviews and quotations.
No. Many steps can be carried out manually, but free tools such as PageSpeed ​​Insights, Google Analytics and Ubersust make it faster.
2 to 4 hours are typical for a company with a location. Larger companies with several locations may need more time.