A local SEO checklist for service businesses

Local customers search with intent: "plumber near me", "dentist in Houston". If you appear, you get the call. This checklist covers the essentials.

1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile

Choose the right primary category, add every service you offer, write a clear description, add real photos and keep your hours accurate. This profile is often the first thing a customer sees.

2. Keep your name, address and phone consistent

Use the exact same business name, address and phone number everywhere: your website, directories, social profiles and the Business Profile.

3. Build a page for each service and each area

A single "Services" page rarely ranks well. Create a separate page for each core service, and for each area you serve, with real details about that service and that place. Avoid copying the same text and swapping the city name.

4. Earn reviews and reply to them

Ask happy customers for a review right after the job. Reply politely to every review, good or bad.

5. Make the site fast and easy on a phone

Most local searches happen on mobile. Put a tap-to-call button and a short form near the top of every page.

6. Add local schema markup

Structured data helps search engines understand your business type, location and services.

7. Track the right numbers

Watch calls, direction requests, form submissions and booked jobs. Rankings matter, but enquiries pay the bills.

If you want help with any of this, our SEO service includes local SEO, and we can build location pages for the areas you serve.