Local SEO Checklist: 47-Point Map Pack Domination
The exact checklist we use to rank local businesses #1 in Google Maps within 90 days. No theory—just battle-tested tactics that work.
Why Local SEO is Different
76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within 24 hours. 28% of those searches result in a purchase. If you're not showing up in the Google Maps 3-pack, you're invisible to the highest-intent traffic in your area.
Local SEO isn't about backlinks from Forbes or 10k-word blog posts. It's about proximity signals, review velocity, and NAP consistency. This checklist covers all 47 ranking factors that matter.
1. Google Business Profile Optimization (10 Points)
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
- Choose the most specific primary category (critical ranking factor)
- Add 3-5 secondary categories that match services
- Write a 750-word business description with local keywords
- Upload 20+ high-quality photos (exterior, interior, products, team)
- Add all services with descriptions
- Set accurate hours (including holiday hours)
- Enable messaging and respond within 24h
- Add attributes (women-led, LGBTQ+ friendly, wheelchair accessible)
- Post weekly GMB updates (offers, events, news)
💡 Pro Tip:
Primary category is the #1 GMB ranking factor. "Dentist" beats "Dental Clinic" for search volume. Use Google's exact category names—don't make up your own.
2. Citation Building & NAP Consistency (8 Points)
- Build citations on 50+ directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, Bing Places)
- Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) 100% consistent everywhere
- Prioritize industry-specific directories (Avvo for lawyers, Healthgrades for doctors)
- Fix duplicate listings (merge or delete)
- Include business hours in citations
- Add website URL to all citations
- Use local phone number (not toll-free)
- Claim Facebook, Apple Maps, Waze listings
3. Review Generation & Management (8 Points)
- Get to 50+ Google reviews (minimum for credibility)
- Maintain 4.5+ star average
- Generate 5-10 new reviews per month (velocity matters)
- Respond to ALL reviews (positive and negative) within 48h
- Include keywords naturally in review responses
- Automate review requests via email/SMS post-purchase
- Feature 5-star reviews on website with schema markup
- Never incentivize, buy, or fake reviews (instant penalty)
🚫 Never Do This:
Review gating (asking only happy customers to review), buying reviews, or using the same computer to leave self-reviews. Google detects all of this.
4. On-Site Local SEO (10 Points)
- Create city/neighborhood-specific landing pages
- Embed Google Map on contact page
- Add LocalBusiness schema markup
- Include NAP in footer on every page
- Optimize for 'near me' keywords in title tags
- Add location-specific content (local events, landmarks)
- Mobile-first design (80% of local searches are mobile)
- Fast load times (<2.5s LCP)
- Click-to-call button prominent on mobile
- Add driving directions from major landmarks
5. Local Content Strategy (8 Points)
- Write blog posts about local events
- Create neighborhood guides ('Best coffee in [Suburb]')
- Publish case studies with local clients
- Answer local-specific FAQs
- Create location pages for every suburb you serve
- Include local schema on location pages
- Link to local news sites, chambers of commerce
- Add embedded local videos (if applicable)
6. Local Link Building (8 Points)
- Get backlinks from local news sites
- Sponsor local events for homepage links
- Join chamber of commerce for directory link
- Partner with local businesses (cross-link)
- Get listed in 'Best of [City]' roundups
- Submit press releases to local media
- Guest post on local blogs
- Get university/school backlinks (if relevant)
Expected Timeline
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