# Local SEO Checklist: 15 Steps to Dominate Local Search
Local search is where the money is. 76% of people who search for a local business visit within 24 hours.
Here's your complete local SEO checklist.
Google Business Profile (GBP)
1. **Claim and verify your GBP** — If you haven't done this, do it now. 2. **Complete all fields** — Business name, address, phone, hours, website, photos, description. 3. **Add high-quality photos** — 10+ photos of your business, team, and work. 4. **Collect reviews** — Aim for 50+ reviews. Respond to all reviews. 5. **Post regularly** — Add posts, offers, and updates weekly.
On-Page SEO
6. **Optimize for local keywords** — Include city name in title tags and meta descriptions. 7. **Create location pages** — If you serve multiple cities, create dedicated pages for each. 8. **Add schema markup** — LocalBusiness schema helps Google understand your location. 9. **Optimize your NAP** — Ensure Name, Address, Phone are consistent across your site and all directories.
Off-Page SEO
10. **Get local citations** — List your business on Yelp, Apple Maps, local directories. 11. **Build local backlinks** — Get links from local news sites, chambers of commerce, local blogs. 12. **Local content marketing** — Write blog posts about local events, news, and topics. 13. **Partner with local businesses** — Cross-promote with complementary local businesses.
Technical
14. **Mobile optimization** — 80% of local searches are on mobile. 15. **Site speed** — Local search rewards fast-loading sites.
The Result
Businesses that follow this checklist see: - 40% increase in local search visibility - 30% increase in phone calls - 25% increase in foot traffic
Start with steps 1-5. Those are your quick wins.