Local SEO is constantly changing. To dominate your local market in 2026, you need to go beyond the basics. Here is your ultimate checklist.
- [ ] Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.
- [ ] Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) matches exactly with your website and other directories.
- [ ] Write a 750-character business description utilizing your core keywords.
- [ ] Select 1 primary category and up to 3 highly relevant secondary categories.
- [ ] Upload a high-resolution logo (250x250px).
- [ ] Upload a compelling cover photo (1024x576px).
- [ ] Add at least 3 exterior photos of your building or service vans.
- [ ] Add at least 3 interior photos.
- [ ] Enable messaging on your profile and set an auto-reply.
- [ ] Turn on the Q&A feature and seed it with your 5 most common customer questions (and answer them).
- [ ] Establish a system to request reviews from every customer.
- [ ] Reply to all reviews within 24 hours.
- [ ] Post a "Google Post" update at least once a week.
- [ ] Upload new photos every month.
- [ ] Monitor your profile for unwanted edits suggested by users or competitors.
Profile Foundation
- [ ] Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.
- [ ] Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) matches exactly with your website and other directories.
- [ ] Write a 750-character business description utilizing your core keywords.
- [ ] Select 1 primary category and up to 3 highly relevant secondary categories.
Visual Assets
- [ ] Upload a high-resolution logo (250x250px).
- [ ] Upload a compelling cover photo (1024x576px).
- [ ] Add at least 3 exterior photos of your building or service vans.
- [ ] Add at least 3 interior photos.
Trust & Engagement
- [ ] Enable messaging on your profile and set an auto-reply.
- [ ] Turn on the Q&A feature and seed it with your 5 most common customer questions (and answer them).
- [ ] Establish a system to request reviews from every customer.
- [ ] Reply to all reviews within 24 hours.
Ongoing Maintenance
- [ ] Post a "Google Post" update at least once a week.
- [ ] Upload new photos every month.
- [ ] Monitor your profile for unwanted edits suggested by users or competitors.