Setting Up Local SEO
- Google Business Profile (GBP) Search
- Action: Search Google Maps for the business to check if a profile exists.
- Time: 5-10 min.
- GBP Claiming
- Action: Click “Claim this business” on an existing profile or start a new one via “Add your business.”
- Time: 10-15 min.
- GBP Basic Setup
- Action: Fill in name, address, phone, and category (e.g., “Handyman Service” or “Gardener”).
- Time: 15-20 min.
- Service Area Definition
- Action: Set a service radius (e.g., Concord + 10 miles) if mobile, not a fixed storefront.
- Time: 5-10 min.
- Business Description Writing
- Action: Craft a 750-character description highlighting unique traits (e.g., “Spiritual happiness through gardening”).
- Time: 20-30 min.
- Photo Upload
- Action: Add 3-5 photos (e.g., you gardening, a fixed fence) to the profile.
- Time: 15 min.
- Verification Request
- Action: Submit for Google verification (usually via postcard, sometimes phone/email).
- Time: 10 min (plus 5-14 days for postcard).
- Keyword Research (Local)
- Action: Identify 5-10 local search terms (e.g., “Concord CA handyman,” “gardening near me”).
- Time: 30-45 min.
- GBP Keyword Optimization
- Action: Add keywords to description, services, and posts.
- Time: 15-20 min.
- Basic Website Check
- Action: Ensure any existing site (if applicable) has name, address, phone (NAP) consistent with GBP.
- Time: 15 min.
Managing Local SEO (Ongoing)
- GBP Post Updates
- Action: Write and post a weekly update (e.g., “Just planted a peaceful herb garden—call me!”).
- Time: 15 min/post.
- Review Solicitation
- Action: Create a short script or link for customers to leave Google reviews.
- Time: 20 min (one-time setup).
- Review Response
- Action: Reply to each new review with a personalized thank-you.
- Time: 5-10 min/review.
- Profile Analytics Check
- Action: Review GBP insights (views, clicks, calls) and suggest tweaks.
- Time: 15-20 min/month.
- Citation Building
- Action: List business on 1 local directory (e.g., Yelp, Yellow Pages) with consistent NAP.
- Time: 20-30 min/directory.
- Citation Audit
- Action: Check 5-10 directories for NAP accuracy and fix inconsistencies.
- Time: 30-45 min.
- Local Keyword Refresh
- Action: Update keywords based on seasonal trends (e.g., “spring gardening Concord”).
- Time: 20-30 min/quarter.
- Photo Refresh
- Action: Upload 1-2 new photos (e.g., recent project) to keep GBP active.
- Time: 10-15 min/month.
- Q&A Management
- Action: Answer customer questions on GBP (e.g., “Do you fix fences?”).
- Time: 5-10 min/question.
- Competitor Check
- Action: Analyze 1-2 local competitors’ GBP for ideas (e.g., services they list).
- Time: 20-30 min/month.
