If your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps or in local search results, it’s not always because of heavy competition. Often, it’s due to a few missed steps—fixable things that are quietly hurting your visibility.
This checklist will help you quickly identify what’s working, what’s missing, and what you can improve to rank higher and attract more local customers in 2025.
1. Is Your Google Business Profile Fully Optimized?
Start here. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the heart of your local SEO.
Make sure you’ve:
- Claimed and verified your listing
- Chosen the right categories
- Added a complete description with service keywords
- Uploaded high-quality, real photos
- Updated your hours (especially during holidays)
- Enabled features like messaging or bookings, if available
If your profile feels half-finished, Google might hesitate to show it.
For help: optimize your Google Business Profile
2. Are Your NAP Details Consistent Everywhere?
NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number — and consistency is critical.
Even small differences like “Ave” vs. “Avenue” or missing suite numbers can cause confusion.
Audit your listings on:
- Your website
- Directories like Yelp, 411.ca, Yellow Pages
- Social media profiles
- Any old citations or listings from years ago
If you find mismatches, update them. For strategy tips, check out building local citations.
3. Do You Have Enough Fresh and Detailed Google Reviews?
Reviews are more than just reputation—they’re one of the top local SEO ranking factors. And not just the number of reviews, but their recency and depth.
Ask yourself:
- Are you actively generating more Google reviews?
- Do you respond to reviews professionally and promptly?
- Are customers mentioning services and locations in their feedback?
Google pays attention to all of this.
4. Are You Showing Up on Google Maps?
If someone searches for your service in your area, are you in the top 3 (local pack)? Are you even on the map at all?
You can use tools like BrightLocal, GMB Everywhere, or simply run manual searches in incognito mode to check.
If not ranking yet, go back and review your:
- GBP optimization
- NAP consistency
- Reviews
- Local citations
- Google Maps SEO strategies
5. Do You Have Localized Location Pages?
If you serve multiple cities or neighborhoods, you need dedicated pages—not just a bullet list on your homepage.
Each location page that ranks should include:
- Unique, city-specific content
- Accurate NAP info
- A Google map
- Local testimonials
- Clear CTAs (call, book, request a quote)
Duplicate content or vague pages won’t cut it anymore.
6. Is Your Website Technically Ready for Local SEO?
Even for local businesses, technical SEO still matters. Run a quick website audit and check for:
- Fast page loading times
- Mobile-friendly layout
- SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- Clean URL structure
- Schema markup (especially LocalBusiness schema)
- Optimized title tags and meta descriptions that include local terms
We cover many of these in our SEO services at Maple Web Design.
7. Do You Have Local Backlinks and Mentions?
Backlinks are still gold for SEO. Local ones are even better.
Audit your backlink profile:
- Do any blogs, local news sites, or partner businesses link to you?
- Are you listed on trustworthy local directories?
- Are you mentioned in local event pages, chambers of commerce, or sponsorships?
Getting a few high-quality local backlinks can make a huge difference. If you’re unsure where to start, read more about local citations and community partnerships.
A local SEO audit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By walking through these core steps, you’ll uncover exactly what’s holding your business back—and more importantly, how to fix it.
Most businesses leave easy wins on the table. You don’t have to be one of them.
Need a Local SEO Audit Done For You?
At Maple Web Design, we help small businesses across Canada rank higher with clear, actionable SEO strategies.
If you want a full local audit with zero fluff and real improvements, we’d love to help. Book a Local SEO Audit Now
