Local SEO for small businesses: Google Maps and website checklist

Local SEO is how you appear when people nearby search for what you do. The biggest levers are a complete Google Business Profile, steady recent reviews, consistent business details across the web, and a website with a clear page for each service and area you cover.

Google Business Profile checklist

• Choose the most accurate primary category, then relevant secondary ones.
• Add every service, with short descriptions.
• Set correct hours, including holidays.
• Upload real photos of work, premises and team regularly.
• Turn on messaging only if someone will answer.
• Post updates or offers occasionally.

Reviews

Ask every happy customer, at the moment they are happiest, with a direct link. Reply to every review, good or bad, briefly and personally. Never buy or filter reviews; it breaks Google’s rules and erodes trust.

Website checklist

1. 1One page per main serviceWith what it is, who it is for, price guidance and how to book.
2. 2Mention your areas naturallyName the suburbs or towns you serve, with real examples from each.
3. 3Name, address and phoneIn the footer, matching your Google profile exactly.
4. 4Fast on mobileMost local searches happen on a phone.
5. 5Clear contact actionPhone and booking visible on every page.

Citations and consistency

List your business on the main directories and industry sites in your country. Keep the name, address and phone identical everywhere. Inconsistent details make it harder for Google and AI tools to trust which is correct.

Where Kahu fitsKahu SitesTell Kahu what you do and it drafts your whole site in your own words, hosts it, and keeps it updated when your hours or prices change.Written in your words from one conversationHosting, domain and SSL includedHours and prices update themselvesSee Kahu Sites →bayphysio.co.nzPhysio in Mount Maunganui, same-week appointmentsBook onlinePricesACC claimsYou changed Saturday hours in chat · site updated 2 min ago

Frequently asked questions