Rank higher locally. This checklist turns local SEO into a simple weekly routine: set up Google Business Profile (GBP), collect and reply to reviews, clean up directories (citations), and track what’s working. Use it to show up in the Map Pack, earn clicks, and book more of the right projects—without adding marketing chaos.
How to Use This Checklist
- Pick a priority service: Kitchens, bathrooms (walk-in showers), basements, additions, or exteriors.
- Ship the basics: Complete GBP, publish one city page, enable a simple review workflow.
- Promote weekly: 2 social posts + 1 GBP post that deep-link (UTM-tagged) to the exact service/city page.
- Measure monthly: Use the scorecard below to choose next best actions.
Step 1 — Google Business Profile (GBP) Setup
- Business name: Legal name only (no keyword stuffing).
- Categories: Primary = “Remodeler” (or most accurate core); add secondary for kitchens/bathrooms/basements.
- Services: List items (e.g., Kitchen Remodeling, Walk-In Showers, Basement Finishing) with short benefit descriptions.
- Service area: Hide street address if you’re a service-area business; add city/ZIP coverage.
- Hours & attributes: Set accurate hours; enable messaging/appointments and relevant attributes.
- Photos & video: Add 10–20 recent photos (before/after, details, crew) and a short vertical video.
- Posts (weekly): Project spotlight, FAQ, or seasonal tip; 80–150 words, 1–3 images, one clear CTA.
- Q&A: Seed decision questions (permits, timeline, cost ranges) and answer concisely with a link.
- Verification: Complete postcard/phone/email/video; if issues arise, document legitimacy and escalate.
Step 2 — Review Tips (Reviews Are the New Referrals)
- When to ask: Mid-project pulse check (fix issues), then final request at handoff with finished photos.
- How to ask: Text + short link, email template, and QR card in your handoff folder.
- Reply standard: Thank by name, mention project type + city, link to a related gallery or city page.
- Showcase: Add review sliders on service hubs and priority city pages.
Copy/paste reply (positive): “Thanks, [Name]! We loved building your walk-in shower in [City]. If you’d like to see similar projects, here’s our gallery: [link].”
Copy/paste reply (mixed): “Appreciate the feedback, [Name]. We’re reviewing [issue] today and will follow up by [date]. Thank you for trusting us with your home.”
Step 3 — Citations & Directories (Consistency = Trust)
- NAP consistency: Name/Address/Phone must match exactly across Google, Bing, Apple, Yelp, BBB, Nextdoor, Facebook, Houzz, and key local directories.
- Cleanup: Remove duplicates, fix conflicts (old addresses/phones), and standardize formatting.
- Build: Add missing listings in reputable, relevant directories; avoid low-quality link farms.
Step 4 — On-Page & Geo-Content (Answer Local Intent)
- City pages: Create “[Service] in [City]” pages with map cues, recent projects, FAQs, and a “Book a consult” CTA.
- Service hubs: Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Additions—each linking to related city pages + case studies.
- On-page hygiene: Titles/H1s include service + city, skim-friendly H2s, internal links, image alt text, clean URLs.
- FAQ blocks: Permits, timelines, budget ranges—structured, specific, honest.
Need a walkthrough? See our local SEO tutorial.
Step 5 — Tracking & Scorecard (Prove What Works)
- UTM links: Tag all Buttons/Links from GBP, social, and emails (source/medium/campaign).
- GA4 events: Track calls, form starts/submits, calendar bookings, and “click to call.”
- Search Console: Monitor queries for service + city terms; expand pages that gain impressions.
- Monthly scorecard: Keep (top posts/pages), Improve (near-wins), Create (next city pages/FAQs).
Weekly Maintenance (30–45 Minutes)
- Publish 1 GBP post + add 3 photos.
- Ask 2 recent clients for reviews; reply to all new reviews within 48 hours.
- Interlink one older blog to a service or city page.
- Check GA4: top events (calls, forms) and adjust CTAs/copy on winning pages.
Content You Can Publish This Week
YouTube Ideas
- “Kitchen Remodel in [City]: From Layout to Final Walkthrough (3 mins)”
- “Walk-In Shower Waterproofing: What Homeowners Should Know”
- “Basement Finish in [Neighborhood]: What We Changed & Why”
Instagram Reels
- Before/after sweep with overlay: Problem → Plan → Result → “Book a consult.”
- “3 Decisions Before Demo Day” (materials, layout, permits)
- Review spotlight: quote + project pan + CTA sticker to the matching city page
FAQs
How long until we see Map Pack movement?
Often within weeks if GBP, reviews, and city pages move together; broader organic gains typically build over 1–3 months.
Can service-area businesses hide addresses?
Yes—use service areas and keep NAP consistent across directories. Verification still requires compliant documentation.
What matters more: posts or reviews?
Both—reviews win the click, posts keep the profile active and route traffic to the right page. Aim for weekly posts and steady review velocity.
Next Step
Grab the checklist, tune your GBP, publish one city page, and start asking for reviews—today.
- Complete GBP setup and weekly posts
- Request and reply to reviews
- Fix citations and add city pages
- Track calls, forms, and bookings in GA4
Download the checklist or read our local SEO tutorial.
Written by Ada Ani, Content Marketing Strategist at GYRO
Authored by the GYRO Team — marketing experts helping remodelers, designers, and architects grow through organic strategy, smart design, and clear messaging.