The Local SEO Checklist for NZ Businesses

Local SEO is how you show up when someone searches "cafe near me" or "plumber Hamilton." It's the most valuable type of SEO for small businesses because these searchers are ready to buy.

The Checklist

Google Business Profile

[ ] Claimed and verified

[ ] Correct business name, address, phone (NAP)

[ ] Business hours up to date

[ ] At least 10 photos uploaded

[ ] Business description filled in with keywords

[ ] Correct business categories selected

[ ] Responding to all reviews (positive and negative)

Your Website

[ ] Your address is on every page (footer at minimum)

[ ] Each page has a unique title tag with your location

[ ] Each page has a meta description

[ ] You have a dedicated page for each service you offer

[ ] Your site loads in under 3 seconds

[ ] Mobile-friendly

Directories

[ ] Listed on Yellow Pages NZ

[ ] Listed on NoCowboys (if applicable)

[ ] Listed on Bing Places

[ ] Apple Maps listing claimed

[ ] NAP is identical across all listings

Reviews

[ ] You actively ask happy customers for Google reviews

[ ] You respond to every review within 48 hours

[ ] You have at least 10 Google reviews

The Most Common Mistake

Inconsistent NAP. If your address says "123 Main St" on Google but "123 Main Street" on Yellow Pages, search engines get confused. Pick one format and use it everywhere.

Check Where You Stand

Run my Digital Checklist tool to see how many of these you've already got covered. Then send me your results if you want help with the rest.