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All lessons in Local SEO Lesson 2.1 of 61

Module 1: Introduction to Local Search

  1. 1.1What is local search marketing?
  2. 1.2How does Google local search work?
  3. 1.3Google Search vs. Google Maps: what's the difference?
  4. 1.4How does Google determine local rankings?
  5. 1.5What is the local search customer journey?

Module 2: Google Business Profile

  1. 2.1How to set up a Google Business Profile
  2. 2.2How to verify a Google Business Profile
  3. 2.3How to choose the right business categories
  4. 2.4How to optimize business information and services
  5. 2.5How to add photos, videos, products, and updates
  6. 2.6How to manage multiple locations in Google Business Profile
  7. 2.7Service-area businesses vs. storefronts

Module 3: Local Keyword Research and Search Intent

  1. 3.1How to find local keywords
  2. 3.2City, neighborhood, and service-based keywords
  3. 3.3Understanding near me searches
  4. 3.4Transactional vs. informational local intent
  5. 3.5How to research local competitors and keywords
  6. 3.6How to map keywords to locations and services

Module 4: Local Landing Pages and Website Optimization

  1. 4.1How to create location landing pages
  2. 4.2How to optimize local service pages
  3. 4.3How to write location-relevant titles and content
  4. 4.4How to build location and service page architecture
  5. 4.5How to avoid duplicate and thin location pages
  6. 4.6Local business schema and structured data
  7. 4.7How to keep your website and Business Profile consistent

Module 5: Reviews and Reputation Management

  1. 5.1Why do reviews matter for local businesses?
  2. 5.2How to build a customer review generation process
  3. 5.3How to respond to positive and negative reviews
  4. 5.4How to handle fake or policy-violating reviews
  5. 5.5Review policies and ethical reputation management
  6. 5.6How to monitor review trends and customer sentiment

Module 6: Local Citations and Business Listings

  1. 6.1What are local citations?
  2. 6.2Name, address, and phone number consistency
  3. 6.3How to find relevant business directories
  4. 6.4How to create and update business listings
  5. 6.5How to identify duplicate and incorrect listings
  6. 6.6Industry-specific and local directory opportunities

Module 7: Local Authority and Competitive Visibility

  1. 7.1How to analyze local search competitors
  2. 7.2How to earn local links through community partnerships
  3. 7.3Local sponsorships, organizations, and media
  4. 7.4How to build local brand recognition
  5. 7.5How to evaluate competitor reviews and business profiles
  6. 7.6How to identify local visibility gaps

Module 8: Local Search Tracking and Reporting

  1. 8.1How to track local rankings across geographic areas
  2. 8.2Understanding Google Business Profile performance
  3. 8.3How to measure calls, website visits, and direction requests
  4. 8.4How to track local leads and conversions
  5. 8.5How to use Google Search Console and Analytics for local SEO
  6. 8.6How to create local search performance reports

Module 9: Local Search Strategy by Business Type

  1. 9.1Local search for restaurants and retail stores
  2. 9.2Local search for service-area businesses
  3. 9.3Local search for professional services
  4. 9.4Local search for healthcare and other regulated industries
  5. 9.5Local search for multi-location businesses
  6. 9.6Local search for new and small businesses

Module 10: Local Search Audits and Practical Projects

  1. 10.1How to conduct a local search audit
  2. 10.2How to audit a Google Business Profile
  3. 10.3How to check local landing pages and citations
  4. 10.4How to evaluate reviews and competitor visibility
  5. 10.5How to build a prioritized local search action plan
  6. 10.6How to create a 30-day local search improvement plan

How to set up a Google Business Profile

Covered here

  • What you need before you start
  • How to create a Google Business Profile step by step
  • How to check if a profile already exists
  • What happens after setup

Short answer

To set up a Google Business Profile, sign in to a Google account and go to business.google.com. Enter your real business name, choose a primary category, add your address or service area, phone number, and website. Then complete verification. Your profile appears on Google Search and Maps once Google approves it.

Before you start

Prepare these details first. It makes setup faster and keeps your data accurate:

  • your real business name, exactly as it appears on your signage
  • your main type of business
  • your full address, or the towns you serve if you visit customers
  • a phone number customers can reach
  • your website or Facebook Page link, if you have one
  • your opening hours

Use a Google account the business controls, not a staff member’s personal email. If that person leaves, you could lose access.

Check if a profile already exists

Search your business name and town on Google Maps. If a listing shows up, someone may have added it already. Customers can add places to Maps.

If you find one, choose Claim this business or Own this business? instead of making a new profile. Two profiles for one business confuse customers and Google.

Create the profile step by step

  1. Go to business.google.com and sign in.
  2. Type your business name. Pick it from the list if it appears, or create a new one.
  3. Choose your primary category. Start typing and pick the closest match.
  4. Choose whether customers visit a location. Add your address if they do.
  5. Add the areas you serve, if you also travel to customers.
  6. Enter your phone number and website.
  7. Start verification. Google shows the methods available for your business.

After setup

Your profile is not fully live until you are verified. Lesson 2.2 covers this.

While you wait, gather photos and write your business description. You will add them in lessons 2.4 and 2.5.

Quick quiz

1. Where do you create a Google Business Profile?
2. What should you do if your business already appears on Maps?
3. Which Google account should own the profile?

Common mistakes

  • Creating a duplicate. Always search Maps before creating a profile.
  • Using a staff member’s account. Access can be lost when people leave.
  • Adding keywords to the name. Use your real-world business name only.

Your action

Prepare to set up or claim the profile for your chosen business. Your progress saves on this device.

Key terms

Google Business Profile
Google's free listing that shows a business on Search and Maps.
Business Profile Manager
The dashboard at business.google.com where you manage profiles.
Claiming a profile
Taking ownership of a listing that already exists on Google.
Primary category
The main type of business you choose during setup.
Verification
Google's check that you really run the business.

Questions beginners ask

Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Creating and managing a profile costs nothing.

What if my business already shows on Google Maps?

Someone may have added it. Search for it and claim it instead of making a new one, so you avoid duplicates.

Can I set it up without a website?

Yes. A website is optional, though it helps customers and Google learn more about you.

Related lessons

Want someone to handle SEO for your business while you learn? The team at Remar Digital can help.