Is this local SEO audit tool free?
Yes — free and instant. No login, Google account connection, or credit card required. Check your Google Business Profile readiness, local citations, and local ranking signals in under 30 seconds.
What does the local SEO audit check?
The audit checks six local SEO categories: Google Business Profile completeness (name, address, phone, hours, photos, posts), NAP consistency across the web, local citation count and quality, review signals (rating, volume, recency, response rate), local keyword optimisation on your website, and local landing page quality.
What is a local citation and why does it matter?
A local citation is any online mention of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Citations on directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and industry-specific sites help Google verify your business location and improve local search rankings. Inconsistent NAP across directories — even small differences like 'St' vs 'Street' — can harm your local rankings.
How do I rank higher on Google Maps?
The top five Google Maps ranking factors are: (1) a fully completed and verified Google Business Profile, (2) positive reviews — both volume and recency (aim for 4.5+ stars with 50+ reviews), (3) consistent NAP information across 30+ directories, (4) proximity — how close your business is to the searcher, (5) relevance — how well your GBP category and website content match the search query.
How many reviews does my business need on Google?
Local businesses with 40+ Google reviews rank significantly higher in local search than those with fewer. The benchmark varies by industry: restaurants need 100+ reviews to compete in most markets, service businesses (plumbers, lawyers, dentists) typically need 30–50 to appear in the top 3 Map Pack positions. Recency also matters — aim for at least 2–4 new reviews per month.
What is Google Business Profile (GBP) and how does it affect local SEO?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free business listing that appears in Google Maps and the local search results panel. A complete, optimised GBP is the most important factor for local SEO rankings — businesses with complete profiles are 70% more likely to attract location visit intent. It must include: business name, correct category, complete address, phone, website, hours, description, services, and regular photo updates.
How long does local SEO take to work?
Most businesses see initial Google Maps ranking improvements within 60–90 days of optimising their GBP and building citations. Reaching the top 3 Map Pack positions in competitive markets typically takes 4–6 months of consistent work. Review building, citation consistency, and regular GBP posts are the fastest levers to pull.
