Local SMB AI Marketing Checklist

01 — Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile

• Your Google Business Profile is claimed and verified.
• Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) exactly match your website and all directories.
• You’ve selected the most accurate primary category and added relevant secondary categories.
• Your business description clearly explains what you do, who you serve, and where you’re located — in plain language.
• You have at least 10 recent, high-quality photos of your premises, team, or work.
• Your opening hours are accurate and kept up to date, including public holidays.

02 — Reviews and reputation

Reviews and reputation

• You have a simple, repeatable process for asking happy customers to leave a Google review.
• You respond to every review — thank positive reviewers personally, address negative ones professionally.
• Your reviews mention specific details (services, staff names, location) — not just “great service!”
• You have at least 15 reviews and a rating above 4.0.
• You’re also collecting reviews on industry-relevant platforms (e.g. Yelp, Facebook, Houzz, True Local).

03 — Your website

Your website

• Your homepage clearly states what you do, where you operate, and who you help — above the fold.
• You have a dedicated page for each core service or product you offer.
• Your website includes your suburb, city, and service area — not just a contact form.
• You have an About page that tells your story, shows your face, and builds trust.
• Your website loads quickly on mobile and is easy to navigate on a small screen.
• You have a FAQ section or page that answers the questions you get asked most often.

04 — Directories and citations

Directories and citations

• You’re listed on Apple Maps and Bing Places (often overlooked, but used by AI platforms).
• You’re listed on True Local, Yellow Pages, and any industry-specific directories.
• All directory listings use the exact same NAP as your Google Business Profile and website.
• You’ve checked for and corrected any duplicate or outdated listings.

05 — Content and visibility

Content and visibility

• You have at least a handful of written pages or posts that answer questions your customers actually search for.
• Your content uses natural, conversational language — the kind customers use when they ask AI a question.
• You’ve searched for your business in ChatGPT and Perplexity to see how (or whether) you appear.
• You mention your location naturally throughout your website content — not just in the footer.

06 — Ongoing upkeep

Ongoing upkeep

• You check your Google Business Profile at least once a month for accuracy and new Q&As.
• When your services, prices, or hours change, you update all listings promptly.
• You post a Google Business Profile update at least once a month (offer, event, or general update).
• You have a set time each quarter to audit your listings for consistency and accuracy.

07 — Scoring