SEOContentSurge.com Google Business Profile Audit Checklist


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3	2024 Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization Checklist & Audit Template
4	Use this template to audit, optimize, or create your Google Business Profile. There are specific resources in the Purpose/Goal column.
5	Get all of the resources and more in the FREE deep-dive manual: 'The Complete 2024 Business Owner's Guide to Google Business Profile'.
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7	Business Info Optimization Checklist
8	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
9	Is your profile verified, ensuring ownership and credibility?	Verification is essential for profile edits and trust. Take these steps if someone else has claimed your profile.
10	Is your business name complete and accurate?	Ensures consistency and brand recognition.
11	Does your business address exactly match its physical location on Google Maps?	Helps customers locate your business effortlessly.
12	Is the business phone number active and identical to the one listed on your website?	Enables direct communication and confirms legitimacy.
13	Is your website address correct and the link working?	Ensures customers can easily find more detailed information about your business, products, and services.
14	Is there a clear, keyword-optimized business description?	Offers an opportunity to thoroughly explain what your business does, its history, and what sets it apart, improving SEO and customer engagement. (Keyword Density resource)
15	Have you selected the correct business category that best represents your primary service?	Directly impacts your visibility in relevant searches.
16	Are additional relevant categories added to capture broader services?	Expands your reach in varied but related search queries.
17	Is your business logo uploaded and matching your website, social, and offline logo use?	Increases brand recognition and trust by presenting a professional image to customers.
18	Are all your business hours up-to-date, reflecting current operations?	Prevents customer dissatisfaction from incorrect timings.
19	Have you utilized the product and services feature to showcase your offerings?	Directly informs customers about your offerings, boosting interest.
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21	Google Business Profile Title & Website Link Audit
22	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
23	What is the length of the GBP business title? (Check Google's guidelines for business-specific tips)	Ensures compliance with Google's guidelines, avoiding penalties while optimizing for search.
24	Are keywords strategically used in your business description without stuffing?	Improves SEO while maintaining readability. (Keyword Density resource)
25	Is your website linked correctly, and does it load quickly?	A fast, accessible website enhances user experience and conversion. (See Page Speed explainer)
26	Have you implemented UTM tracking for the website link?	Allows for detailed traffic analysis and optimization.
27	Does your website link use HTTPS for security?	Ensures customer trust and meets Google's security preferences.
28	Does the business URL match the one from any citations?	A properly structured URL improves SEO and prevents customer confusion.
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30	Google Business Profile Hours Audit
31	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
32	Does the GBP have updated business hours (including holiday hours, etc.)?	Keeps customers informed of when they can expect service, reducing frustration and missed opportunities.
33	Have you listed any special hours for holidays or special events?	Informs customers of exceptions, improving experience.
34	Do business hours match the ones from citations?	Prevents customer confusion.
35	Does the listing show popular times?	Helps customers plan their visits during less busy times, enhancing the customer experience.
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37	Google Business Profile Category Audit
38	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
39	Is the business using the ideal category?	Directly influences how well your business is discovered by customers searching for your services or products.
40	What are the additional categories currently in use, and in which order?	Expands visibility across relevant searches by accurately reflecting all facets of your business.
41	Does the website include a specific page for each of the service categories?	Improves SEO and user experience by providing detailed, easily accessible information about each service.
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43	Google Business Profile Review Audit
44	Questions to Consider	Your Answer	Your Notes
45	Are you actively encouraging customers to leave reviews?	Positive reviews improve credibility and attract customers. Reviews are the most common theme in getting the most out of your GBP.
46	Do any customer reviews include keywords and/or pictures?	Enhances search visibility and trust through rich, descriptive feedback from customers.
47	What is the ratio between written reviews and ratings with no content?	A higher ratio of detailed reviews can significantly improve credibility and SEO.
48	Have all reviews been responded to (including positive and negative reviews)?	Shows you value feedback and improves public perception.
49	Have you addressed and resolved any issues highlighted in negative reviews?	Improves customer satisfaction and can turn detractors into promoters.
50	Have you set up messaging (if available) for direct customer communication?	Offers a direct line for queries, improving service.
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52	Google Business Profile Post Audit
53	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
54	Do you regularly post engaging updates, offers, and news?	Keeps your profile active and informs your audience. Good use of Posts is great for keeping prospects and customers engaged.
55	What is the date of the latest GBP post that appears on the listing?	Reflects how actively you engage with your GBP, affecting customer perception and relevance.
56	What is the total post count?	Indicates the level of effort put into keeping the GBP content fresh and engaging for potential customers.
57	What is the post frequency in the last 90 days?	Shows current engagement and activity levels, impacting visibility and customer interest.
58	Do the GBP posts include geo mentions for the city and nearby significant locations?	Using local keywords improves local discoverability and connects you with a relevant audience.
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60	Google Business Profile FAQ & Photos Section Audit
61	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
62	Have you set up and optimized an FAQ section with common customer inquiries?	Preemptively answers common questions, improving the customer experience.
63	Are high-quality, professional photos of your business uploaded? (How many?)	Quality images improve engagement, showcase your business, and convert.
64	How many photos have been posted by users vs the business?	User-generated content can enhance credibility, but a balance is needed to maintain brand control.
65	Do product or service photos positively reflect the quality (e.g. menu items)?	High-quality images can significantly influence a customer's decision to choose your business.
66	Do business photos accurately depict the business location (retail space, staff, etc.)?	Authentic visuals help set accurate expectations for customers before they visit.
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68	Google Business Profile Sitelink Audit
69	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
70	Have you utilized the appointment link feature if applicable?	Facilitates easy booking, enhancing customer service.
71	Are there options to choose online appointments and/or on-site services?	Enhances convenience by allowing customers to engage with your services in a way that suits them.
72	Are additional profiles connected to this GBP listing (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)?	Broadens your online presence and provides more avenues for customer interaction.
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74	Google Business Profile Citation Listing Audit
75	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
76	Is your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistent across all online platforms?	Crucial for local SEO, broadens your online presence, and prevents customer confusion.
77	Are there any duplicate listings on any social or review platforms?	Duplicate listings can confuse customers and dilute your brand's online authority.
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79	Google Business Profile Competitor Comparison
80	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
81	Have you analyzed competitors’ profiles for keywords, categories, and features used?	Identifies areas for improvement and opportunities for differentiation.
82	Do competitors have the targeted keyword in their listing title?	Understanding competitor keyword strategies can inform adjustments to improve your own visibility.
83	Do competitors have their target location in their listing title?	Offers insights into local SEO strategies that could benefit your business.
84	Do competitors have a website and physical address?	Evaluates the completeness of competitor profiles for potential areas of improvement in your own listing.
85	Do competitors have secondary Google Business categories?	Identifies if there are additional relevant categories you should consider to enhance visibility.
86	How does your review quantity and quality compare to your competitors?	Understanding your market position can guide customer satisfaction strategies.
87	Are there unique features or services your competitors highlight that you don’t?	Identifies potential areas for business or profile development.
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89	Google Business Profile Reporting Checklist
90	Questions to Consider	Purpose/Goal	Your Notes
91	Do you regularly review Google Insights to understand customer interactions?	Guides data-driven decisions for profile optimization.
92	Are you tracking website clicks, direction requests, and phone call clicks?	Measures engagement and the effectiveness of your profile.
93	Do you compare performance metrics month-over-month for insights?	Helps track progress and identify trends or issues early.
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95	BONUS 1: Quick answers to the most common issues with Google Business Profile
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