So, you’ve just landed your first proper local SEO client. Congrats! Now the real work begins. To make sure you deliver serious value in those crucial first six months, let’s break down what you need to focus on. This isn’t just about getting quick results; it’s about building a relationship that lasts and proving you’re the go-to player in the local SEO game.
Month 1: Getting Started
Talk to Your Client
First things first: you need to understand what your client truly wants. It’s not enough to hear “I just want to rank higher.” Dig deeper. What does ranking higher mean for them? Are they looking for more traffic, phone calls, or a better reputation?
Blake Denman, founder of RicketyRoo, emphasizes the importance of clarity from the get-go. "In month one, I schedule a kickoff call, send an email with detailed instructions on what we need access to, and how to go about doing it," he says. This sets the tone for the rest of your partnership.
Consider creating an onboarding questionnaire that lets your client articulate their goals in their own words. This not only streamlines your process but also gives you a solid understanding of their business.
Identify and Set Goals
Once you’ve had that initial chat, it’s time to set some goals. This is where you align your SEO strategy with their business objectives. Remember, local SEO isn’t a quick fix; it’s a strategy for long-term success.
Marcus Miller from Bowler Hat stresses the importance of understanding the client’s objectives. “We need to know what the client is actually trying to achieve, rather than just the specific SEO goals,” he notes. This will help you set clear, measurable targets.
Using SMART goals is a great way to make this happen:
Specific: Simple and significant.
Measurable: Meaningful and motivating.
Achievable: Agreed and attainable.
Relevant: Reasonable and results-based.
Timely: Time-based and time-sensitive.
A SMART goal could look like: “Increase revenue by 20% over the next year.” Whatever it is, this framework will guide your actions moving forward.
Manage Expectations
Setting and managing expectations is key in those first months. Don’t overpromise results. Local SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Your client needs to understand that ranking takes time and depends on various factors—proximity, relevance, and prominence.
Instead of saying, “We’ll get you to number one in no time!” focus on your SMART goals. Regularly update your client on progress, especially if something unexpected happens. Google’s local SERPs can be a rollercoaster ride, so keep your client informed.
Complete a Local SEO Audit
With goals set, the next step is a thorough audit. Joy Hawkins from Sterling Sky recommends a manual approach, emphasizing the human touch in evaluating the business’s online presence. “We charge for this; it’s designed to figure out what’s keeping the business from succeeding,” she says.
Your audit will highlight high-priority tasks that you can tackle first. Remember, many local SEO tasks are ongoing. Projects like link building don’t just wrap up—they’re a continuous effort.
Months 2-5: Get to Work
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into local SEO tasks based on your audit findings. Here’s what to focus on:
Set Up Rank Tracking and Reporting
It’s vital to set up rank tracking right away. Clients love to see how they’re moving up the ranks, even if ranking number one isn’t always the end goal. Use tools like BrightLocal’s Local Rank Tracker to keep a close eye on progress.
Keep reporting consistent but not overwhelming. Regular updates help avoid confusion as fluctuations are normal in the SEO world.
Google My Business Optimization
Optimizing your client’s Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential. It’s the most important ranking factor for local searches, so don’t overlook this step. If they don’t have a GMB listing yet, get it set up!
Make sure their profile is fully optimized by filling in all the relevant details and adding high-quality images. Don’t forget about managing reviews—this is a key part of building trust online.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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