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Getting Started with Local SEO

Local SEO helps customers find your business online. This guide walks you through setting up your Business Profile, connecting your listings to major directories, tracking keywords, and viewing analytics so you can grow your local search visibility.

Getting started checklist​

  1. Set up your business profile: Complete your core business details.
  2. Connect your listings: Sync to Google, Facebook, Bing, X, and Apple.
  3. Verify your Google Business Profile: Complete Google verification if you sync to Google.
  4. Start tracking keywords: Monitor how you rank for search terms.
  5. Set up analytics: Connect Google and Bing insights.
  6. Explore optional features: Citation Builder and My Listing.

Step 1: Set up your business profile​

Your Business Profile is the source for all your listing data. Complete it before connecting platforms so your information syncs accurately everywhere.

How to complete your business profile​

  1. Open Local SEO and go to the Business Profile tab.
  2. Complete all required fields: business name, address, phone, and website.
  3. Set your hours of operation under the Hours tab.
  4. Add special hours for holidays and exceptions.
  5. Configure category-specific Google attributes under the Attributes tab.
  6. Upload high-quality images following the image guidelines (JPG or PNG, 10 KB to 5 MB).
tip

Use Suggest Description under Descriptions to generate short and long business descriptions with AI.

Back to checklist

Step 2: Connect your listings​

Listing Sync sends your Business Profile data to Google Business Profile, Facebook, Bing, X, and Apple so you update once and stay consistent across platforms.

How to connect platforms​

  1. Go to Local SEO > Listing Sync.
  2. Click Connect next to each platform you want to sync (Google, Facebook, Bing, X, or Apple).
  3. Enter your credentials and grant permissions.
  4. Select the business location or page to connect.
  5. Turn on sync to start pushing your data.

Most platforms receive submissions within 15 minutes to 1 hour. Publishing can take up to 4 weeks. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for initial activation across all sources. For Apple, you must first claim your listing through Apple Business Connect.

note

If you have multiple Facebook, Instagram, or X pages connected, you can choose which page Listing Sync updates in the source's side panel.

Back to checklist

Step 3: Verify your Google Business Profile​

If you connect Google, your Google Business Profile must be claimed and verified through Google. Listing Sync cannot manage unverified profiles.

How to verify with Google​

  1. Sign in at business.google.com and select your business.
  2. Click Verify now and ensure your address is correct.
  3. Request a verification postcard (typically arrives within 14 days).
  4. Enter the 5-digit code when it arrives.

Back to checklist

Step 4: Start tracking keywords​

Keyword Tracking shows how your business ranks for specific search terms over time. You can add up to 15 keywords (or more with an add-on) and view positions, trends, and search volume.

How to add keywords​

  1. Go to Local SEO > Keyword Tracking.
  2. Click Add Keywords.
  3. Enter keywords (one per line).
  4. Click Add to begin tracking.

Use the Trend tab to analyze performance over time. You can also use SMART Keyword Suggestions to discover related terms from your website.

Back to checklist

Step 5: Set up analytics​

Analytics connects Google Business Profile insights (and Bing for Listing Sync Pro users) so you can see how customers find and interact with your business.

How to connect Google insights​

  1. Go to Local SEO > Analytics > Google.
  2. Click Connect Google Business Profile.
  3. Sign in and grant permissions.

After connecting, view metrics such as search terms, where customers see your business, and common actions. For Bing insights, ensure your Bing profile is synced under Listing Sync and open Analytics > Bing.

Back to checklist

Step 6: Explore optional features​

Citation Builder​

Citation Builder submits your business data to aggregators (TransUnion's Neustar/Localeze and Foursquare), which distribute it to directories, search engines, and voice assistants. Available for US-based businesses. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for initial distribution and 2 to 3 months for full publication.

My Listing​

My Listing lets you create a customizable public business profile page with themes, branding, and event analytics. Use it to showcase your business without a full website.

Back to checklist

Frequently asked questions​

How long does syncing take?

Most platforms receive submissions within 15 minutes to 1 hour. Publishing can take up to 4 weeks. GPS directories may take up to 30 days. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for initial activation.

Can I hide my physical address for a service area business?

Yes. Check Service Area Business (hide physical address) during setup or in account settings. Some listing sources do not support hidden addresses.

How do I connect Apple Business listings?

Claim your business through Apple Business Connect first, then use the Apple card in Listing Sync to authenticate with OAuth.

What image formats should I use?

Use JPG or PNG between 10 KB and 5 MB. Logo: 250×250 px (min 120×120). Primary photo: 16:9 aspect ratio, 1080×608 px recommended.

Where do I find more help?

See the Overview for feature details, or explore Business Profile, Listing Sync, Keyword Tracking, Analytics, and Citation Builder in the sidebar.