strive therapy
Local Visibility Audit
WHAT WE DO
This audit looks at any breakdowns in how customers find you, understand you, trust you, and ultimately choose you.
WHY WE DO IT
Our goal is to evaluate how effectively your business shows up in front of nearby customers who are actively searching for your services.
HOW WE DO IT
We use the information you provided, combined with specialized marketing tools, to identify ways to improve in 5 different categories.
THIS LOCAL VISIBILITY AUDIT LOOKS AT
LOCAL MAPS RESULTS
GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
BASIC LOCAL SEARCH
BUSINESS LISTINGS
REVIEWS + REPUTATION
This audit highlights the most important visibility gaps in five different areas. The scorecard gives you a clear view of how your marketing is performing across those areas, with each one rated as strong (🟢), partial (🟡), or absent/weak (🔴). We also share what we’re seeing, and a few easy things you can do to improve.
Let’s dive in.
01
Local Search
Are you showing up for service- and location-related search terms in your area? Are there gaps in coverage?
WHY IT MATTERS
An effective search engine optimization and keyword strategy helps you show up online when customers are actively looking for help, in the language they use to search. Stripped down to its simplest form, it’s really about making it easy for search engines (and people) to understand who you are, what you do, and where you are. You don’t need advanced tactics to see results, just the basics done right.
-
We review the built core service keyword set defined in the Market Opportunity section and evaluate whether you are actively targeting relevant high-intent search terms for your services and location.
This data is produced from (1) specialized SEO tools, and (2) an assessment of keyword coverage gaps.
-
Is there alignment between how services are described on your site and how customers actually search for them in search engines? 🟡 Partially, some alignment exists, but keywords are inconsistent or not fully reflective of search behavior.
Is there alignment between customer search language and how services are described across all public-facing platforms (e.g., GBP, social, listings, etc.)? 🔴 No, service descriptions are inconsistent or do not reflect customer search language across key platforms.
Are you capturing high-intent search opportunities related to services and location? 🟡 Partially, some high-intent search themes are present, but coverage is inconsistent or limited to a small portion of services.
Is there effective coverage of hyper-focused long-tail and question-based search intent? (like FAQs + supporting content) 🔴 No, little to no FAQ or long-tail content exists, limiting visibility for question-based searches.
Does your website function well on mobile devices? 🟢 Yes, the site is fully mobile-friendly. Text is easy to read without zooming, buttons are easy to tap, phone numbers are clickable, and pages load quickly.
Do your website pages have clear, descriptive titles that match what customers search for? 🔴 No, page titles are generic or unclear, making it difficult for search engines and users to understand what each page is about.
-
Local intent keywords (service + location combinations) are inconsistently covered.'
Competitors often target a broader or more complete set of service-related search terms.
Little to no FAQ or long-tail content exists, limiting visibility for question-based searches, which is increasingly important for AI visibility.
-
Create FAQ content on your site. Not only does it give visitors direct answers, it also provides structured question-and-answer pairs that search engines and AI summaries can parse. Think of common questions and answer them plainly: ‘How much does a new roof cost in Denver? Do you offer sedation dentistry?’
Add your location everywhere it makes sense, especially for local searches. Mention your city/area on your homepage (Affordable landscaping services in the Finger Lakes), include it in your services pages (Snow Removal in the Finger Lakes), and add it to your footer (Serving the Finger Lakes Region).
Create one website page per main service. Instead of having one crowded services page, create one for ‘lawn care,’ one for ‘snow removal,’ one for landscape design,’ etc. This makes it far easier for search engines to match you to services.
02
Links & Authority
How strong is your online authority? Are there credible backlinks to your website?
WHY IT MATTERS
Your authority score reflects how trusted your website appears to search engines based on how many other (reputable) websites mention and link to you. Search engines perceive those mentions as someone vouching for you; it’s like reputation points for your website. Weak or inconsistent authority signals can limit visibility even when services and website quality are strong.
-
We analyze your backlink profile, domain authority signals, and external mentions to evaluate overall online authority and trust.
This data is produced from (1) specialized SEO tools, and (2) manual review of referring domains.
-
Are backlinks coming from a diverse set of unique referring domains? 🔴 No, backlinks are heavily concentrated in directories or a small set of domains, with limited diversity.
Are backlinks coming from credible, high-quality websites? 🟡 Partially, a mix of credible and lower-quality sources exists, with inconsistent authority across referring domains.
Are backlinks locally relevant to the business’s service area? 🔴 No, there is little to no local relevance in backlinks or external mentions.
Are there visible partnerships or community involvement that generate mentions? 🔴 No, little to no visible partnerships or community-driven mentions are present.
Is there press coverage or authoritative third-party mentions in the industry or region? 🟡 Partially, some mentions exist but are limited.
-
Your website has [12] unique domains pointing to it; competitors average [47]. Their stronger link profile and higher domain authority give them more credibility in Google’s eyes, which is why they may appear above you in search results.
External mentions are generally limited or sporadic, reducing perceived authority by search engines.
The backlink profile is developing, with variation in both quality and relevance of referring domains.
-
List your business on trusted local directories and industry associations. Create or claim profiles on sites like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and local chambers. Fill out every field, keep your contact info identical everywhere, and add photos/services.
Earn links from local partners. Reach out to nearby businesses you collaborate with and ask to be listed on their website (ex: sponsors page) with a link back to your site.
Appear in articles or news stories on local media outlets or niche blogs (like a tourism site). News sites and niche blogs have strong authority. When they mention and link to you, it passes credibility to your site and exposes you to a wider local audience.
03
Local Listings
Are your business listings accurate, consistent, and optimized across key directories?
WHY IT MATTERS
Directory listings help search engines verify who you are, where you’re located, and what you do. When your business information is complete, accurate, and the same everywhere it appears online, you build trust with search engines and increase your chances of showing up in local results.
-
We review your presence across key directories (e.g., Google Business Profile, Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing Places, local chamber) and evaluate the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of your business information. This includes name, address, phone number, services, categories, and overall profile quality.
This data is produced from (1) specialized SEO tools, and (2) manual review of select listings.
-
Are your business name, address, and phone number consistent across all directory listings? 🟡 Partially, your information is mostly consistent, but there are small differences (e.g., abbreviations, old phone numbers, or slight naming variations).
Are you listed on the most important directories for your business? 🔴 No, your business is missing from several important directories or listings are unclaimed.
Are your directory profiles complete and up to date? 🟡 Partially, some profiles are filled out, but others are missing key details or haven’t been updated recently.
-
Directory presence is limited across key platforms.
Business information (NAP) is slightly inconsistent, which can impact trust and rankings.
Many listings are partially complete, missing key details like services or photos.
-
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same everywhere, with no variations. Fully complete every profile with services, categories, business descriptions, hours, and photos so customers (and search engines) have a clear picture of what you offer.
Use simple, clear language in your descriptions that matches how customers search. (e.g., “Emergency plumbing in Swansboro” instead of vague or internal phrasing) Ensure the language used in directories mirrors the language used on your website.
Check your listings occasionally to ensure nothing is outdated or incorrect, especially in the event of any business changes, or seasonal differences.
05
Reputation
What do customers say about you online? How strong is your review presence, and is it being managed?
WHY IT MATTERS
Your online reputation directly impacts both local visibility and customer choice. Platforms use reviews as a signal for ranking who shows up on local searches, and customers rely heavily on reviews to decide who they want to contact. When multiple local options appear side by side, review quality, quantity, and recency are often decision-making factors. A strong reputation is about generating reviews in the right places and managing the feedback.
-
We evaluate your review presence across key platforms and assess volume, recency, distribution, and engagement. This includes how reviews are generated, where they are collected, and how they are used to build trust.
This data is produced from (1) self-reported review collection process information, (2) specialized SEO tools, and (3) manual review of response and distribution.
-
Are you consistently generating new customer reviews? 🟢 Yes, reviews are collected regularly as part of a defined process, resulting in a steady flow of recent feedback.
Are your reviews coming from the most relevant platforms for your industry? 🟢 Yes, reviews are concentrated on the platforms that matter most for your business.
Do you actively respond to customer reviews? 🟡 Partially, some reviews receive responses, but mostly the negative reviews.
Are you leveraging your best reviews to build trust across your marketing channels? 🔴 No, reviews are not being reused or highlighted beyond the platform where they were left.
Do your reviews reflect your core services and customer experience? 🟡 Partially, though reviews tend to be somewhat vague, only reinforcing core services in a limited way.
-
Review generation is typically consistent.
Reviews are underutilized as marketing assets, with little promotion beyond the original platform.
Responses to reviews are generally limited to negative feedback.
-
Respond to every review, positive, neutral, or negative. Thank customers for positive feedback and professionally address any negative experiences. This showcases ongoing engagement with the people you serve.
Use your best reviews in your marketing. Add testimonials to your website, include them on service pages, and share them on social media.
05
GBP + Maps
Is your business fully optimized for local search visibility on Google? Are you appearing in map results?
WHY IT MATTERS
Your presence on Google Business Profile (GBP) plays a critical role in where you show up in Maps, which is where many high-intent local searches happen. When people search maps, they’re usually looking for a nearby service, comparing a few options, and ready to take immediate action like visiting, calling, or getting directions. A strong GBP helps you show up in local search results and get chosen when customers compare options.
-
We evaluate your Google Business Profile (GBP) based on completeness, accuracy, activity, and rank in local search.
This data is produced from (1) specialized SEO tools, and (2) manual review of your GBP profile performance.
-
Is your Google Business Profile complete and fully optimized? 🟡 Partially, the profile is claimed but missing key information, photos, or service details.
Are you showing up consistently in Google Maps / local search results for your core services? 🟡 Partially, you appear for some searches but visibility is inconsistent or limited.
Is your business category and service information aligned with how customers search? 🔴 No, categories are inaccurate, too generic, or misaligned with what customers search for.
Are you actively managing your profile (posts, updates, photos, etc.)? 🔴 No, the profile is static and hasn’t been updated in a long time.
Are customers engaging with your profile (calls, clicks, direction requests, messages)? 🟡 Partially, some engagement exists but it is limited or inconsistent.
-
GBP is partially optimized.
Local visibility in Maps is inconsistent.
Profile activity is occasional / inconsistent.
GBP ongoing management limits performance.
-
Fully complete and optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate categories, services, hours, photos, and descriptions. Keep your profile active with occasional updates, new photos, and posts to signal that your business is current.
Ensure your reviews are recent, relevant, and responded to consistently. They directly impact both ranking and trust.
Turn These Insights Into Real Action.
While this audit report shows you where you stand and how to improve your local visibility, marketing performs best when the foundation underneath it is strong. Our full service Brand Strategy & Local Marketing Setup expands this audit, helping you see the full picture of your marketing. From there, we build a clear brand strategy and put the right pieces in place, so that your marketing actually attracts the right people.
SERVICE BREAKDOWN:
Phase 1: Brand Strategy
This is a collaborative, done-with-you process designed to clarify who you are, who you serve, your positioning, and your core offerings. Everything that comes after will be stronger and more effective because of this foundation.
In a series of brief workshops, we’ll help you:
Determine your marketing goal
Understand your audience and how they search
Clarify your positioning and core offers
Define how your business should be differentiated
Phase 2: Local Marketing Setup
This is a done-for you service that gets your local marketing systems up and running, starting with an expanded audit to spot deeper issues, and correct them.
It includes:
Assessing your capacity and tech setup
Optimizing your profiles and local listings
Auditing your website, identifying message and navigation issues
Aligning your website and content with real customer search behavior
Implementing modern (including AI-driven) keyword search strategies
Setting up a system to consistently manage reviews
Suggesting ways to increase visibility, offline
INVESTMENT STARTS AT $3,500
Your Audit fee is applied to service.
You’ll walk away with:
Differentiated positioning that sets you apart locally
✔
Confidence in who you’re serving, and how they search
✔
Tailored insights on content that answers customer questions
✔
Basic keyword placement aligned to real search demand
✔
A fully optimized local presence (Google, listings, website)
✔
A process for generating and leveraging customer reviews
✔
Want to see sustained growth?
If you need ongoing support, we can continue through a monthly retainer. With the foundation and setup work in place, work shifts from optimization into growth. We track performance over time, make ongoing refinements, guide you on effective deep knowledge content for your audience, and expand link-building and other visibility strategies.
INVESTMENT STARTS AT $800/MONTH
First month free.
FAQ
(Our Most-Asked Q’s)
Ready to get noticed, locally?
Apply to work with us and tell us a little more about your business.