Field note / local search basics

Build a better local
search presence.

Practical field notes, clear checklists and useful tools for Canadian and American businesses.

The business comes first

Google Business Profile

Start with the facts customers need.

A good audit checks the basics before changing anything: how the business operates, what customers see and what needs fixing.

Open the profile audit

Applies to Canada & USA

Find your next step

What needs attention?

The profile setupStorefront, service-area or hybrid?

The enquiry pathFound in search, but no calls?

The review processAsk fairly. Respond usefully.

The local comparisonKeep locations and methods clear.

Choose a task. Use the checklist. Keep a record of what changed.

Latest from the editorial team

Useful reading. Practical next steps.

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Google Business Profile

Service-area, storefront or hybrid: choose the right Business Profile setup

Understand storefront, service-area and hybrid Google Business Profiles, including address visibility, service boundaries and separate-location decisions.

comparison6 min read

A neutral review request, customer feedback and a considered response

Reviews & Reputation

Build a review process that customers can trust

Create a practical Google review workflow with neutral requests, no review gating, helpful public responses and a clear process for policy violations.

guide6 min read

Two neighbourhood maps compared using the same location sampling method

Measurement & Leads

How to compare local rankings without misleading yourself

Compare local search rankings using a consistent query set, geographic sample, result type and reporting method, with clear treatment of missing results.

guide6 min read

A small toolkit for work that matters.

Interactive checklists, a comparison worksheet and editable text templates. All run in your browser.

Explore the tools

Build a better localsearch presence.