Maintaining your business online can be daunting and scary with so much out there to maintain.
But with this checklist, you can quickly spend 10 minutes each week covering the basics and ensuring your business is performing online in the best state it can possibly be.
Note: It is your business responsibility to make sure your information is correct across all online platforms.
Quick Overview Checklist
Google My Business
Website: business.google.com
The backbone for Local Search Engine Optimisation, Google My Business (GMB) allows your listing to appear in Google Search, Google Maps, and depending on the business industry, many other locations. For a local business, this is one of the most important online listings for bringing in new and repeat customers. And it is easy to review and maintain from both on your computer (business.google.com) and through the apps (Google Play | iOS Store).
Check Your GMB Information
Sometimes Google will pull information from other online source and update the information of your listing. Other people can also suggest changes which may not reflect your business information. Check your website address, phone numbers, and business hours are correct as these are often the first to be changed.
GMB Reviews & Recommendations
If your business is getting online reviews, it is highly recommended to be responding to all reviews either as a Thank You or clearing the air from a “bad review”. It shows other visitors that are reading your reviews, and Google, that you are a pro-active business and are treating your customers well (regardless of the rating). This helps not only bring in new customers, but also helps increase your Local SEO rankings.
GMB Posts (Optional)
This is a great way of getting out new information, deals and offer, and generating awareness to your services. Google My Business allows your business to display up to 10 posts with each post lasting 7 days.
Facebook Business Page
Website: business.facebook.com
If you have not already, setup your Facebook Page for your business and make sure it is linked up with Facebook’s new Business Management system: business.facebook.com For local businesses, this platform is great for engaging in repeat customers and keeping them happy with new services, information and updates about your business. And it is easy to review and maintain from both on your computer (business.facebook.com) and through the apps (Google Play | iOS Store).
Check Your Facebook Business Information
Head to your Facebook about page and confirm that all information is correct. Sometimes, Facebook and the community can suggest updates that may or may not reflect your business information. Simply confirm or edit the information as needed. This should not be needed to be updated often but is important to be checked weekly.
Facebook Reviews & Recommendations
If your business is getting online recommendations, it is highly recommended to be responding to all reviews either as a Thank You or clearing the air from a “bad review”. It shows other visitors that are reading your reviews that you are a pro-active business and are treating your customers well (regardless of the rating).
Facebook Posts (Optional)
This is a whole blog post in itself, but it is recommended to be posting at least 4 times a week. You can schedule and automate postings with a free Buffer account (which also can post to Linkedin, Twitter, and/or Business Instagram accounts). If you are sharing your website to Facebook, be sure the URL you are sharing appears correctly before posting using Facebook’s Testing Tool.
Also, be sure your blog post is up to standards for your readers.
Bing Places
Website: www.bingplaces.com
While not as popular as Google My Business, some people still use Bing search engine, and Bing Places is the same as a GMB listing. Like any advertisement, the more places your business appears, the more exposure your business can get. And it is easy to review and maintain from both on your computer (www.bingplaces.com) and through the apps (Google Play | iOS Store).
Check Your Bing Place Information
Bing Places may email you regularly to confirm your information, however, a quick check should be done regardless.
LinkedIn Company Page
Website: business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/linkedin-pages
LinkedIn is great for B2B and getting out business achievements and news. While not used for small announcements, it can have a far reach and value when used correctly. Be sure your company page is setup correctly and you respond to any posts, comments or post shares. Currently, you can only manage your LinkedIn Company Page by the website: business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/linkedin-pages
LinkedIn Business Posts (Optional)
Like Facebook, you can share your own website URLs to your LinkedIn Company Page. Be sure the URL you are sharing appears correctly before posting using LinkedIn’s Testing Tool. Buffer can help with automating and scheduling posts.
Also, be sure your blog post is up to standards for your readers.
Instagram Business Account
Website: instagram.com
A visual platform with the main focus being images, it can be a hit or miss for different businesses. Using the right hashtags can help generate awareness for your business. If is important to both comment and like as a business, other businesses and peoples posts. You may not need to use Instagram for your business and may not need to be added to your weekly checklist. Instagram is easy to review and maintain from both on your computer (instagram.com) and through the apps (Google Play | iOS Store).
Instagram Posts
Each industry may require different posting counts so do a search and test what works for your business. Be sure to include hashtags that a relevant to your posts and business. Using Buffer can help automate and schedule this process, saving heaps of time.
Twitter Account
Website: twitter.com
While most local businesses have no need to be tweeting, Twitter is used as a news source for some people. Have a presence on Twitter can help Local SEO as well as being used as a point of Contact for customers. You may not need to use Twitter for your business and may not need to be added to your weekly checklist. Twitter is easy to review and maintain from both on your computer ( twitter.com) and through the apps (Google Play | iOS Store).
Pinterest Account
Website: pinterest.com.au
A niche social platform though when used right with products or ideas, can produce some ideal visitors and customers. Ensuring the details are correct and are responding to comments helps keep that brand presence active. You may not need to use Pinterest for your business and may not need to be added to your weekly checklist. Pinterest is easy to review and maintain from both on your computer (pinterest.com.au) and through the apps (Google Play | iOS Store).
Other Platforms to Check (Monthly)
While not as urgent to check weekly, we have put them here to help you be aware of them.
Apple Map
Website: register.apple.com/placesonmaps/
The map platform that comes default on iPhones and iPads.
Website Speed Test
Website: gtmetrix.com
An easy to understand platform for testing your website speed.
Technical Platforms to Review Weekly
Google Analytics
Website: analytics.google.com
If Google Analytics is not setup already, it is advised to do so right away as it holds valuable information about your visitors and customers. A quick overview can share all sorts of information such as where you visitors are coming from, what pages are doing well, and what needs improvements.
Google Search Console
Website: https://search.google.com/search-console
The main platform for Search Engine Optimisations, and is also one of the leading sources of website visitors. The information provided includes errors on your website, plus data on what pages are appearing for which search terms in Google.
Bing Webmaster Tools
Website: bing.com/toolbox/webmaster
Similar to Google Search Console, Bing Webmaster Tools is the platform for Search Engine Optimisations for Bing Search. The information provided includes errors on your website, plus data on what pages are appearing for which search terms in Bing.
