Moving your business to a new location can be an exciting step forward, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to ensuring your customers can still find you online. Updating your local SEO is critical to maintaining your business’s visibility and credibility during this transition. This guide provides a step-by-step process to help you update your online presence efficiently and effectively.
Want a printable version? Download our Moving Checklist for Local SEO to ensure you don’t miss any critical steps.
Why Updating Local SEO Matters
When your business changes locations, updating your online information is essential to avoid confusion and maintain trust. Inconsistent or outdated business details can:
- Lower your rankings on Google and other search engines.
- Lead customers to visit the wrong address.
- Damage your brand’s reputation by creating a perception of unreliability.
To prevent these issues, follow these key steps to ensure your local SEO is accurate and consistent.
Step 1: Maintain Consistent Business Information
- Keep Your Key Details the Same: Whenever possible, retain your business name and phone number to maintain continuity across platforms.
- Use Consistent Formatting: Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are formatted exactly the same on all online listings and platforms.
Step 2: Verify and Standardize Your New Address
- Use USPS to Confirm Your Address: Check the USPS database to ensure your new address is accurate and formatted properly.
- Communicate Internally: Notify employees, partners, and vendors about the new address and stress the importance of using the correct format in all communications.
Step 3: Update Major Data Providers
Major data aggregators distribute your business information across the internet. Updating these platforms ensures your new address is propagated widely.
Focus on:
Foursquare
Data Axle (formerly InfoGroup)
Neustar Localeze
Step 4: Update Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Log In and Update Your Address: Make this a priority to prevent customers from visiting your old location.
- Review and Update Service Areas: Confirm that your service areas and contact details are still accurate.
- Announce Your Move: Post an update on GBP and include photos of your new location to engage customers.
Step 5: Update Your Website
Your website is a key source of information for customers. Focus on:
- Contact Page: Update your address and any embedded maps.
- Footer: Ensure your address is updated site-wide. –
- Schema Markup: If your website uses structured data, update the address in your schema markup to help search engines process your information.
Step 6: Update Social Media Profiles
Update your location information on all social media platforms. Additionally, create posts to announce your move and encourage followers to visit your new location.
Step 7: Manage Online Directories and Citations
Local directories and citation sites play a vital role in local SEO. Use tools like Whitespark or BrightLocal to identify and update your listings. Prioritize high-traffic directories such as:
- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Better Business Bureau
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
Step 8: Monitor and Correct Inaccuracies
- Search for Duplicates: Check Google Maps and other tools for duplicate listings with your old address and request their removal.
- Review Customer Feedback: Ensure customer reviews are properly associated with your new location.
- Monitor Search Results: Conduct online searches for 4-6 weeks after you move to look for any listings that you’ve overlooked or missed.
Step 9: Announce Your Move
Keep your customers informed by leveraging multiple communication channels:
- Email Newsletters: Share your new address along with any promotions or events tied to the move.
- Social Media: Post updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes photos of the new location.
- Local Media: Consider sending a press release or running local ads to spread the word.
Step 10: Monitor Performance and Adjust
After completing your updates, track your local SEO performance to ensure everything is functioning as expected:
- Monitor Rankings: Keep an eye on your rankings for local keywords to catch any visibility issues early.
- Analyze Traffic: Use tools like Google Analytics and GBP Insights to measure traffic and engagement at your new location.
- Audit Citations: Revisit citation tools after a few weeks to ensure no outdated listings remain.
For an easy-to-follow checklist, download our Moving Checklist for Local SEO to keep your transition on track.
Relocating your business is a significant step, but with careful planning and execution, you can maintain a strong online presence throughout the transition. By following this guide, you’ll not only avoid common pitfalls but also position your business for success in its new location. Need assistance with updating your local SEO or managing your online presence? Reach out to us—we’re here to help make your transition seamless.