Checklist · drbenglass.com/guide/checklist.html

AI visibility checklist for local businesses

Work from top to bottom. The reasons behind each step are in the full guide: How local businesses get found in Google and AI answers in 2026.

This week

Search yourself like a customerAsk Google Maps, ChatGPT and Gemini "best [service] in [city]". Note who appears and what's said about you.
Fix your primary Google categoryThe most specific one that completes "This business IS a...".
Complete your Google Business ProfileHours, holiday hours, services, description, website link, ten or more real photos.
Match name, address and phone everywhereWebsite, Google, Bing, Apple, Yelp, Facebook.
Claim Bing Places and Apple Business ConnectBing can import from your Google profile.
Reply to every review from the last six monthsIn your own words. No private details.
Give each main service its own pageWritten for the people who need it, with their real questions answered.
Add LocalBusiness schema to your homepageMost specific type, matching what's visible on the page.
List three places that should mention youA local list, an association, a partner. Contact one.
Set up Google Search ConsoleWatch the Performance report and any generative AI reports for your site.

Ask for reviews every weekText the link right after a good experience. Never pay or reward for positive reviews.
Post to your Business Profile two to four timesUpdates, offers, events, new photos.
Add or improve at least one pageTurn a common customer question into a clear answer.
Earn one new mentionLocal news, a list, an association, a podcast, a partner's site.
Repeat the AI search checkSame questions as week one. Compare and write down what changed.
Update special hours before holidaysOn Google, Bing, Apple and Yelp.

From Glasshouse by Dr. Ben Glass · drbenglass.com · Updated October 26, 2026. Free to print and share.