SEO Checklist for Massage Therapists

1. Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization

• ✅ Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.

• ✅ Add complete business information: name, address, phone, website, hours.

• ✅ Use your primary keyword in the business description (e.g., “Massage therapy in [City]”).

• ✅ Add high-quality photos of your studio, services, and staff.

• ✅ Regularly update posts/offers through GBP.

• ✅ Encourage clients to leave 5-star reviews and respond to each professionally.

2. Local SEO on Your Website

• ✅ Include your city/town name in page titles, headings (H1/H2), and meta descriptions.

• ✅ Embed a Google Map on your “Contact” or “Location” page.

• ✅ Use consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across your website, GBP, and other directories.

• ✅ Add structured data (schema markup) for local business to help search engines understand your location.

• ✅ Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and fast-loading.

3. Keyword Research

• ✅ Identify primary keywords: e.g., “massage therapy [City]”, “deep tissue massage [City]”.

• ✅ Use long-tail keywords for specific searches: e.g., “prenatal massage therapist in [City]”.

• ✅ Check search volume and competition using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or SEMrush.

• ✅ Include keywords naturally in your website copy, blog posts, meta titles, and descriptions.

4. Content Creation

• ✅ Create a blog answering local clients’ questions:

  • “Best massage techniques for back pain in [City]”

  • “How often should you get a massage?”

  • “Massage therapy for office workers in [City]”

• ✅ Add FAQs about services and benefits, using keywords.

• ✅ Include internal links between pages and blog posts.

• ✅ Update content regularly to keep it fresh and relevant.

5. On-Page SEO

• ✅ Optimize title tags with primary keywords.

• ✅ Write compelling meta descriptions for each page.

• ✅ Use headings (H1, H2, H3) with keywords for structure.

• ✅ Add alt text to all images using descriptive keywords.

• ✅ Ensure URLs are clean and keyword-friendly (e.g., /massage-therapy-[city]).

6. Reviews & Reputation Management

• ✅ Encourage clients to leave Google and Yelp reviews.

• ✅ Respond promptly to reviews—thank positive ones and professionally address negative ones.

• ✅ Showcase testimonials on your website with permission.

7. Local Listings & Citations

• ✅ Submit your business to major local directories:

  • Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, TripAdvisor (if applicable)

• ✅ Ensure NAP consistency across all listings.

• ✅ Update listings if any business information changes.

8. Social Media & Backlinks

• ✅ Maintain active social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok if relevant).

• ✅ Share posts linking back to your website to boost traffic and authority.

• ✅ Collaborate with local businesses for guest posts or community features.

• ✅ Get backlinks from reputable health, wellness, or local community sites.

9. Tracking & Analytics

• ✅ Set up Google Analytics to monitor traffic, user behavior, and conversions.

• ✅ Use Google Search Console to track keyword rankings, clicks, and impressions.

• ✅ Track which blog posts and pages are bringing in local traffic.

• ✅ Adjust SEO strategies based on performance data.

10. Advanced Tips

• ✅ Create location-specific landing pages if you serve multiple towns or neighborhoods.

• ✅ Add video content (like mini self-massage tips) to engage visitors.

• ✅ Regularly check competitors’ local SEO strategies to stay ahead.

• ✅ Use call-to-actions (CTAs) to drive bookings from your website and GBP.

✅ Bonus Tip: Consistency is key. Even if you check off all items today, SEO is ongoing. Posting new content, gathering reviews, and monitoring your analytics monthly will help you stay at the top of local search results.