Why This Matters
A website can look great and still be hard for customers to find.
Most DIY sites miss small but important elements that affect visibility in Google and AI-driven results.
This checklist helps you quickly see whether your site:
• Can be found by search engines
• Loads fast enough on mobile
• Shows your services clearly
• Helps customers take the next step
• Supports your Google Business Profile ranking
• Sets you up for AI visibility
Q: Will this checklist tell me whether I need a cleanup or a full rebuild?
A: Yes, your results will make that clear.
Start Here: Your Findability Checklist
Work through each section to see how visible your website really is.
1. Basic Information
□ Business name appears in the top left of your site
□ Address or service areas are visible on the homepage
□ Phone number and/or email is easy to find
□ Clear call-to-action on the homepage (Book a Call, Contact, Get a Quote)
Q: Does my website need a phone number?
A: Yes, especially for trades. Customers expect it.
2. Speed & Performance
Use any free speed test tool (Google PageSpeed, GTMetrix, etc.)
□ Homepage loads in under 3 seconds
□ Mobile version is fast and easy to navigate
□ No oversized images slowing down the site
□ No videos autoplaying on mobile
□ No broken links or missing pages
3. Service Clarity
□ Services are listed clearly on the homepage
□ Each service has its own section or page
□ Descriptions explain what you do in simple terms
□ Service areas (Winnipeg + surrounding) are listed
□ Recent work or examples are visible
(photos, short descriptions, before/after, etc.)
Q: Do I need separate service pages?
A: Yes, they significantly improve visibility and conversions.
4. SEO Essentials
□ Page titles (title tags) include your service + location
Example:
“Plumbing Repair in Winnipeg | Company Name”
□ Meta descriptions are written for humans, not stuffed with keywords
□ Headers (H1s) describe the page clearly
(no generic “Welcome” or “Home” headings)
□ Website content mentions your service areas naturally
(e.g., Winnipeg, Southern Manitoba)
□ Images have alt text that describes what’s shown
(not just “IMG_4032”)
5. Content & Trust Signals
□ About page includes who you are + what you do
□ Photos show real work or real people
□ Testimonials or reviews included
□ Before/after examples if applicable
□ Clear explanation of your process
Q: Do I need a long About page?
A: No, clarity beats length. Simple is better.
6. Technical Foundations
□ Google Analytics (GA4) is installed
□ Google Search Console is connected
□ Sitemap is submitted in Search Console
□ SSL certificate is active (https)
□ No duplicate pages (e.g., /home and /index)
7. Connection to Google Business Profile
□ Website and GBP categories match
□ Website lists the same services as GBP
□ Phone number matches exactly
□ Hours match (for businesses with operating hours)
Q: Does my website affect my GBP ranking?
A: Yes, more than most businesses realize.
Get the Printable PDF Version
Enter your details to receive a formatted PDF version of this Website Findability Checklist.
The PDF includes:
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A clean, organized layout
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Room for notes and priorities
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A simple summary of your next improvements
Use it as a guide while reviewing your current website or planning updates.
What Your Score Means
0–12 items checked:
Your website needs attention.
Start with speed, clarity, and service pages.
13–22 items checked:
Good foundation.
Fine-tuning can improve visibility quickly.
23–30 items checked:
Strong structure.
You’re ready for more traffic and ads.
30+ items checked:
Your site is in great shape.
Now focus on consistent Google updates and seasonal ads.
Part of a Bigger System
If you want a personalized review of your visibility, start here:
Takes less than five minutes to get started.
Or learn how everything works together:
FAQs
Q: What if my website is on Squarespace instead of Wix?
A: That’s fine, the checklist works for both platforms.
Q: Will fixing these items improve my ranking?
A: Yes. These are the basics Google looks for when deciding which small businesses to show first.
Q: Do I need a brand-new website?
A: Not always. Many sites only need a cleanup and SEO tune-up.
Q: How long does it take to fix most issues?
A: Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on the size of your site.