The Digital Marketing Checklist for Every Local Business

Of all the challenges that come with running a business, competition seems to be the one that is universal across every industry. In one real sense, competition is a good thing. It requires you to stay focused on your customers, keep up with changes in your industry, and put in the necessary effort to market your business effectively.

Let me explain that last one. It’s now easier than ever for customers to learn about your business without ever coming into your location (if you have one). They can also ‘shop’ your competition online and make their own conclusions on who has the better value proposition. 

This is why your business must develop and execute a well-structured digital marketing strategy to compete in 2026.

WHAT DIGITAL ASSETS DOES MY BUSINESS NEED TO SUCCEED IN MARKETING?

Here is a checklist of assets you need not only created but also managed so your business has the opportunity to compete. This is in no particular order. 

1. Website – Almost every business needs a responsive and well-optimized website that provides visitors with a positive UX while also clearly communicating the brand attributes of your business. There should be abundant CTA’s (Call to Actions) that make it convenient and easy for visitors to take their next step. Learn more here. 
2. Google Business Profile – GBP’s are playing a big part in your search success. Get it done and maintain it properly. This will make it easier for consumers to find you. Here’s a link to a blog on the topic written by yours truly. 
3. Online reviews – The digital shopper is going to be able to know what others think about your business. Lean into this by always delivering a great customer experience and then asking your customers to share their opinions on review sites. Particularly, Google, which is the king of online reviews. Manage this carefully and properly by acknowledging your reviews promptly, thanking the person who wrote them, and responding to any problems if there are any. Here’s another blog on that topic if you want to learn more. 
4. Social Media Profiles – This is one where you may want to dig into just what platforms make sense for your target audience. Social media provides a great place to showcase your brand’s personality. It also provides your brand with off-page SEO that enhances your organic search position. To learn more about social media and how it can work for your business, click here. 
5. Content Strategy – I’m going to sandwich this one in here as it’s relevant to other points on this list. A good content strategy keeps your value proposition front and center to your current and potential customers. A good content strategy feeds your website, GBP, social media, and email campaigns. This is dated, but I did address content strategy in this blog back in 2022.
6. Email Marketing List – Whether you sell Mary Kay to your book club or you’re the Phoenix Suns, you need a well-maintained email list and a strategy to keep that list engaged. I will capitalize this as though I’m yelling: EMAIL IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ENGAGE YOUR CUSTOMERS. Looks like it’s time for another blog on email marketing.
7. Website Tracking – Think of this very important component of your digital marketing strategy as a lens into your customers’ unspoken wants and needs. Site traffic, time on site, and subsequent actions by site visitors are a road map to how you operate your business to maximum efficiency. Here’s a blog you may find interesting on this topic.