Spring-Clean Your Marketing: The Ultimate Checklist for Local Businesses

Mary Jewett is a marketing consultant and speaker specializing in helping independent and family-owned businesses get more from their marketing and advertising efforts.

Hi, I'm mary

Spring-Clean Your Marketing: The Ultimate Checklist for Local Businesses

A quick sweep through every corner of your marketing house—so nothing’s hiding under the rug when customers come knocking.

Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter cobwebs and give your marketing a fresh start. Whether you’ve been so busy serving clients that your online presence got a little dusty, or you’ve been meaning to tighten up those loose ends, this checklist will help you cover every corner. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s dive in.

1. Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is often the first stop for potential customers—make it shine.

  • Add Fresh Photos
    Swap out any images that feel stale. Think seasonal shots (a sunny storefront or spring-themed decor), updated team headshots, or new product/service highlights. Fresh visuals signal that you’re active and thriving.
  • Respond to Every Review
    Happy customers and critics alike deserve acknowledgment. Reply to recent reviews—and don’t forget any older ones you may have missed. A simple “thank you” or thoughtful solution to an issue shows you care. Then, ask satisfied clients for new feedback: “Loved working with us? Share your experience!”

2. Website Refresh

Your website is your 24/7 storefront. Give it a quick audit to make sure everything works—and converts.

  • Verify Core Information
    Check your business hours, services offered, pricing (if listed), and contact details. If you’ve added new offerings or shifted focus, reflect that here.
  • Consistency Across Channels
    Do your homepage, About page, and service descriptions match what you’re saying on social media or Google? Inconsistent messaging can confuse potential customers.
  • Test Every Form
    Fill out your contact form, quote request, newsletter signup—everything. Confirm submissions go through and that auto-response emails arrive promptly. If you don’t have an automated thank-you, add one!

3. Email List Care

Email remains one of the highest-ROI channels—but only if you nurture it regularly.

  • Check Your Last Send Date
    Has it been more than six weeks since your last newsletter or announcement? Time to reconnect. A simple “What’s new at [Your Business]?” or a helpful tip can re-engage dormant subscribers.
  • Segment by Interest
    Group your list into meaningful buckets: special offers, company updates, VIPs, etc. Targeted emails get higher open and click rates than “spray-and-pray” blasts.
  • Set Up a New Nurture Sequence
    Whether you choose a welcome series for new subscribers or a re-engagement flow for inactive contacts, automate at least one sequence. This keeps your brand top-of-mind without extra manual work.

4. Social Media Strategy

Social media isn’t just for scrolling—each post should serve a purpose.

  • Audit Your Last 10–15 Posts
    Do they all tie back to a measurable goal? (More website visits, quote requests, or email signups?) If posts felt aimless, it’s time to refocus.
  • Plan Two Weeks of Themed Content
    Create buckets like how-tos, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes peeks, and promotions. Having themes reduces last-minute scrambling and creates variety.
  • Schedule Clear CTAs
    At least 20% of your posts should drive action—“Download our free guide,” “Book a free consultation,” or “Sign up for our spring sale.” Then track which CTAs perform best.

5. Lead Magnets & Automation

Turn casual visitors into qualified leads with a little give-and-take.

  • Do You Have a Clear Opt-In?
    Whether it’s a downloadable checklist, a limited-time coupon, or an industry quiz, make sure it’s front and center on your website, Google profile, and social bios.
  • Promote Everywhere
    Link to your opt-in in blog posts, email signatures, and even on printed receipts. The more visibility, the more leads.
  • Connect to an Email Workflow
    Once someone opts in, they should automatically enter a nurture path—introducing your services, sharing success stories, and eventually inviting them to book a call.

6. Analytics Check

If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.

  • Verify Tracking Code
    Make sure Google Analytics (or your analytics tool of choice) is installed correctly on every page.
  • Review Your Top Traffic Sources
    Which channels drive the most visitors—and which produce the most conversions? Are you investing time in the right places?
  • Set One “Spring Goal”
    Choose a specific metric—like a 10% uptick in form submissions or a 15% boost in email signups—and add a dashboard widget so you can watch progress in real time.

Want more actionable step-by-step tips like this for your local business marketing? Download my new e-book THE MARKETING PUZZLE.  57 pages of step-by-step guidance on each area of your local business marketing to make sure you’re hitting all the right areas. 

Comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ready to learn more?

WE SHOULD TAKE THIS OFFLINE