The Quick Answer: Start preparing now, but understand that SEO results only happen after your website and Google Business Profile are live.
We recommend signing up and completing onboarding a minimum of 1-2 weeks before your business launches. This gives us time to complete research, analysis, and prepare content that's ready to publish the moment your website and Google Business Profile go live.
What You Need to Know
You cannot rank in Google without two things:
A live website (your URL must be publicly accessible)
A verified Google Business Profile (which can be verified early and set as opening soon)
Think of it like opening a physical store; you can plan and prepare beforehand, but customers can't walk through your doors until you're actually open. SEO works the same way.
Why Start a Minimum of 1-2 Weeks Before Launch?
When you sign up with Digital Shift before your launch, we can:
✅ Complete your onboarding process
✅ Research your local market and competitors
✅ Identify the best keywords for your business
✅ Prepare content for your website
✅ Have everything ready to publish on launch day
✅ Prepare for Google Business Profile optimization
The benefit: The moment your website goes live and your Google Business Profile is verified, we're ready to execute immediately instead of spending those first two weeks on setup.
What Happens When You Go Live?
Once your website is live and Google Business Profile is verified, we immediately start:
Google Business Profile posting - Regular posts, updates, and offers to keep your profile active and engaging
Content gets added to your website - Optimized pages and blog posts that help you rank for important searches
Rank and keyword monitoring - Tracking how you're performing for searches in your area
Heatmap gets generated - Visual reports showing where your customers are searching from
Site audit - Comprehensive review to identify and fix any technical issues
Press release about your grand opening - Announcement distributed online to build awareness and backlinks (with Digital PR plans)
Timeline for results: You'll start seeing more meaningful results around 3-4+ months after going live, with continued growth through months 6-12 and beyond.
And more!
What If You're Already Open or Opening Tomorrow?
Don't worry—it's not too late. Sign up today and we'll:
Fast-track your onboarding
Get your Google Business Profile optimized ASAP
Start optimizing your existing website immediately
Begin building your online presence right away
The sooner you start, the sooner you'll see results.
Common Questions
"My website won't be ready for a month. Should I wait to sign up?"
No. Sign up now so we can prepare everything. When your site goes live, we'll be ready to execute immediately.
"Can I do anything before my website is live?"
Create your Google Business Profile and request verification today. This process takes 5-14 days, so starting early means you're ready when your website launches.
"What if I'm opening a franchise location?"
Same advice applies. Even though your brand is established, your specific location is new to Google. Start a minimum of 1-2 weeks before your location opens.
The Bottom Line
Best scenario: Sign up a minimum of 1-2 weeks before launch so we can prepare everything and execute immediately when you go live.
If you're already open: Sign up today. Every day without SEO is a day your competitors are getting customers that could be yours.
Realistic expectations: Plan on 3-4+ months after going live before seeing meaningful results. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint—but it's one of the best long-term investments for your business.