For Australian businesses with a physical presence, ranking high in local search results is essential. Whether you’re a café in Sydney, a plumbing service in Perth, or a boutique in Melbourne, potential customers are searching for businesses like yours right now. If you’re not optimised for local SEO, you’re missing out on valuable foot traffic, leads, and sales.
At Studio22, we help businesses improve their local search ranking with smart, data-driven strategies. In this guide, we’ll break down how to optimise your Google Business Profile, build local backlinks, leverage community engagement, and get more customer reviews – all essential tactics to help you rank higher in your community.
Why Local SEO Matters for Australian Businesses
Local SEO ensures that your business appears in Google’s local search results, Google Maps, and “near me” searches. When someone searches for “best coffee shop near me” or “electrician in Brisbane,” Google prioritises businesses with strong local SEO signals.
Here’s why local SEO in Australia is crucial:
- Higher visibility in local searches – Your business shows up when customers need you.
- Increased foot traffic – 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase.
- Better credibility – Businesses with optimised listings and positive reviews appear more trustworthy.
- Competitive advantage – If your competitors aren’t using local SEO strategies, you can dominate the search results.
Now, let’s explore how to improve your local rankings step by step.
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful tools for local SEO. A well-optimised GBP listing helps you show up in Google Maps and the Local Pack (the top three business listings under the map in search results).
How to Optimise Your GBP for Local SEO
- Claim & Verify Your Listing – Visit Google Business Profile to claim your business if you haven’t already.
- Use Accurate Business Information – Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.
- Choose the Right Categories – Select primary and secondary categories relevant to your services.
- Write a Detailed Business Description – Include keywords like “custom kitchens Perth” or “Brisbane wedding photography.”
- Upload High-Quality Photos – Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
- Add Posts & Updates – Regular updates about promotions, events, or services keep your profile active and engaging.
- Enable Messaging & Q&A – Allow customers to message you directly and respond to their questions.
2. Build Local Backlinks & Citations
Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) boost your credibility and improve local rankings. But not all backlinks are equal – local backlinks carry the most weight.
Where to Get Local Backlinks in Australia
- Local Directories – Submit your business to Yellow Pages, True Local, Local Search, and StartLocal.
- Industry-Specific Listings – If you’re a restaurant, get listed on Zomato. If you’re a tradie, use Hipages.
- Local News & Blogs – Get featured in community news sites, local blogs, or council websites.
- Partnerships & Sponsorships – Collaborate with local businesses or sponsor a sports team.
- Guest Blogging – Write articles for other local business websites and include a link to yours.
NAP Citations: Consistency is Key
Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) must be the same across all listings. Even small inconsistencies (e.g., “Street” vs. “St”) can hurt rankings. Use tools like BrightLocal or Moz Local to check for errors.
3. Engage with the Community for SEO Benefits
Google values businesses that are active in their communities. Hosting or participating in local events can improve your SEO by earning backlinks, brand mentions, and customer engagement.
Community SEO Strategies
- Sponsor Local Events – Get your business featured on event pages, school websites, or charity pages.
- Partner with Other Local Businesses – Cross-promote each other’s services online and offline.
- Create Location-Based Content – Write blogs like “Top 10 Coffee Shops in Fremantle” or “Best Renovation Contractors in Brisbane.”
- List Events on Google Business Profile – Promote sales, grand openings, or community events on your GBP.
- Join Local Facebook Groups – Engage with potential customers and share expertise in community groups.
The more your business is mentioned locally, the stronger your local search ranking becomes.
4. Encourage Customer Reviews (They’re SEO Gold!)
Reviews influence your local ranking. Businesses with more positive reviews rank higher in Google’s Local Pack.
How to Get More Google Reviews
- Ask Customers Directly – A simple “Would you mind leaving us a Google review?” can work wonders.
- Send Follow-Up Emails – After a service, send a polite request with a direct Google review link.
- Use QR Codes – Print QR codes on receipts or flyers that lead to your review page.
- Respond to Every Review – Thank customers for positive feedback and professionally address any negative comments.
- Never Buy Fake Reviews – Google penalises businesses for fake or spammy reviews.
Reviews build trust, improve engagement, and boost rankings, making them a powerful tool in your small business’s SEO strategy.
5. Optimise for “Near Me” Searches & Voice Search
With the rise of mobile and voice search, people now search for businesses using phrases like “best plumber near me” or “café open now.”
Tips for “Near Me” SEO
- Use Location-Based Keywords – Include phrases like “best Italian restaurant in Melbourne” or “Perth emergency electrician.”
- Write Local-Focused Website Content – Create location pages for each area you serve (e.g., “Hairdresser in Bondi” and “Hair Salon in Parramatta”).
- Optimise for Voice Search – Since people speak differently than they type, use conversational phrases like “Where can I find a good mechanic in Brisbane?”
- Ensure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly – Since most local searches happen on smartphones, a slow or poorly optimised site can hurt rankings.
Make Your SEO Strategy Drive Revenue
A strong local SEO strategy can help your business rank higher, attract more local customers, and increase revenue. By optimising your Google Business Profile, earning local backlinks, engaging with your community, and encouraging customer reviews, you’ll build a lasting online presence.
At Studio22, we specialise in local SEO for Australian businesses, ensuring you stay ahead of competitors and connect with more customers.
Want to boost your local rankings? Get in touch with us today for expert local SEO strategies tailored to your business.