How to Boost Your Local Business SEO Rankings
Ashley BryanPublished On Sep 08,2025
Local business SEO is a game-changer for small Australian companies looking to stand out in their communities. With the right strategies, you can significantly improve your visibility in local search results and attract more nearby customers.
At WebsiteStrategies, we’ve helped countless small businesses boost their local search rankings and grow their customer base. In this post, we’ll share practical tips to enhance your local SEO and get your business noticed by potential customers in your area.
How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a powerful tool for local businesses in Australia. On average, a local business receives 1,260 views per month on their GBP listing, with 75% of these views coming from Google Search. It often serves as the first point of contact between you and potential customers, making it essential for your local SEO success.
Claim and Verify Your Profile
The first step is to claim and verify your GBP. This process confirms you’re the rightful owner of the business. To do this:
- Search for your business on Google
- Click on the “Own this business?” option
- Follow the verification steps
Google typically sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
Provide Accurate and Complete Information
After verification, fill out every section of your profile. Include:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Operating hours
Be meticulous – consistency across all online platforms is key for local SEO.
Showcase Your Business with Photos and Videos
Visual content can significantly boost your profile’s engagement. Add high-quality photos of your:
- Products
- Services
- Team
- Premises
Leverage Customer Reviews
Reviews play a vital role in local SEO. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GBP. Respond to all reviews (both positive and negative) promptly and professionally. This shows you value customer feedback and actively engage with your community.
An optimised Google Business Profile can transform a local business’s online presence. These strategies set a strong foundation for your local SEO efforts and pave the way for increased visibility in your community. The next step in boosting your local SEO rankings involves creating location-specific content that resonates with your target audience.
How to Create Location-Specific Content
Develop Local Landing Pages
Create dedicated landing pages for each area you serve. These pages should include:
- Area-specific service descriptions
- Local contact information
- Customer testimonials from that area
- Information about local regulations or requirements relevant to your business
Discover landing page examples and best practices that convert visitors into customers. Learn how to optimise your local landing pages to improve your local SEO efforts.
Localise Your Blog Content
Use your blog to showcase your local expertise. Write about:
- Local events your business participates in
- Community initiatives you support
- Area-specific challenges your customers face (and how you solve them)
Creating location-specific content can significantly boost your local SEO efforts. This type of content attracts local searchers and positions you as an authority in your area.
Use Location-Specific Keywords Naturally
Incorporate local keywords into your content, but do so naturally. This includes:
- City and suburb names
- Local landmarks
- Colloquial terms used by locals
Local SEO ranking signals consider the total number, frequency, diversity, and quality of reviews that are generated for the business. The natural inclusion of location-specific keywords helps search engines understand where your business operates.
Focus on creating valuable content for your visitors first, then optimise for local keywords. Keyword stuffing can harm your rankings, so avoid overuse.
Create Local Resource Pages
Develop pages that serve as resources for your local community. These could include:
- Guides to local events related to your industry
- Lists of complementary local businesses
- Information about local regulations or laws relevant to your services
A real estate agent in Sydney might create a “First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Sydney’s Property Market”. This type of content attracts potential clients and positions you as a local expert.
The creation of location-specific content forms a strong foundation for your local SEO efforts. However, content alone isn’t enough to boost your rankings. The next step involves building local citations and backlinks to further enhance your local search visibility.
How to Build Local Citations and Backlinks
Local citations and backlinks play a vital role in boosting your local SEO rankings. A robust backlink profile can dramatically improve a business’s visibility in local search results.
Leverage Local Directories
List your business on relevant local directories. Focus on high-quality, industry-specific directories. For instance, a Melbourne restaurant should list on Zomato and Yelp Australia.
Maintain consistency in your business information across all listings. This includes your business name, address, phone number (NAP), and website URL. Search engines and potential customers may become confused by inconsistencies.
Engage with Local Business Networks
Join local business associations and chambers of commerce. These organisations often provide member directories where you can list your business.
The Sydney Business Chamber, for example, offers member listings on their website. This provides a quality backlink and increases your local credibility.
Sponsor Local Events
Sponsor local events or sports teams to gain exposure and earn backlinks. Many event websites list their sponsors with links to their websites. This strategy improves your SEO and enhances your local brand recognition.
Collaborate with Other Local Businesses
Partner with complementary local businesses for cross-promotion opportunities. This can lead to valuable backlinks and increased local visibility. For instance, a florist might collaborate with a wedding planner, each linking to the other’s website.
Create Shareable Local Content
Produce high-quality, locally-relevant content that other businesses and organisations will want to share (and link to). This could include local guides, industry reports, or community-focused articles. The more valuable your content, the more likely it is to attract natural backlinks.
Final Thoughts
Local business SEO empowers small Australian companies to increase their visibility and attract nearby customers. We at WebsiteStrategies implement proven strategies to boost your search rankings and help you stand out in your community. Our team of SEO experts (led by veteran specialist Ashley Bryan) provides tailored approaches to improve your Google rankings and increase your local market authority.
WebsiteStrategies specialises in helping Australian and New Zealand SMEs turn their websites into reliable lead-generating assets. We offer transparent, ethical, and hands-on methods to drive sustainable online growth for your business. Our experience spans over 20 years, ensuring you receive expert guidance in navigating the ever-changing digital landscape.
Local business SEO is an ongoing process that requires consistent refinement and adaptation. You need to start implementing these strategies today to see significant improvements in your online presence. Even small steps can lead to better connections with potential customers in your area and contribute to the long-term success of your business.