Attracting customers with local SEO
February 6, 2022
If your business relies on local customers — whether they visit your shop, call you for services, or book appointments — Local SEO can be one of the most powerful tools to help them find you.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to understand or benefit from it. This guide will walk you through what Local SEO is, why it matters, and some practical steps you can take to get your business showing up when customers in your area search online.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO (short for Local Search Engine Optimisation) is about helping your business show up when people search for products or services in your area. For example, when someone types “electrician near me” or “best cafe in Fremantle,” Local SEO is what helps Google decide which businesses to show.
Google’s goal is to connect people with nearby businesses that are relevant and trustworthy. If you do Local SEO right, you can appear in the top results — even above bigger national brands.
Why Local SEO Matters
Think about how you find services yourself. Whether you need a plumber, hairdresser, or takeaway pizza, you probably search online first — and so do your customers. If your business doesn’t show up, you’re invisible to those ready-to-spend customers.
Key Benefits of Local SEO:
- It puts your business in front of nearby customers actively searching for your services.
- It’s more affordable than traditional advertising.
- It builds trust — businesses that show up high in local search are seen as more credible.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Local SEO
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, there are some simple things you can do to improve your visibility in local search results.
1. Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important tools for Local SEO. This free listing helps Google (and your customers) know exactly where you are, what you offer, and how to contact you.
Here’s what you should do:
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate.
- Choose the right categories for your business.
- Add photos of your premises, products, and team.
- Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews — and respond to every review.
- Post regular updates, offers, and events to show Google you’re active.
Tip: Having photos that show your actual premises (like storefront photos) helps Google and customers trust that you’re real and locally based.
2. Make Your Location Clear on Your Website
Google relies heavily on your website to understand where you operate. To help Google and your customers, make sure your website clearly states:
- Your physical address (if you have one customers can visit).
- The areas or suburbs you serve (especially if you provide mobile services).
- Your opening hours.
- Consistent information across your website, Google profile, and any directories where your business appears.
If you don’t have a shopfront but service multiple suburbs, list them on your website — for example, “Proudly serving Joondalup, Hillarys, and surrounding suburbs.”
3. Use Local Keywords in Your Website Content
Google needs to know you’re relevant to local searches. A simple way to do this is by mentioning your location in important parts of your website, such as:
- Page titles (e.g., “Plumber in Fremantle | 24/7 Emergency Service”)
- Headings (e.g., “Reliable Plumbing Services in Fremantle”)
- Body text (e.g., “Our plumbing team proudly serves homeowners across Fremantle and the northern suburbs.”)
4. Get Listed in Local Directories
The more reputable websites that mention your business, the better Google understands where you are and what you offer.
- List your business in trusted local directories like Yellow Pages, True Local, Yelp, and local council directories.
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same everywhere (this is called NAP consistency — and Google loves it).
5. Build Links from Local Websites
When other local websites link to yours, it’s a strong signal to Google that your business is credible and relevant to the area.
Some ways to get these links:
- Join local business associations and get listed in their member directories.
- Reach out to local bloggers, newspapers, and community sites for coverage.
- Consider sponsoring local events or charities (they may link back to your website).
Important: Only pursue links from credible, relevant websites. Avoid spammy directories or unrelated websites — these can actually hurt your reputation with Google.
6. Use Social Media to Connect Locally
While social media doesn’t directly improve your Google ranking, it can drive more people to your website and increase awareness locally.
- Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to highlight your local roots.
- Tag your location in posts and encourage customers to do the same.
- Share updates about local events, offers, or customer stories.
The more visible you are locally — even on social media — the more likely people will search for your business by name, which helps your visibility on Google too.
7. Generate Buzz with Local Initiatives and Events
Another way to boost your Local SEO is by getting mentioned in local media, blogs, or community websites. This could happen naturally if you:
- Run or sponsor local events.
- Launch a community initiative (like a fundraiser or cleanup).
- Win a local business award.
These mentions not only bring in traffic but also serve as evidence to Google that your business is active, real, and part of the local community.
8. Collect Reviews — and Lots of Them
Google pays close attention to customer reviews, both in terms of quality and quantity. Consistent positive reviews boost your visibility in local search.
- Ask happy customers to leave a Google review.
- Make it easy by providing a direct link to your review page.
- Respond to all reviews, good and bad — it shows you care.
Final Tip: Consistency is Key
Wherever your business is listed online — your website, Google profile, social media pages, directories — make sure your business name, address, phone number, and hours match exactly. Consistency helps Google trust that all these listings belong to the same business.
In Summary
Local SEO isn’t about tricks or shortcuts — it’s about making sure your business is easy for both Google and real customers to find and trust.
- Set up your Google Business Profile.
- Keep your website clear and up-to-date with your location and services.
- Use local keywords naturally.
- Get listed in local directories and build links from trusted local websites.
- Encourage and respond to customer reviews.
- Stay active in your local community and online.
With these simple steps, you’ll boost your visibility, attract more customers, and stand out from competitors — all without needing to be a tech expert.
