10 Actionable Steps to Improve Your Local SEO Right Now!

Last Updated on 26 September 2025 by Dorian Menard

Are you struggling to make your business stand out in local search results? You’re not alone. As the founder of Search Scope, a Perth-based SEO agency, I’ve seen countless Australian businesses grapple with this exact challenge.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 powerful strategies to improve your local SEO performance. These are the actionable steps we use to attract more customers for our clients.

Why Local SEO Matters

Before we get into the strategies, let’s be clear on why this is so important. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a related business within a day.

If your business isn’t visible when a potential customer searches, you’re handing that sale directly to a competitor.

Good local search engine optimisation gets you seen in the crucial “Map Pack,” the block of three businesses shown under the map in Google search results, ultimately driving more foot traffic and phone calls.

Now, let’s explore the expert strategies that will help you dominate those local search results.

1. Optimise Your Business Name for Maximum Impact

Your business name is a powerful ranking factor in your Google Business Profile (GBP). However, you must be careful to follow Google’s guidelines, which state that your name on GBP should accurately reflect your real-world business name.

Avoid stuffing keywords into your name, as this can lead to a suspension. If you have a registered trading name that includes a service or location, use it. For example, changing “Smith’s Bakery” to “Smith’s Artisan Bakery – Subiaco” can work, but only if that’s your legitimate, registered trading name. You can verify your business name on the Australian Business Register (ABR).

This is a strategy we often recommend to clients, but this has to be done the right way, with a matching business name or a business trading as. This helps in case of a verification done by Google!

2. Curate a Stellar Visual Presence

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this is especially true for local SEO. Research shows that businesses with photos on their Google Business Profiles receive 42% more requests for driving directions.

Your business is often judged by its worst photo, so it’s time for a visual clean-up. You should aim to have at least 10 high-quality images uploaded.

1. 1. Audit your website and GBP for any outdated or unprofessional photos.

1. 1. Delete any images that don’t represent your business in the best light.

1. 1. Replace them with professional photos and even 360-degree videos that showcase your location, products, and team.

Visual content builds trust and credibility with potential customers. A strong visual presence can be the difference between a click and a scroll.

3. Craft a Compelling Local Landing Page

Your landing page is often the first impression a customer has of your business. The “above the fold” area, what visitors see before scrolling, is the most critical part.

To make a strong first impression, embed a Google Map of your location and include local testimonials. This immediately builds trust and shows customers you’re a genuine local operation.

1. 1. Is it immediately clear what my business does?

1. 1. Does it effectively communicate why customers should choose us?

1. 1. Is our contact information easily visible and accessible?

If you’re unsure, ask friends or family to visit your site and see if they can quickly answer these questions. Their feedback can be invaluable for refining your landing page.

4. Optimise Business Hours for Maximum Visibility

Consistency is essential for local SEO, especially with your business details. Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) and hours must be identical across all platforms, from your website to your GBP and other online directories.

Don’t forget to use specific GBP features like “special hours” for public holidays like Anzac Day or Christmas. If you offer different hours for services like click-and-collect or delivery, you can specify these using the “more hours” feature. This clarity improves user experience and your visibility in relevant searches.

Remember, even if you’re not physically open, having extended customer service hours or online availability can make a significant difference in your local SEO performance.

You could have one of our smart chatbot handle the communication with a potential lead, even outside of office hours!

5. Leverage Competitor Reviews for Business Improvement

Your competitors’ reviews are a goldmine of customer intelligence. Analysing their feedback can reveal exactly what customers in your area are looking for.

Look for patterns in both positive and negative comments. Also, make sure you are actively managing your own reputation by responding to all reviews, good and bad. Google has confirmed that responding to reviews improves your local SEO.

• • What do customers consistently praise about your competitors?

• • What are the common complaints or areas of dissatisfaction?

Use these findings to improve your own operations. For a deeper analysis, tools like LocalFalcon’s AI Reviews Analysis can help you uncover insights you might miss during a manual review.

6. Build a Network of Local Backlinks

Backlinks are a crucial factor in SEO, and links from other local businesses are especially valuable. These local links signal to Google that you are a legitimate and trusted part of the community.

Think beyond just guest posting. You could sponsor a local footy club, join your local Chamber of Commerce for a directory listing, or get featured in an online article by a local newspaper. These are all excellent ways to build relevant local backlinks that drive results.

From my experience, quality always trumps quantity. A few high-quality, relevant local backlinks will be far more effective than dozens of low-quality ones from irrelevant sites.

7. Enhance Your Google Business Profile with Comprehensive Services

Your GBP is more than just a listing; it’s a powerful tool for attracting customers. One of the most underutilised features is the “Services” section. For every service page on your website, you should have a corresponding entry in your GBP.

Also, actively use other GBP features. Post regular updates using **Google Posts** to announce specials or new products, and use the **Q&A** section to proactively answer common customer questions. These actions show Google your profile is active and provides helpful information to users.

This is something our team can handle for you, as part of our Google Business Profile SEO service!

8. Combat Fake Competitors to Level the Playing Field

Unfortunately, not all competition in local search is fair. Fake business listings can steal clicks and customers from legitimate businesses like yours.

You can fight back by identifying and reporting these spam listings. Look for red flags like a business using a P.O. Box instead of a physical address, or a name stuffed with keywords like “Best Plumber Sydney 24/7.”

1. 1. Regularly search for businesses in your category and location.

1. 1. If you spot a suspicious listing, investigate it.

1. 1. Use the “Suggest an Edit” feature on Google Maps or file a report through Google’s Business Redressal Complaint Form.

By reporting spam, you help create a more honest local business ecosystem for everyone.

9. Expand Your Online Presence Through Relevant Directories

While your website and GBP are the cornerstones of your online presence, they shouldn’t be the only places customers can find you. Creating profiles on high-quality Australian business directories is also important.

These directory listings are known as “citations,” and they act as verification for your business’s existence and location. Focus on well-regarded local directories such as **Yellow Pages Australia, TrueLocal, and WOMO (Word of Mouth Online)**.

1. 1. Search for your industry keywords on Google.

1. 1. Identify the directories and listing sites that appear on the first few pages.

1. 1. Create and optimise your profiles on these sites, ensuring your NAP is consistent.

These directories already attract relevant traffic, which can be an additional source of leads for your business.

10. Refine Your Unique Value Proposition

In a crowded local market, what makes your business the obvious choice? Your unique value proposition (UVP) is the answer to that question.

A generic offer will lead to poor conversion rates. Instead of saying “great service,” a Perth plumber could have a UVP like, “Perth’s only on-time guarantee: We’re there when we say, or your call-out fee is free.” This is specific, memorable, and addresses a common customer pain point.

• • Does it clearly communicate the unique benefits of your products or services?

• • Does it address the specific needs or pain points of your local customers?

• • Is it compelling enough to choose you over your competitors?

Even a small improvement to your UVP can make a significant difference in your conversion rates and overall business success.

Your Path to Local SEO Dominance

Implementing these 10 strategies will significantly improve your local SEO performance and help your business stand out. Remember that local SEO is not a one-time project; it’s an ongoing process of optimisation.

Start by focusing on the areas where you can make the most immediate impact.

1. 1. Optimise your business name and visual presence.

1. 1. Craft a compelling landing page with local proof.

1. 1. Analyse competitor reviews to find service gaps.

1. 1. Build relevant local backlinks to establish authority.

As you implement these strategies, keep a close eye on your analytics and local search rankings. This will help you understand which tactics are working best for your business and local market.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt your approach. The goal isn’t just to rank higher; it’s to connect with more local customers and grow your business.

Take action today, and watch your local online presence grow.