If you run a business in Perth, you’ve probably heard the term “Local SEO” thrown around. But what does it actually mean, and more importantly—how do you make it work for your business?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is all about helping people nearby find your business when they search on Google. It’s what gets you in front of customers when they’re looking for “café in Leederville,” “plumber near Canning Vale,” or “best mechanic South Perth.”
Why Perth Businesses Need a Local SEO Strategy
Perth isn’t just isolated from the rest of the country—it’s a city made up of diverse suburbs with tight-knit communities. Locals prefer to buy from nearby businesses they can trust. That’s why visibility in local search results is vital.
If your business doesn’t appear in the Google map pack or on the first page when someone searches your service in your area, chances are they’ll choose a competitor who does.
The good news? You don’t need a massive budget. You just need to be smart and consistent. Here’s how.
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important pieces of your local SEO puzzle.
It’s what shows up when someone Googles your business name—or when they search for a service you offer in your area. Think of it as your digital shopfront.
Action Steps:
- Claim and verify your GBP listing.
- Add accurate business details: name, address, phone, and trading hours.
- Use your primary keyword in the business description (e.g. “Electrician in Joondalup”).
- Upload real, high-quality photos of your premises, staff, and work.
- Use the Posts feature to share updates, offers, or tips.
- Respond to reviews—yes, even the grumpy ones.
Tip: Businesses that post regularly and engage with customer reviews rank higher and attract more clicks.
2. Build Suburb-Specific Landing Pages
People in Perth don’t just search for “plumber”—they search for “plumber in Dianella” or “emergency plumber Mount Lawley.” If your website only targets “Perth,” you’re leaving money on the table.
Action Steps:
- Create dedicated pages for each suburb you serve.
- Include suburb names in headings, meta titles, and body content.
- Add locally relevant information, like landmarks or testimonials from that area.
- Avoid copying and pasting the same content with different suburbs—Google hates that.
Example: If you’re a landscaper servicing Canning Vale, create a page titled “Landscaping Services in Canning Vale” with content specific to that suburb.
3. Collect and Manage Google Reviews
Online reviews are the modern word-of-mouth. Not only do they influence buying decisions, but they also improve your local search ranking.
Action Steps:
- Ask customers for a Google review after every completed job.
- Include a direct review link in follow-up emails or SMS.
- Display review requests in-store or on receipts.
- Respond to every review—even a quick “Thanks, [name]!” goes a long way.
- Address negative reviews calmly and professionally.
Pro Tip: Businesses with a steady flow of recent reviews tend to show up higher in the local map results.
4. Get Listed in Perth Directories and Local Sites
Citations—mentions of your business name, address, and phone number—help establish trust with Google. The more consistent and reputable these mentions are, the better.
Action Steps:
- Submit your business to well-known Australian directories like Yellow Pages, TrueLocal, and Hotfrog.
- Use Perth-specific directories or community websites.
- Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details are consistent everywhere.
Don’t: Use outdated or mismatched contact information—it confuses Google and customers.
5. Use Local Keywords in All the Right Places
It’s not enough to sprinkle “Perth” around your homepage. You need to place local keywords strategically throughout your site.
Action Steps:
- Use location keywords in your homepage’s meta title and meta description.
- Add suburb names to key service pages.
- Optimise headers (H1, H2) with location-specific phrases.
- Add a FAQ section that answers common local questions (e.g. “Do you service Bassendean?”).
Keep it natural. Google can tell when you’re forcing keywords—and so can your customers.
6. Add Local Schema Markup
Schema is a bit of technical wizardry that helps Google understand your business better. When done right, it can increase your chances of showing up in rich search results, including maps and featured snippets.
Action Steps:
- Add LocalBusiness schema to your website.
- Include fields like business name, type, opening hours, service area, and customer reviews.
- Use tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to get started.
Bonus: Schema also helps voice assistants (like Siri or Google Assistant) find and recommend your business.
7. Post Location-Relevant Content
Content marketing is a powerful SEO tool—and when you localise it, the impact is even stronger.
Action Steps:
- Write blog posts about local topics, events, or seasonal advice.
- Share project highlights from specific suburbs.
- Highlight your involvement in the local community (sponsorships, events, fundraisers).
Example Topics:
- “Preparing Your Garden for Perth’s Dry Season”
- “Why Cottesloe Homes Need Regular Roof Inspections”
- “Best Times to Book Electrical Work in the Northern Suburbs”
This kind of content proves to Google that you’re relevant and active in your area.
8. Improve Your Mobile Experience
Most Perth customers search on their phones. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re likely missing out—both in user satisfaction and search rankings.
Action Steps:
- Use a mobile-responsive website design.
- Simplify navigation—no one wants to tap through five menus to find your phone number.
- Use click-to-call buttons and embedded maps.
- Test your site speed using Google’s PageSpeed Insights. Faster = better.
9. Track, Measure, and Improve
Local SEO is an ongoing effort. Regular tracking helps you understand what’s working—and what needs improvement.
Tools to Use:
- Google Business Insights (views, calls, direction requests)
- Google Analytics (local traffic sources, conversions)
- Google Search Console (keywords and click-through rates)
- Local rank trackers (e.g. BrightLocal, Whitespark)
Set a reminder to check your stats monthly. Tweak your approach based on what’s driving results.
Final Thoughts: Local SEO Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
If your Perth business isn’t optimised for local search, you’re leaving leads, bookings, and revenue on the table. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard or have a massive budget.
Just follow the actionable strategies above, stay consistent, and give Google—and your customers—exactly what they’re looking for.
