Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I see results from local SEO services?

Honest timeline: 60-90 days for meaningful local search results. Google Business Profile optimisation and technical SEO fixes can show impact within 2-4 weeks, but sustainable local search ranking improvements take time. We'll show you early wins while building long-term visibility for your business.

Do I need a website for local SEO to work?

No! Google Business Profile optimisation is often more important for local businesses than a website. Many small businesses get excellent results from proper Google My Business management before investing in a website. If you need a website later, we can recommend budget-friendly options.

What if I'm not tech-savvy - can I still benefit from local SEO?

That's exactly why small business SEO services exist. We handle all the technical local search marketing work and explain everything in plain English. You focus on running your business; we make sure local customers can find you online.

How do I know if my business needs local SEO services?

If customers search for your services online and you're not showing up in the first few Google results, you need local SEO. Try searching for your services + "Melbourne" or "near me." If you don't see your business, your local customers don't either.

What exactly is local SEO for small businesses?

Local SEO helps your business show up when customers search for services "near me" or in your specific area. It's different from regular SEO because it focuses on geographic searches and local customers who can actually visit or hire your business.

Why isn't my Google Business Profile working for local search?

Most business owners set up their Google Business Profile (Google My Business) but never optimise it properly. Missing information, poor photos, inconsistent business details and no review strategy mean you're invisible in local search even with a profile. Professional Google Business Profile optimisation fixes all of that.

How important are online reviews for local SEO?

Critical for local search success. Reviews influence both Google rankings and customer decisions. We help you create a simple review management system to collect feedback from happy customers without being pushy or annoying.

What's the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?

Same thing! Google rebranded "Google My Business" to "Google Business Profile" in 2021. It's still your free business listing that shows up in Google Maps and local search results - the foundation of local SEO.

Do local SEO services require long-term contracts?

No binding contracts or cancellation fees for our local search marketing services. Project work has clear agreements protecting both of us, but ongoing monthly local SEO services are month-to-month. We earn your business every month through results.

How often will we communicate during local SEO projects?

Local SEO project work includes regular updates and a final walkthrough. Monthly small business SEO services include monthly reports and quarterly strategy calls. You're always welcome to email questions about your local search performance—we typically respond within 48 hours.

Do you provide local SEO services outside Melbourne?

Yes! Local search marketing principles work anywhere in Australia. We help small businesses get found by their community, regardless of location. Digital marketing geography doesn't matter—local market geography does.

What makes your local SEO services different from other Melbourne SEO agencies?

We focus exclusively on small business local SEO, explain everything in plain English, don't require long-term contracts and teach you how to maintain what we build. No corporate speak, no vanity metrics, just practical local search results.

Can you guarantee first page local search rankings?

No one can ethically guarantee specific local SEO rankings—Google's algorithm changes constantly. We guarantee we'll implement proven local search marketing strategies, track meaningful metrics, and work until you see improvement in Melbourne local search visibility.

Will local SEO services mess up my existing website?

We're very careful with existing websites during local SEO implementation. Most of our technical SEO work happens behind the scenes (meta data, Google Search Console, local schema markup) without affecting your site's appearance. We always explain what we're doing before we do it.

What if I already have someone managing my Melbourne business website?

No problem. We can work with your existing web developer or designer. Local SEO and technical SEO complement web design—they don't conflict with it. Many Melbourne businesses benefit from collaborative approaches.

Do I need to change hosting companies for better local SEO?

Rarely. Most local search optimization work doesn't require hosting changes. If your site is extremely slow, we might recommend better hosting for local SEO performance, but that's your decision.

What local SEO tools and software do you use?

We use professional local search marketing tools for research and tracking, but we don't lock you into expensive software subscriptions. Everything we build uses free Google tools (Search Console, Analytics, Business Profile) that you'll always have access to.

How do you measure local SEO success?

Real small business metrics: more phone calls, website visitors from local searches, customer inquiries, and foot traffic. Not vanity metrics like followers or impressions that don't pay the bills.

What if I don't see local search results?

We'll work with you to identify what's not working in your local SEO strategy and adjust our approach. Local search success depends on many factors and every market is different. We're committed to finding what works for your specific situation.

Can local SEO help my existing customers find my business easier?

Absolutely! Many of our clients discover that existing customers were struggling to find their contact information or hours online. Good local search optimisation helps both new and existing customers discover your business.

Will local SEO help my word-of-mouth referrals?

Yes. When someone refers your business, that person often searches for you online first. If you're easy to find with good information and reviews through proper Google Business Profile optimisation, you'll convert more referrals into customers.

How much do local SEO services cost for small businesses?

Local SEO investment varies based on your business complexity and goals. We offer three packages designed for different stages of business growth, from basic Google Business Profile optimisation to comprehensive local search domination. Contact us for custom pricing based on your specific market needs.

What's the best local search marketing strategy for Melbourne businesses?

The most effective approach combines Google Business Profile optimisation, local citation building, review management and technical SEO fundamentals. Most small businesses see the best ROI from starting with strong local search foundations before expanding to advanced strategies.

Do you provide Google Business Profile management for small businesses?

Yes! Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business) management is a core part of our local SEO services. This includes profile optimisation, post scheduling, review monitoring, photo management, and performance tracking for small businesses.

How does local SEO help small businesses compete with larger companies?

Local SEO levels the playing field. Large companies often struggle with local search because they lack community connections and local relevance. Small Melbourne businesses can outrank national chains by focusing on local search optimisation and community engagement.