Local SEO – Yellow Pages https://www.yellow.com.au Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:33:35 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.yellow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-32x32.png Local SEO – Yellow Pages https://www.yellow.com.au 32 32 How to set up and update your Google Business Profile [GBP]. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/how-to-set-up-and-udtae-your-google-business-profile/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:22 +0000 https://yellow.sensis.wpengine.com/?post_type=hub&p=3684 Aussies use search engines like Google to discover and research local businesses every day — and setting up a Google Business Profile...

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Aussies use search engines like Google to discover and research local businesses every day — and setting up a Google Business Profile listing can get you noticed by the people who are searching for your product or service. Having a presence in online directories is a must if you want to reach your digital audience.

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business or GMB) is a free tool for businesses to manage their online presence on Google’s search results.

When a profile is optimised correctly, Google components such as Maps, Search, and Shopping, can be key drivers of growth for local businesses and increase find-ability to generate more leads.

So, what does a Google Business Profile or GBP look like?

For example If you type the query ‘bakery North Melbourne’ into Google, you will be met with a list of business results that have the name, image, opening hours, contact details and review star-rating of all the bakeries in North Melbourne. This is how a business with a Google Business Profile is shown in Google’s search results.

RELATED: Marketing Jargon Buster: What is ‘local SEO’?

Why do I need to have a Google Business Profile listing?

A study by SOCi found that 73% of consumers now discover brands on social media, but they rarely stop there. Most people review multiple platforms before deciding on a business. That’s why visibility and consistency matter across every channel, especially Google, where people often search with a clear goal, like finding a service, checking reviews, or making a booking. A well-optimised Google Business Profile helps bridge the gap between discovery and decision.

Map Packs.

One of the most visible ways your business can appear is in the Google Map Pack  the local search results that show a map and a shortlist of nearby businesses. These listings usually appear at the top of the page for searches like ‘hairdresser near me’ or ‘best coffee in [suburb]’.

For brick-and-mortar stores, cafés, clinics and other local businesses, the Map Pack is a major driver of foot traffic – even if it’s hard to directly attribute. People use it to get directions, check opening hours, read reviews and make quick decisions on the go. Your Google Business Profile feeds into this data, so the more complete and accurate your profile is, the better your chances of appearing here.

Don’t forget Apple Maps. 

While Google dominates most local searches, many iPhone users rely on Apple Maps for directions and discovery. Apple Business Connect is Apple’s equivalent of a business listing, and it’s completely separate from Google. If you want your business to show up across all major devices and apps, it’s worth claiming and updating your Apple listing too.

If you don’t show up in results for these searches, you lose out on valuable opportunities to get your business in front of potential customers who are looking for exactly what you offer.

On top of this, if your Google Business Profile has incorrect or inconsistent information, it can affect your trust signals, not just with Google, but with your customers too.

For this reason, it is critical that information, such as your business name, address and phone number (NAP), your opening hours and directions to your shopfront, are accurate. It is also important that this information is consistent across other websites and business directories that list your business information.

Local citation listings.

Local citations are any mention of your business’ name and contact details online. They can appear in search engine results, business directories, social networks and anywhere else people might be looking for information about local businesses.

RELATED: What are local citations and why are they important?

Listing your business on large and trusted online directories like Google, Yellow Pages Online and TripAdvisor can also be incredibly beneficial for search engine optimisation. When you have your business information and products listed across online directories, Google understands where you’re located and will show your business to customers searching for your products or services in your local area.

The easiest way to think about it is to provide as much information to Google as possible, in as many places as possible, making sure all the information is correct and consistent.

RELATED: 7 ways to appear in more local searches.

How to set up your Google Business Profile.

The key to getting the most out of your Google Business Profile is to fill out as much as possible during setup and update it routinely on an ongoing basis. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your company on Google:

1. Head to Google Business Profile Manager and login.

Click ‘Log in’ and sign in to your Google account, then select ‘Manage now’.

If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one to start using Google Business Profile. This part is simple – just click on ‘Create account’ on the ‘Sign in’ page, then follow the steps to set up and verify your account.

Set up and claim your Google Business Profile today

2. Enter your business name and category.

You’ll be taken to a page where you can search for your business name to find an existing listing.

If you can’t find your listing or it doesn’t exist yet, simply click ‘Add your business to Google’. Then select the appropriate category for your business (e.g. pet groomer) and click ‘Next’.

Enter your Business Category when setting up a Google Business Profile

3. Input your business address.

You’ll then be taken through a series of steps to input details on your business address.

If your business has a physical location that customers can come and visit, select ‘Yes’ to input the address. Occasionally, Google will request you to position a marker for the business location on a map.

Similarly, if your business offers in-person services such as plumbing but doesn’t have a physical location that customers can visit, you can detail the full list of service areas at this stage of the setup process. If you service multiple areas, Google will also give you the option to add all of your different service areas. Then click ‘Next’.

Enter your Business Address when setting up your Google Business Profile

4. Put in your contact details.

On the next page, you’ll be asked to put in your contact details, including your phone number and website address. If you don’t have a website, you can also put an alternative page, such as your Facebook page or Yellow Pages listing.

Enter your phone number and website when setting up your Google Business Profile

5. Finish and verify your business.

Once you’ve completed this, you’ll need to go through a verification process to validate your business details. Enter your real physical address, not a post office box. This information is only used as part of the verification process and is not displayed on your Google Business Profile or shared with the general public via the search results. Then, click ‘Next’.

If your business has a physical location you will receive a postcard by mail to verify your company address. Whereas, if you are setting up a Google Business Profile for a service-area operation, you will receive an email as part of your verification process.

Once you receive your five-digit code, enter it on the next screen and click ‘Verify’. The following page will confirm that your business profile is verified, then select ‘Next’.

You will need to verify your Google My Business Listing

6. Manage your listing.

After your listing is verified, you’ll be able to manage different aspects such as:

  • Add key business information – opening hours, contact details, business description, messaging preferences etc
  • Add photos and videos
  • Create posts to promote any new offers
  • Manage your Google Reviews
  • Add in a Q&A section
  • Update your menu or showcase product collections

You can also connect booking systems or online scheduling tools to your profile, making it easy for customers to book directly through Google. And don’t forget to include links to your website, social profiles and any other places you appear online to help customers find you wherever they search.

All of the above features can be managed via the Business Profile dashboard. Here you can optimise all key elements of your profile, view insights, manage reviews and messages and create Google ads.

Manage your Google Business Listing and optimise it for local search

Once your listing is live, keep it active by posting regular updates through your Google Business Profile dashboard. Share photos of your business, team or recent work; respond to reviews and answer common questions. These small actions boost visibility and show customers that you’re open, active and engaged.

RELATED: Why SMBs should invest in local SEO content.

Monitoring your Business Profile insights.

It’s also handy to keep an eye on your Google Business Profile performance and view insights. Here’s how to check how your profile is tracking. When logged in, select ‘Promote’ followed by ‘Performance’. At the top, pick your date range and hit ‘Apply’.

Here’s what you can see:

  • Searches: The specific queries that customers have used to find your business via Google.
  • Profile visitors: The number of unique visitors that have viewed your profile.
  • Direction requests: The number of unique customers who have requested directions to your business address.
  • Call clicks: The number of clicks on the call button on your profile.
  • Website clicks: The number of clicks on the website link on your profile.
  • Messages: The number of unique conversations through messages.
  • Bookings: The number of completed bookings by customers.
  • Booking clicks: The number of clicks on your hotel’s free booking link.
  • Total interactions: A sum of all interactions with your Business Profile.
  • Food orders: All food orders placed for pickup or delivery directly from your profile.
  • Products: The number of views on products over a selected period.
  • Menus: Number of clicks on the menu content per user per day.

You can also track and monitor Google Business Profile reviews.

Get a free listing with Yellow Pages.

Featuring your business on a range of trusted digital directories is a simple way to build up your SEO value and move up in search results.

With over 4.2 million searches a month, Yellow Pages Online is a fast way to connect with customers and when you combine it with a GBP listing you’re boosting your chances of being discovered for local searches.

List your business for free today.

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How to add keywords to your website and content – A beginner’s guide. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/content/how-to-integrate-keywords-into-your-content/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:30:09 +0000 https://yellow.sensis.wpengine.com/?post_type=hub&p=3232 Boosting your visibility online begins with using the right keywords. But how do you choose and use keywords effectively? Here’s a simple,...

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Boosting your visibility online begins with using the right keywords. But how do you choose and use keywords effectively? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help your business content stand out.

Step 1: Start with keyword research.

Keyword research helps you understand what your customers are searching for and their intent behind those searches. Use keyword research tools such as Google’s Keyword Planner, SEMrush or Ahrefs to:

  • Discover popular search terms
  • Evaluate search volume and competition
  • Identify the intent (informational, transactional, navigational)
  • Find related terms to include in your content
  • Find and evaluate if KD (Keyword Difficulty) is appropriate
  • Examine Competitors – Check their DR (Domain rating) and see if you can compete with them.

Here’s a screenshot from Neil Patel’s free keyword tool Ubersuggest. We’ll use this to illustrate the different keyword elements below, but you will see similar figures if you’re using a different tool.

RELATED: 9 basic SEO tips to help boost your Google rank.

Step 2: Determine keyword intent.

Understanding intent helps tailor your content to your audience’s needs:

  • Informational intent: Searchers looking for answers or advice (e.g. ‘how to fix a leaky tap)
  • Transactional intent: Users intending to purchase (e.g. ‘buy kitchen taps online’)
  • Navigational intent: Visitors looking for a specific website or brand (e.g. ‘ABC Plumbing Sydney’).

Match your content style and information to meet this intent.

Step 3: Place keywords strategically.

Once you’ve chosen your keywords, placement matters:

  • Meta titles: Clearly include your primary keyword at the start of the meta title. Keep it concise and appealing.
    • Example: ‘Leaky tap repairs Sydney | ABC Plumbing’
  • H1 headings: Use your main keyword naturally in your main heading (H1).
    • Example: ‘Affordable leaky tap repairs in Sydney’.

Step 4: Integrate keywords naturally into your content.

Avoid keyword stuffing, as it makes your content hard to read and negatively impacts SEO. Instead:

  • Sprinkle primary and secondary keywords throughout your paragraphs, subheadings (H2, H3) and bullet points
  • Include related terms from your keyword research to enhance relevance
  • Aim for readability and relevance.

RELATED: Your simple SEO checklist: Optimising your content.

Step 5: Optimise meta descriptions.

While meta descriptions don’t directly impact rankings, they encourage clicks. Include your primary keyword clearly to match user intent.

  • Example: ‘Need leaky tap repairs in Sydney? ABC Plumbing offers fast, reliable plumbing services. Call now for a quote!’

Step 6: On-page keywords and local SEO.

On-page keyword optimisation is crucial for ensuring search engines understand the focus of your content. Pay special attention to:

  • Title tags, headings, categories and URL mapping
  • Image alt text
  • Contextual keywords throughout your copy.

Local SEO is particularly important for businesses targeting specific geographic areas. Include location-specific keywords naturally in your content to improve local search visibility.

Takeaways.

Effective keyword integration is essential for improving your visibility online. Focus on keyword intent, strategic placement and natural integration for content that both readers and search engines love.

How digital marketing from Yellow Pages helps your business grow online. 

The team at Yellow Pages provides expert digital marketing advice and products that boost your business’ online presence. From an online listing to digital display or social media ads, we’ll tailor a digital marketing strategy designed for your business. Find out more.

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9 basic SEO optimisation tips to help boost your Google rank. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/9-basic-seo-tips-to-help-boost-your-google-rank/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 01:00:33 +0000 https://yellow.sensis.wpengine.com/?post_type=hub&p=820 Search engine optimisation (SEO) is highly technical and there are many influencing factors (more than 200, according to Google) that determine where...

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Search engine optimisation (SEO) is highly technical and there are many influencing factors (more than 200, according to Google) that determine where your brand sits amongst the search results. It’s no wonder that it’s difficult to know for sure what you need to do to make it to page one – and stay there.

The 3 most common SEO factors.

While Google doesn’t publish its exact ranking formula, we do know there are a few core elements that consistently influence where your site appears in search results.

  • High-quality backlinks boost trust – Google still uses links from authoritative, relevant sites to assess your page’s credibility and relevance
  • Helpful content remains king – Clear, keyword-informed content that answers common queries helps search engines and users understand your site’s value
  • AI-driven ranking systems personalise results – Google uses advanced AI models (like BERT and MUM) to better interpret search intent and deliver personalised, relevant results. Focus on great content and user experience—Google’s AI will handle the rest.

It is difficult to understand every element of SEO, especially as Google deliberately reveals little about how it ranks results. Yet there are nine simple things you can do to maximise the general and local SEO opportunities for your website.

SEO Tips To Help Boost Google Rank

1. Answer audience questions with quality content.

The first thing you need to remember with SEO is that people go to Google with very specific questions in mind. The page that can best answer each question is the one Google wants to link them to.

It could be anything, from how to cook steak, to where to get the best deal on new car tyres, to the definition of SEO. Because of this, it’s important to consider what questions people most commonly ask relating to your products and services.

Here are a few ways you can search for the most frequently asked questions relevant to your business:

  • Talk to your sales team
  • Review the questions sent to your contact forms and social media accounts
  • Explore FAQ sections of your biggest competitors
  • Use a keyword search tool such as Ubersuggest, enter in your product/service and switch to the ‘question’ section.

Once you have a good understanding of the questions your potential customers want answered, spend time creating quality, useful content that answers them.

2. Use keywords.

While Google’s algorithms have evolved significantly since the early days of search, and there is now much more to SEO than just keywords, they are still the connection between your website and your potential customer’s Google search.

That’s why you need to decipher which keywords your audience is typing into Google and then sprinkle them throughout your website (not just in your blog posts).

Never force keywords. This is known as ‘keyword stuffing’ and Google will punish brands they find doing this by sending you down the rankings rather than up. Instead, work your keywords into your website naturally.

Ensure your keywords clearly match user intent, as Google places increasing importance on relevance to search queries.

Here’s where you should be using your keywords for maximum effect:

  • Headlines
  • Subheadings
  • Throughout all content (including blogs and your landing pages)
  • In the captions and alt text of images
  • In meta descriptions and title tags
  • Hyperlinked to other pages within your website
  • In URLs

All of this will tell Google what your website is about, and will help to ensure that your brand gets seen in the results when a customer searches for those keywords.

RELATED: How to integrate keywords into your content.

3. Optimise for mobile.

Since Google’s shift to mobile-first indexing, having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Google will give preference to websites with mobile-friendly pages, so your content must be easy to read and navigate, quick to load and user-friendly. For example, if a page doesn’t load within three seconds, 53% of users will exit and go elsewhere. That’s potentially half of your customer base gone if your mobile site isn’t fast enough.

You can test the mobile responsiveness of your page using Google’s own mobile-friendly test, and you can also test your site speed with Google.

4. Share your content for more backlinks.

Once you’ve created your content and optimised the basics you need to get backlinks.

Backlinks are links to your site from other websites – the more authoritative the website providing the link, the better. For example, if there was an article on the ABC’s website that linked back to you, that would give your website significantly more authority, because the ABC is one of the biggest websites in Australia.

It’s similar to if a noted expert were to endorse your brand on TV – awareness and trust increase because that person is a prominent figure. This is similar, in principle, to how backlinks work.

Getting backlinks is not easy, and a massive 66.31% of web pages don’t have a single backlink, even though it is one of Google’s biggest search factors. That’s why if you can get even one backlink, you’ll already be ahead of a lot of your competition.

An important step is getting your content out there and getting people to visit your page. You can do this by sharing your posts out to people on your email list or on social media. If your content is high quality, informative, and helpful, those people will share it with others, increasing your traffic, while also boosting your chances of getting backlinks from other sites.

RELATED: SEO boosting backlinks – the what, the why and how to get them for free.

5. Claim your Google Business Profile.

If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to claim your Google Business Profile. This is where you add basic information about your business, such as your address, contact number, business category, opening hours and photos.

It’s crucial to keep this updated, as it will increase the chances that your name pops up whenever someone Googles terms relating to your business and area. Many customers also rely on Google for information about your opening hours and contact details (rather than going to your website), so getting it wrong can mean missing out on customers even when they do find you.

RELATED: How to set up and update your Google Business Profile.

6. Make sure your contact details are up to date.

Double check that all your contact information (address, phone number, email, opening hours, and any other relevant information) is current and appears on every page of your website, or any other site where you have a business presence, such as Facebook.

This is because Google doesn’t just use the information from your Google Business Profile page, but also your website, to determine your local rankings. It’s called your website ‘NAP’ data – name, address and phone number – and Google will use it to verify your correct information when creating search results.

If this data conflicts with what’s on your Google Business Profile page or is inconsistent, Google might not feature your brand in its search results in favour of another brand that offers concrete information.

7. Make the most of directory listings.

Google relies heavily on local search citations from reputable directories and online listings to verify your business’s credibility. The more well-regarded those websites are, the more value they are to you – which is why not having your business listed is missing out on an easy local SEO boost.

Having a comprehensive directory listing with all your vital business info on Yellow Pages Online will therefore give you even more local SEO juice.

8. Encourage customer reviews.

Online reviews are worth their weight in gold, not just for boosting your business reputation but also for your local search ranking.

Websites or businesses with genuine customer reviews are typically ranked higher in local search results than those without, so be sure to encourage your customers to put in a good word online.

RELATED: How to get more online reviews for your business.

9. Utilise social media.

One of the most important factors for ranking highly in local search results is building up your business online.

Focusing your efforts on social media platforms that work well for your audience will help with prominence, link building, local citations and growing your overall online presence. Utilise popular social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube to increase visibility and engagement.

Be sure to add a link to your website from your social media, not just so your customers can use it to find your website, but so Google can find it as well.

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A guide to local SEO for the hairdressing and beauty industry. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/a-guide-to-local-seo-for-the-hairdressing-and-beauty-industry/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:41:29 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/partnerships// Why SEO should be a priority for your salon. If you run a hair salon, beauty business or work as a freelance...

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Why SEO should be a priority for your salon.

If you run a hair salon, beauty business or work as a freelance stylist, chances are new clients are searching for your services online before they ever walk past your shop or see your Instagram account.

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is about making sure your salon shows up when someone types in things like:

  • ‘hair salon near me’
  • ‘eyelash extensions [suburb]’
  • ‘best facial deals’

The better your SEO, the more likely it is that your business appears in local search results – and the more likely someone is to book with you.

Good SEO means:

  • Showing up on Google Maps and in local search
  • Appearing in results when people look for specific treatments or services
  • Having your reviews, opening hours and contact info easy to find.

Unlike paid ads, which only run when you’re spending money, SEO works in the background every day. It helps bring in new clients, keeps your salon visible and builds trust with people before they even call or click ‘book’.

We work with thousands of small businesses across Australia, including salons like yours, to help them get found online and grow their client base.

SEO basics for salons.

Now that you know why SEO matters, here’s how to start setting it up for your salon without needing a marketing background or a big budget.

These are the most important elements to get right early on:

Set up or update your Google Business Profile.

This is what makes your salon appear on Google Maps and in local listings. It shows your hours, services, reviews and photos all in one place.

Set it up at google.com/business and make sure it includes:

  • Your correct name, address and contact info
  • Your opening hours and service list
  • Photos of your space, staff and treatments.

RELATED: How to set up and update your Google Business Profile.

Make sure your website covers the essentials.

If someone lands on your site, they want a few quick answers:

  • What do you offer?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Where are you?
  • How do they book?

Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly, as many people search on their phones right before booking.

Keywords that match local search for your services.

Make sure your service names and treatments are written clearly on your website, in your Google Business Profile description, and even in photo captions or customer reviews where possible.

Need help choosing the right keywords? These tools can help:

  • Google Keyword Planner – Free with a Google Ads account
  • Ubersuggest – Good for beginners with a free version
  • Ahrefs or SEMrush – Paid tools with deeper insights
  • Google Search Console – Shows what terms people are already finding your site with.

We’ll dive deeper into how to use keywords for local SEO in the next section.

How to set up local SEO for your salon.

Before you start adding keywords to your website or signing up to every business directory, take a step back and figure out where you want to be found. Local SEO works best when it aligns with your actual service areas, not just your street address.

This is one of the most important steps for salons, especially those located in busy cities or with clients coming from multiple suburbs.

Define your service areas.

Start by listing the suburbs or neighbourhoods your clients already come from and the ones you want to target more. Don’t limit yourself to just your salon’s postcode.

Think about:

  • The suburb you’re based in
  • Nearby suburbs within a reasonable travel distance
  • Areas where you’ve noticed demand or want to grow.

Once you’ve got your shortlist, add these suburbs to your Google Business Profile under your service area settings. This tells Google that your salon is relevant to people searching in those locations, even if it’s a few suburbs over.

Target those service areas in the right places.

Once you’ve locked in your key areas, work them into your content naturally:

  • Website headings and service descriptions
  • Your Google Business Profile description
  • Meta titles, image alt text, and captions
  • Social media posts or offer banners.

Own your local footprint.

Start with the suburbs that bring in business and show up consistently in searches for those suburbs. That’s how you build authority and keep the bookings flowing.

Why reviews matter for your salon’s visibility.

Client reviews do two things at once: they build trust and improve your local search visibility. Google pays attention to how many reviews you get, what they say and how often they’re posted.

If you want to rank higher and get more bookings, getting regular, high-quality reviews should be part of your marketing plan.

How reviews help your salon get found.

Here’s how reviews improve your visibility:

  • They signal trust and activity. A steady flow of reviews tells Google your business is real, active and popular.
  • They can include keywords without you lifting a finger. If a customer writes ‘best brow wax in Bondi’ or ‘love my balayage results’, the language reinforces what your salon offers and where you’re located.
  • They show up in search highlights. Google often pulls exact phrases from reviews into its listings, especially when they match what someone is searching for.

How to encourage better reviews (without being pushy).

A simple way to improve visibility is by encouraging clients to include what they had done. This helps build relevance for specific services and suburbs.

Try saying something like: ‘If you’re happy with your visit, feel free to leave a review and mention what service you had. It helps other clients find us.’

You can ask in person, include a QR code at reception or send a follow-up message after an appointment.

Make sure you respond.

Replying to reviews (even short ones) shows you care. It also adds fresh activity to your listing, which helps with SEO. Keep it personal, thank the reviewer by name and, where it fits, reflect keywords naturally.

For example: ‘Thanks so much for the kind words, Lesley! We’re so glad you loved your keratin treatment and we’ll see you back in the salon soon.’

Your response doesn’t have to be a novel. A short, friendly message goes a long way.

Use a tool to manage reviews in one place.

Most salons collect reviews across Google, Facebook, and other platforms – and it can get messy fast. If you don’t have time to keep up, platforms like Thryv can help.

With Thryv, you can:

  • Request reviews automatically after appointments
  • Manage Google and Facebook reviews in one place
  • Respond quickly with built-in tools or suggested replies
  • Monitor how reviews are impacting your visibility.

👉 Try Thryv today

RELATED: [Review management] How to use online reviews for lead generation and SEO. 

Promote your most valuable offers online, not just in-salon.

The best promotions aren’t always one-off discounts. The ones that really work are designed to keep people coming back.

Examples:

  • Returning client rewards – Visit five times and get your sixth service free, or offer 10% off every third visit
  • Big-ticket service promos – Small discounts on high-cost treatments like keratin, balayage or full colour
  • New client offers – Useful for filling gaps, but less effective long term than loyalty-based deals.

Make sure people see it.

If a promotion only lives on a poster inside your salon, it’s not working hard enough.

Put your offers:

  • On your website (e.g. a homepage banner or service blurb)
  • On your Google Business Profile
  • In your Instagram stories or pinned posts
  • In follow-up texts or email reminders.

The goal isn’t to discount everything. The goal is to stay visible, show value and bring people back for more.

Use social content that highlights the services people are searching.

Quick videos, before-and-after photos or treatment tips can support SEO by showing off specific services people are likely to Google. These posts can also appear in search results, especially when they use clear keywords or local hashtags.

Bonus tip: Include your treatment name and suburb naturally in captions or image filenames. For example: ‘summer-blonde-paddington.jpg’ or ‘Keratin treatment in Bondi – results that last’.

Match promotions to search intent. 

Think about what people are typing into Google and how you can reflect that in your promo language.

Common examples:

  • ‘cheap haircut near me’
  • ‘bridal makeup package’
  • ‘student discount nails’

Focus on terms with clear intent and local relevance. There’s no need to force keywords into every post; however, using search-based language in your website offers, blog headlines and image captions can help more people find your business online.

How to use content to help clients find you online.

The right content builds visibility and trust. Start with pages that answer real questions and reflect what people are already searching for.

Turn each core service into a dedicated page.

Every major service you offer should have its own focused page on your website, rather than just a mention on your homepage or booking system.

Examples:

  • yoursite.com/hair-colour
  • yoursite.com/keratin-treatment
  • yoursite.com/brow-lamination

These service pages are your pillar pages. They act as the main content hubs for both search engines and clients who are looking for that specific treatment.

Each one should include:

  • A short intro that clearly explains the service
  • What results clients can expect and who it’s for
  • Details about the process, duration and pricing
  • Mentions of your suburb or city (for local SEO)
  • Photos, FAQs and a clear booking option.

Create supporting content that links back to your service pages.

To build more authority and help your site show up for related searches, create smaller pieces of content that support your main services. This could be a blog post, a Q&A page or even a carousel on social media.

Examples of supporting content for a hair colour service page:

  • What to expect during your first hair-colouring appointment
  • Common hair colour myths
  • How to maintain your colour
  • Do you really need toner?

These supporting pieces should link back to your main service page. A simple line like this works well: ‘Learn more about our services and pricing on our [hair colour page].’

This kind of structure shows search engines that you offer more than just a list of treatments. It helps you rank for extra queries like questions, how-tos and concerns related to each service.

Use your visuals as SEO content too.

Photos, reels and transformation clips are great for building trust. They can also support your SEO if you use them properly.

Tips for making visuals SEO-friendly:

  • Use descriptive filenames like copper-glossy-newtown.jpg
  • Add short captions that include the service and your location
  • Include alt text when uploading to your website.

Google uses this information to understand the content of your visuals, which can help with image search and overall relevance.

Write content that’s genuinely helpful, not just for Google.

It’s easy to get caught up in writing for search engines but the most important rule is this: create content that you’d actually want to read. Think about what your clients would Google before booking or what they ask during appointments and use that as your guide.

If you’re adding pages just to squeeze in keywords but the content doesn’t match what you offer or what your audience needs, it won’t work. Google can pick up on that and so can your clients.

So yes, optimise your content, but make sure it reflects what you actually do, speaks to your audience, and provides real value to the people you want to attract.

RELATED: Content ideas for every industry.

Make it easy for clients to book with you.

You can have great SEO, a beautiful Instagram feed and glowing reviews, however, if booking isn’t easy, clients might give up before they lock in an appointment.

A clear, simple booking process is just as important as visibility. It helps turn clicks into actual clients.

Your booking link should be everywhere.

Clients shouldn’t have to search for how to book with you. Make sure your booking link is:

  • On your website homepage and service pages
  • In your Instagram and Facebook bios
  • On your Google Business Profile
  • Included in every email or SMS reminder.

The fewer steps someone has to take to book, the more likely they are to follow through.

Avoid making people call or message to book.

Some people prefer to call, but most will book online if the option is available. If they have to DM you or wait for a reply, there’s a good chance they’ll move on to a salon with instant booking.

If you’re not using a booking platform yet, look into options that allow people to choose a time, see availability and confirm their appointment right away. It doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is removing any barriers.

Keep your booking form short and mobile-friendly.

Most salon clients book on their phones. Your booking page should:

  • Load quickly
  • Be easy to navigate on mobile
  • Only ask for what you need (name, service, time, contact info).

If the process feels slow or confusing, people might give up before they finish.

Make cancellations and rescheduling easy too.

If a client needs to change their appointment, the process should be just as simple as booking. A frustrating reschedule process can be enough to lose someone.

Bonus tip: follow up with clients who cancel but don’t re-book. A quick reminder with a direct booking link can bring them back in.

Show prospective clients your work.

Clients want to see what you can do. That means sharing before-and-after photos, colour results, quick transformations or real treatment setups. It builds familiarity and makes people more likely to book.

Post ideas:

  • Before-and-after carousels
  • Reels of a service in progress
  • Side-by-side comparisons of colour results or lash styles
  • Short videos showing your team, your space or your process
  • Captions that explain the service or highlight a great result.

If you can show real outcomes in a way that feels relaxed and confident, clients are more likely to save the post, send it to a friend or message you directly.

Use location tags and keywords in captions.

People use Instagram and TikTok like search engines. Adding clear locations and treatment names helps your content get found by locals who are ready to book.

Simple ways to do this:

  • Set your location on every post
  • Include your service and location in the caption, like ‘hair colour refresh in Paddington’
  • Keep the wording natural and easy to scan.

You can also use a few local hashtags like #PaddingtonHair or #SydneyLashLift along with broader ones like #HairTransformation or #BrowGoals

This helps your posts show up in location-based searches and when people are browsing similar content.

Turn client questions into quick content.

You already know what people ask you most:

  • How long will it last?
  • Can I get this if I’ve coloured my hair recently?
  • Will this work on short lashes?

Turn answers into short Reels, carousels or even a pinned post. This shows you know your stuff and builds trust with new followers who haven’t booked yet.

Boost your top posts to reach more people nearby.

If you’ve shared something that’s already performing well, like a popular transformation or a seasonal offer, consider boosting it.

Both Instagram and Facebook let you target by:

  • Location (suburb, city or postcode)
  • Age, gender and interests
  • People who have interacted with your content before.

Even $20 behind a strong post can help it reach hundreds of local clients who are likely to book. For this reason, ensure your profile has a clear booking link.

Keep your branding clear and consistent.

Make sure your voice, visuals, and message are consistent across platforms. A clean feed, friendly captions and an easy-to-find booking link are more valuable than anything else.

RELATED: Social media marketing trends in 2025

Use email and SMS to bring clients back.

Marketing isn’t just about new clients. A quick message to someone who’s already visited can be one of the easiest ways to fill your calendar.

Send re-booking reminders.

Simple messages work best. For example: ‘It’s been 6 weeks since your last visit. Ready for a refresh? Tap here to book.’

You can automate this with a platform like Thryv or set a reminder to follow up every few weeks.

Promote seasonal offers.

Got a promotion or quiet period? A quick message can bring back past clients.

Example: ‘Hi Sarah, we’ve got a keratin treatment special running this month. Book now to lock it in.’

Keep it short and helpful.

Make it personal, add a single call to action and always include the booking link. Once a month is usually enough to stay top of mind without overdoing it.

RELATED: The small business guide to email marketing on a budget.

Track what’s working (and what isn’t).

SEO, social media, reviews and content all take time, but how do you know what’s actually bringing in clients?

Tracking your performance doesn’t need to be complicated.  Just knowing how people found you and what’s getting attention can help you make better decisions over time.

Ask your clients how they found you.

It sounds simple, but it works. When a new client books in, ask: ‘By the way, how did you find us?’

Was it Google? Instagram? A friend? Keep a quick note in your booking system. If you notice a pattern – people mentioning a service page or a social post – that’s your cue to do more of what works.

Check your website traffic.

Connect your site to Google Search Console. It’s free and shows you:

  • What people typed into Google before visiting your site
  • Which pages are getting the most clicks
  • Whether people are finding your site through location-based searches.

You can also use Google Analytics to track visits, time on site and what pages people look at. You don’t have to check it daily – a quick monthly look can show what’s helping you grow.

Look at your social media insights.

Instagram and Facebook both give you post-level insights. Check which posts:

  • Get the most views, saves, shares or comments
  • Lead to more profile visits or website clicks
  • Use captions or hashtags that help your content reach more people.

Knowing what kind of posts your audience responds to can help you decide what to post next or what to boost.

Use built-in tools if you already have them.

If you’re using a platform like Thryv, you may already have access to reporting tools that can make tracking easier. These can show things like:

  • Where bookings are coming from
  • Which services clients book most often
  • How well follow-ups or review requests are working.

All you need is a few regular check-ins to help you understand what’s working and where to put your energy.

RELATED: Understanding small business data analytics: Key insights every business owner should track.

Tools and takeaways to grow your salon online.

If you’ve made it this far, you already know more about SEO and salon marketing than most business owners. You don’t have to do it all at once. The best strategy is to get your foundations in place, stay consistent and use tools that save you time.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prioritise what to do next, plus tools to make it easier.

What to focus on first.

✔ Set up or update your Google Business Profile
✔ Define your service area and target suburbs
✔ Create one solid service page per core treatment
✔ Ask for client reviews regularly
✔ Post your offers and treatments on your website and socials
✔ Use location tags, keywords and hashtags in your captions
✔ Boost your top-performing posts when you have a special offer
✔ Link your content together, especially from blogs or FAQs to service pages.

Tools to help along the way.

Google Business Profile.
Manage your maps listing, hours, services, and reviews.

Google Keyword Planner.
Find out what people are searching for in your area.

Canva.
Design visuals for your feed, stories and promos without needing a designer.

Meta Business Suite.
Schedule and boost your posts on Instagram and Facebook.

Thryv.
Manage reviews, listings and bookings in one place.

Google Search Console.
Track what people are searching when they find your site.

SEO doesn’t need to be complicated. If your content is clear, your details are up to date and you show up where your clients are looking, your visibility will improve. The most successful salons are not just the ones with great services – they’re the ones that make it easy to find them, build trust and turn views into bookings.

The post A guide to local SEO for the hairdressing and beauty industry. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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Marketing & SEO guide for hospitality: hotels, restaurants and bars. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/marketing-seo-guide-for-hospitality-hotels-restaurants-and-bars/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 03:55:16 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/partnerships// Navigating the world of digital marketing can be overwhelming, especially when you’re running a hotel, restaurant or bar. Between managing bookings, reviews,...

The post Marketing & SEO guide for hospitality: hotels, restaurants and bars. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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Navigating the world of digital marketing can be overwhelming, especially when you’re running a hotel, restaurant or bar. Between managing bookings, reviews, social media and search rankings, it’s hard to know where to focus your energy.

That’s where this guide comes in.

Hospitality businesses often blur the lines, with many restaurants hosting events, some bars offering boutique stays and hotels frequently including in-house dining and entertainment. As a result of this natural overlap, we’ve combined everything into one comprehensive guide.

We break down the core digital strategies every hospitality venue should know then zooms in on how to tailor each one to suit your business type. From SEO and social media, to online reviews, content creation and paid ads, you’ll find clear, actionable tips for hotels, restaurants and bars.

1. Hospitality SEO basics: What every venue needs to get right.

Getting discovered online starts with understanding how people search for venues like yours. If someone is searching for a ‘rooftop bar near me’, your business needs to show up online with the right content, on the right platform and optimised to turn that search into action.

That starts with getting the basics right: a fast, mobile-friendly website, up-to-date business listings, high-quality content that reflects your brand and strong local SEO. These are the foundation for visibility and trust, no matter what kind of hospitality venue you run.

But even within hospitality, the way people book, browse and make decisions can be completely different. A hotel guest might spend weeks comparing options, while someone looking for a bar might choose the closest one with good reviews and an open kitchen. Recognising these differences is key to applying the right strategy for your venue and your customers.

Before we dive into tailored tactics for each type of business, we’ll start with the shared strategies every hospitality venue should have in place.

2. Local SEO: Be the top pick in your area. 

Local SEO helps your venue show up in the right searches at the right time. It’s what puts your business on the map – literally – and drives traffic from people nearby who are ready to book, visit or make a decision. Done right, it can be one of your most powerful sources of bookings and foot traffic.

Optimise your Google Business Profile.

Start by claiming and fully optimising your Google Business Profile. This listing powers your visibility in Google Maps and local search and it’s often the first thing people see before they even visit your website. Make sure to include:

  • Accurate business name, address and phone number (NAP)
  • Business categories that reflect all the different aspects of your venue
  • Opening hours (including holidays or seasonal changes)
  • Booking or reservation links
  • High-quality photos of your space, food, rooms or events
  • A description that highlights what makes your venue unique
  • Services and amenities like Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, pet-friendly options or parking.

Double-check that these details match your website and other platforms to boost your credibility and rankings.

RELATED: How to set up and update your Google Business Profile. 

Reviews and reputation signals.

Reviews are a major ranking factor and a powerful trust signal for potential guests. Encourage happy customers to leave a review after their visit and always respond, even if the feedback is negative.

Nobody expects a perfect five-star rating. In fact, having around four stars over a healthy number of reviews often feels more authentic and reliable. What matters most is showing that you care and consistently engage.

Add details that match how people search.

There are also platform-specific features that can help you stand out:

  • Hotels can list room rates and availability directly through Google Hotel Ads
  • Restaurants can upload menus, enable reservations and post updates like seasonal specials or limited-time offers
  • Bars and venues can highlight upcoming events, drink deals, happy hours or live entertainment schedules.

Taking advantage of these features helps your listing stay fresh and more relevant to searchers.

Highlight your different services.

If your venue offers more than one type of experience – such as a hotel with a restaurant or a bar with private dining – make sure that’s reflected in your listing. Use secondary business categories and create individual landing pages on your website for each service. This increases your chances of appearing in multiple types of searches and gives visitors a clearer picture of what you offer.

3. Content that converts: What to write and where it matters.

To convert searches into paying customers you need content that answers common questions, builds trust and clearly shows what sets your venue apart. The more helpful and relevant your content is, the more likely someone is to book a room, make a reservation or drop in for a drink.

To write good content, you’re going to have to tick all the boxes. It could be a clear menu layout, a guide to parking nearby, a list of FAQs or a few sharp photos of your space. If it helps someone take the next step – book, visit or call – it’s doing its job.

To write good content, focus on what your customers actually need to see:

  • Hotels: Room types and features, check-in/out details, on-site amenities, nearby attractions
  • Restaurants: Current menus, opening hours, dietary options, how to book
  • Bars and venues: Drink specials, event calendars, live music schedules, venue hire details.

Keep the content up to date, easy to scan and written in plain language.

Content also plays a big role in how well your site ranks. Search engines prioritise pages that are useful, regularly updated and relevant to what people are searching for.

The more questions you answer upfront – such as ‘Do you have gluten-free options?’ or ‘Is parking available?’ – the more likely you are to show up in search and convert traffic into bookings.

Use what you already have – menus, event flyers, booking instructions, photos and answers to common questions – and turn it into helpful content. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and ask, ‘What would I want to know before visiting?’. The goal is to provide useful, relevant information, not to write as much content as possible just for the sake of it.

4. Online reviews: Build trust and boost visibility.

Reviews can influence bookings, rankings and your reputation. For hospitality venues, they’re often the deciding factor when someone is choosing between you and a competitor. People trust other guests more than they trust your website, which makes managing your reviews just as important as managing your marketing.

Make it easy for happy customers to leave a review. Ask in person after a good experience, include a review link in your follow-up emails or place a QR code at the front desk, on receipts or near exits. The sooner you ask, the more likely they are to respond.

Replying to reviews matters just as much as collecting them. Thank people for positive feedback and respond calmly to criticism.

RELATED: How to get and respond to online reviews for your small business.

Platforms.

Focus on the platforms that matter most in Australia, depending on your type of venue:

  • Hotels: Google is essential for visibility. TripAdvisor and Booking.com are still key players for tourists and sites like Expedia and HotelsCombined can drive additional bookings.
  • Restaurants: Google and Facebook reviews are highly visible. Zomato is still used in major cities, while TheFork and EatClub are growing platforms for diners looking for deals or easy bookings.
  • Bars and venues: Google and Facebook are the main platforms for reviews. If you host events or live entertainment, having a presence on Eventbrite or TimeOut can help increase visibility and trust.

RELATED: [Review management] How to use online reviews for lead generation and SEO. 

5. Social media: Build awareness and show off your space.

Social media, in a nutshell, is a discovery engine. People now use Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to find where to eat, drink or stay next. It’s not all just brain rot;  it’s actually one of the easiest ways to get in front of new customers.

Focus on the platforms your customers actually use. For most venues, Instagram and Facebook are the best place to start. TikTok is worth considering too, especially if you’re targeting a younger crowd or running a venue with a strong visual or social vibe.

Show what your venue actually looks and feels like: your food, your staff, your space and your customers enjoying it. Quick videos, behind-the-scenes photos and posting daily specials all go a long way to building your brand on social.

User-generated content is one of the easiest ways to build trust. Encourage guests to tag your venue in posts and stories. Re-posting their content not only saves you time, it also acts as social proof – real people enjoying your space.

Keep your profile details up to date. Make sure your bio includes clear links to your menu, booking page or contact info. Tools like Linktree or a simple landing page can help direct people to everything in one place.

RELATED: Social media marketing trends in 2025.

6. Email marketing & CRM: Keep customers coming back.

It’s easier (and cheaper) to bring back a happy customer than to find a new one. That’s where email marketing and CRM tools come in. Collecting contact details and using them well can help you stay top of mind, fill quiet periods and build long-term loyalty.

Start by collecting customer details in simple, low-effort ways:

  • Hotels: During online bookings, check-in forms or Wi-Fi sign-ups
  • Restaurants: Through reservation forms, QR code menus or loyalty programs
  • Bars and venues: Via event RSVPs, ticketing platforms or competitions and giveaways.

Ensure you’re upfront about how you’ll use their details and always offer an easy opt-out.

Once you’ve built a list, send emails people actually want to open. This could include:

  • Special offers or last-minute deals
  • Seasonal menus or new dish announcements
  • Upcoming events or live entertainment
  • Birthday or anniversary promos
  • Local guides or stay-cation ideas for hotels.

Just make sure the intent is clear – and don’t spam.

RELATED: The small business guide to email marketing on a budget

Make your life easier with Thryv.

A simple CRM tool can make this process easier. You can segment your audience, personalise messages, and set up automations that run in the background. For example, Thryv lets you manage contacts, track bookings, send review requests and follow up with guests, all from one platform.

Take a look at what Thryv’s got to offer via the link below.

7. Paid ads and promotions: Get seen by the right people.

Paid ads can help you reach new customers fast, especially when you’re launching something new, running a special or filling last-minute spots. With the right setup, ads can drive bookings, build awareness and bring in targeted traffic without wasting your budget.

Google Ads are great for high-intent searches. If someone’s looking for ‘cocktail bar Sydney’ or ‘pet-friendly hotel in Melbourne’, a well-placed search ad can put your business right in front of them. Display ads can also work well for awareness, especially when paired with strong visuals.

Social media ads are ideal for promoting events, seasonal offers and brand awareness. Facebook and Instagram let you target by interests, location and behaviour, so you can reach people nearby who are likely to visit. TikTok is also gaining traction, particularly for bars and casual dining.

Even a small budget can go a long way if your ad is well-targeted and the offer is clear. Focus on one objective at a time: fill seats, sell out a night or boost midweek bookings. Track what works, tweak what doesn’t and build from there.

8. Creator content & social proof: Let others sell it for you.

In the hospitality space, nothing drives interest like a viral food video or an Instagram story tagged at your venue. Social media creators, food bloggers and local influencers can build hype faster than traditional ads – and often with more trust.

You don’t need to go after big-name influencers. Reach out to local creators who already post about venues like yours. Offer them a free meal, bar tab or exclusive tasting experience in exchange for content. Many will be happy to promote your venue if it aligns with their audience and style.

Encourage your customers to tag you too. A steady stream of real posts builds momentum and keeps your venue visible, even without a formal campaign.

And if you’re using a tool like Thryv, you can keep track of tagged posts, monitor your mentions and pull customer content into your own marketing quickly and easily.

9. Website optimisation: Make every click count.

Websites should work, right? Right. Your site should load fast, look good on both mobile and desktop and make it easy for someone to find what they’re looking for. Every key action – viewing the menu, booking a table or checking room availability – should be accessible in one or two clicks. Make sure your contact info is easy to find, and always include a clear call-to-action on every page.

Optimising for search engines also helps. Use headings properly, write clear page titles and descriptions and include relevant keywords without overloading the page. Adding schema markup (menu, event or hotel info) can help Google better understand and display your content.

Photos play a big role too. Use high-quality images, compress them for speed and label them clearly. This helps both your users and your SEO.

Summary of key steps for hospitality SEO.

  • Optimise your Google Business Profile
  • Keep your site fast, clear and mobile-friendly
  • Answer real questions with useful content
  • Collect reviews and reply to every one
  • Post on social, and share what your customers post
  • Build an email list and send things people care about
  • Use paid ads to boost visibility or fill empty spots
  • Be clear, helpful and consistent.

Need help managing it all? Thryv brings bookings, reviews, emails and more into one easy-to-use platform.

The post Marketing & SEO guide for hospitality: hotels, restaurants and bars. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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SEO for cleaning & home services businesses: a guide to local marketing. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/seo-for-cleaning-home-services-businesses-a-guide-to-local-marketing/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 03:49:30 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/partnerships// Cleaning services are one of the most competitive industries in the local market. Whether you’re running a solo operation or have a...

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Cleaning services are one of the most competitive industries in the local market. Whether you’re running a solo operation or have a full team of professional cleaners, being visible online is critical to landing consistent jobs and building long-term client relationships.

In this guide, we’ll walk through proven SEO and marketing strategies tailored specifically for cleaning businesses. You’ll learn how to show up in local search results and appear in top search engine results, generate positive reviews, promote your services without blowing your budget and make your business easier to find on platforms like Google and Facebook.

From smart optimisation techniques to budget-friendly marketing tactics, this article is your starting point for growing your cleaning business and standing out in your local area.

Why SEO matters for businesses in the home services space.

If someone in your suburb searches for ‘cleaners near me’ or ‘end of lease cleaning’, your business should be one of the first results they see. That’s the power of local SEO. SEO results, however, take time and require patience to see the full benefits.

Keyword research is essential for developing an effective SEO strategy. It helps identify potential clients’ needs and search behaviors, allowing you to optimise your content and enhance online visibility.

For cleaning businesses, being visible in search isn’t a bonus, it’s make or break. Most potential customers aren’t looking past the first few listings on Google, especially in urgent or time-sensitive situations. If your business doesn’t appear on the map pack or in local organic results, you’re handing those leads to a competitor.

A well-optimised online presence ensures that your services are discoverable at the exact moment people need them. That includes your Google Business Profile, your website, your directory listings (like Yellow Pages Online) and even your customer reviews. When these elements are aligned, you build trust, improve visibility and ultimately increase bookings.

In short, search engine optimisation isn’t just for big brands – it’s one of the most valuable tools a cleaning business can use to grow without directly spending money on advertising.

Local SEO for cleaning services.

Once you understand why SEO matters, the next step is knowing how to do it right. Here’s how to build a solid local SEO foundation for your cleaning business:

  • Set up and optimise your Google Business Profile.

Complete every field – service areas, categories, hours, photos and a keyword-rich description. Keep your information up to date to ensure you’re visible in the local map pack.

  • Use local keywords on your website.

Incorporate suburb names and service types throughout your headings, page titles, meta descriptions and body content. Think ‘end of lease cleaning in [suburb]’ or ‘regular house cleaning [city]’.

  • Create suburb-specific landing pages.

If you service multiple areas, give each suburb its own dedicated page with unique content. Don’t copy and paste – tailor each to the local context.

  • Build internal links between services and suburb pages.

This helps users navigate your site and signals to search engines how your content is structured.

  • Use local business schema markup.

Adding structured data to your site makes it easier for search engines to understand your business type, location and services.

  • Improve your site’s page speed.

A slow-loading site can frustrate users and hurt your rankings – especially on a mobile. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify issues.

  • Ensure your technical SEO is sound.

This includes clean URL structures, proper use of headings, alt text on images and a secure (HTTPS) website. Even small fixes can impact your visibility.

  • Post regularly on your Google Business Profile.

Updates, promotions and photos keep your listing fresh and show Google you’re active.

  • Track performance.

Use tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics or keyword rank trackers to monitor how your pages are performing and where there’s room to grow.

With a strong local SEO setup, your business will start appearing in the right places when potential customers are searching for cleaners near them.

RELATED: How to set up and update your Google Business Profile.

Building a website for cleaning services.

A professional website is non-negotiable for any business. Your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients and it needs to make a strong impression. Here are the key elements your cleaning business website should include:

  • Service pages.

Clearly outline the services you offer, whether it’s house cleaning, commercial cleaning or specialised services like end-of-lease cleaning. Each service should have its own dedicated page with detailed descriptions and relevant keywords to improve SEO.

  • Contact information.

Make it easy for potential clients to get in touch. Include a contact form, phone number and email address. Consider adding a live chat feature for instant communication.

  • Customer testimonials.

Showcase positive reviews and testimonials from past customers. This builds trust and provides social proof of your quality service.

  • Mobile-friendliness.

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. Many local searches are conducted on mobile devices and a site that doesn’t perform well on mobile can lose you potential clients.

  • SEO optimisation.

Use local keywords, optimise meta descriptions and ensure your site loads quickly. These factors can significantly impact your search engine rankings and online visibility.

A well-designed, user-friendly website can be a powerful tool in attracting and converting potential clients.

Common local marketing mistakes to avoid.

Even with the right tools, it’s easy to fall into traps that limit your visibility or waste your marketing efforts. Here are common missteps cleaning businesses should steer clear of:

  • Using the same content across suburb pages.

Google will treat duplicated pages as low-value. Customise each location page with unique text, photos and references.

  • Keyword stuffing suburb names.

Don’t jam every suburb into one page or sentence. It reads poorly and won’t help your rankings. Keep it natural and specific.

  • Ignoring mobile users.

Most local search happens on phones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’ll lose bookings – fast.

  • Letting your Google Business Profile go stale.

An inactive profile signals to Google (and customers) that you might be closed or unresponsive. Post regular updates.

  • Not responding to reviews.

Whether it’s praise or criticism, replying shows professionalism and builds trust.

  • Focusing only on ads.

Paid ads can help, but they work best when supported by strong organic visibility. Don’t rely on them as your only strategy.

RELATED: Content ideas for every industry.

Beyond visibility: building trust and repeat business.

Local SEO might get you seen, but trust and retention are what build long-term success. Here’s how to convert one-time jobs into regular clients and make your cleaning service the go-to choice in your area:

  • Make booking simple.

An online booking system that lets clients choose services and appointment times without back-and-forth messaging can be a game-changer. Consider platforms like Thryv to streamline this experience.

  • Automate follow-ups.

Send friendly reminders for upcoming appointments, requests for reviews, or follow-up offers for ongoing service plans. Automation can help you stay top of mind without extra admin.

  • Show who you are.

Include team photos on your website, use uniforms in your marketing images, and post real before-and-after shots (with client permission). Cleaning is a trust-based business, visuals help humanise your brand.

  • Display credentials clearly.

If your team has police checks, insurance or specialised training, say so – loudly. These trust signals matter to cautious clients.

  • Offer incentives for loyalty.

Whether it’s a discount on every fifth clean or a referral bonus, give clients a reason to stick around and spread the word.

  • Post your work.

A time-lapse of a transformation or a snapshot of a freshly cleaned kitchen isn’t just satisfying, it builds credibility and encourages shares.

  • Share helpful content on social media.

Quick cleaning tips, reels, and behind-the-scenes clips can build familiarity and trust. A friendly online presence can turn browsers into bookings.

  • Make pricing transparent.

If possible, let customers request quotes online or view estimated costs upfront. A simple pricing calculator or pre-set service bundles can remove friction and help close leads faster.

Trust and convenience aren’t just benefits – they’re expectations. The easier you make it to book and rebook, the more likely you are to turn leads into loyal customers.

How to advertise cleaning services (without wasting money).

A comprehensive digital marketing strategy tailored for cleaning companies should include social media, email marketing and customer reviews to enhance online visibility and engage potential customers effectively.

Here are practical, low-cost advertising strategies to help promote your cleaning business without overspending:

  • Claim and optimise your directory listings.

Start with Yellow Pages Online and other trusted local directories. Make sure your business name, contact details, services and photos are all accurate and up to date.

  • Encourage and share customer reviews.

Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google and Yellow Pages Online. Repurpose these testimonials on your website, social media or marketing materials to build credibility.

  • Tap into local communities.

Distribute flyers in high-density residential areas, join local Facebook groups or sponsor a school newsletter. Visibility in your neighbourhood builds recognition and trust.

  • Partner with related businesses.

Team up with real estate agents, property managers or home organisers who can refer clients your way.

  • Start small with paid ads.

If you do want to try Facebook or Google Ads, set a modest budget and keep the targeting tight – just your local area and service keywords.

Focus on visibility that connects you directly with the people most likely to hire you, rather than spending on broad or generic campaigns.

Measuring success with Google Analytics.

To ensure your marketing efforts are paying off, it’s essential to track and measure your success. Google Analytics is a powerful tool that can provide valuable insights into your website’s performance. Here are some key metrics to monitor:

  • Website traffic: Track the number of visitors to your site. An increase in traffic can indicate that your SEO and marketing efforts are working.
  • Bounce rate: This metric shows the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate could indicate that your site isn’t engaging or that visitors aren’t finding what they’re looking for.
  • Conversion rate: Measure the percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as filling out a contact form or booking a service. This is a critical metric for assessing the effectiveness of your website and marketing campaigns.
  • Source of traffic: Identify where your traffic is coming from – whether it’s organic search, social media or referral sites. This can help you understand which marketing channels are most effective.

Standing out in the cleaning industry doesn’t require a massive budget, but it does require a smart, consistent approach. With strong local SEO, a reliable online presence, and community-focused marketing, your cleaning business can attract more leads, earn more trust, and grow sustainably.

Need help getting started? List your business on Yellow Pages Online to boost your visibility and connect with more local customers today.

Or take it further with Thryv – a powerful all-in-one platform to help you manage reviews, run ads, automate follow-ups, and grow your business while you focus on the work that matters.

FAQs

What is the best marketing strategy for a cleaning business?
The most effective strategy combines local SEO, online reviews and directory listings like Yellow Pages Online. Focus on being visible in your service area and building trust through social proof.

How do I find customers for my cleaning business?
Start by listing your business on trusted directories, asking for referrals and joining local Facebook groups. Flyers in residential areas and small paid ads targeted to your suburb can also work well.

How do I market myself as a cleaner?
Build a strong online presence with a Google Business Profile and a simple website that highlights your services, team and reviews. Share before-and-after photos, cleaning tips or quick videos to build trust and stand out.

The post SEO for cleaning & home services businesses: a guide to local marketing. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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Local SEO and marketing tips for dental services. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/local-seo-and-marketing-tips-for-dental-services/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 02:10:09 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/partnerships// Running a successful dental practice isn’t just about providing great patient care—it’s about ensuring local patients can find and trust your services....

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Running a successful dental practice isn’t just about providing great patient care—it’s about ensuring local patients can find and trust your services. With the right dental marketing and local SEO strategies, dentists can attract more patients, improve online visibility and grow their practice.

In this article, we’ll cover practical strategies to market your dental services, find new patients and optimise your local SEO efforts to stand out from competitors.

SEO in dentistry.

Dental search engine optimisation (SEO) refers to optimising a dental practice’s online presence to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). This includes improving website content, using relevant keywords, enhancing local SEO for dentists and increasing online visibility to attract more potential patients.

Why is SEO important for dentists?

SEO is crucial for dental practices because most patients start their search for a dentist online. A strong SEO strategy helps your practice:

  • Increase visibility: Higher search rankings mean more potential patients can find your clinic
  • Attract targeted traffic: SEO helps bring in patients who are actively searching for dental services
  • Enhance local reach: Local SEO ensures your practice appears in searches from nearby patients
  • Improve cost-effectiveness: Unlike paid ads, SEO provides long-term traffic and visibility without ongoing costs
  • Build trust and credibility: Ranking high on Google signals professionalism and reliability to potential patients.

Investing in SEO is an investment in the long-term growth of your dental practice.

RELATED: 6 critical SEO trends to embrace in 2025.

Local SEO for dentists.

Local SEO focuses on optimising your dental practice’s online presence to attract more patients from local searches. This ensures that when someone searches for ‘dentist near me’ or ‘best dental clinic in [city]’, your practice appears at the top of the SERP. Implementing dentist local SEO strategies can significantly increase foot traffic and appointment bookings.

Conducting keyword research for dental SEO.

Keyword research is a crucial step in any dental SEO strategy. It involves identifying the keywords and phrases that prospective patients use to search for dental services online. By understanding what keywords are most relevant to your dental practice, you can optimise your website and online presence to attract more qualified traffic.

How to perform keyword research for your dental website.

Performing keyword research for your dental website involves several steps:

  1. Brainstorm keywords: Start by brainstorming a list of keywords related to your dental services. Include general terms like ‘dentist’ and ‘dental care’, as well as more specific terms like ‘cosmetic dentistry’ and ‘implant dentistry’.
  2. Use keyword research tools: Utilise online tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyse the search volume and competition for each keyword. These tools can provide valuable insights into which keywords are most popular among prospective patients.
  3. Identify long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are more specific and often less competitive. Examples include ‘dentist in [your city]’ or ‘dental implants [your city]’. These keywords can help you attract more targeted traffic.
  4. Analyse competitors: Look at your competitors’ websites to see which keywords they are targeting. This can help you identify gaps in the market and opportunities to rank for keywords that your competitors are not targeting.
  5. Find keyword gaps: Use keyword research tools to identify gaps in the market. Look for keywords with high search volume but low competition, as these represent opportunities to attract more traffic to your dental website.

Top ranking local dental keywords.

Some of the top dental keywords to rank for include:

  • ‘Dentist [your city]’
  • ‘Dental care [your city]’
  • ‘Cosmetic dentistry [your city]’
  • ‘Implant dentistry [your city]’
  • ‘Teeth whitening [your city]’
  • ‘Dental implants [your city]’
  • ‘Dentures [your city]’
  • ‘Root canal [your city]’
  • ‘Dental crowns [your city]’

What is the best marketing strategy for dental practices?

Marketing for dentists requires a mix of online and offline strategies. Here are some of the best ways to attract new patients:

  1. Create a professional website: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, fast-loading and easy to navigate. Include clear service descriptions, patient testimonials and calls to action like ‘Book an Appointment’.
  2. Optimise for SEO: Use relevant keywords like ‘best dentist in [city]’ to improve your search visibility. Investing in dental SEO services can provide a competitive edge by attracting more visitors and converting them into patients.
  3. Leverage social media: Engage with patients on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by sharing before and after photos, dental tips and promotions.
  4. Encourage patient reviews: Positive reviews on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Healthgrades help build trust and improve search rankings.
  5. Run local advertising campaigns: Use Google Ads and Facebook Ads to target potential patients in your area.
  6. Invest in content marketing: Publish blog posts, FAQs and videos on dental care topics to educate patients and boost SEO for dentists.

RELATED: What is the best SEO strategy for small business?

How do dentists advertise?

Dentists can use various methods to advertise their services and attract new patients, including:

  • Search engine optimisation (SEO): Ensures your practice ranks well in search results. Partnering with an SEO agency can provide tailored campaigns and expertise in tracking SEO results effectively. Understanding the SEO cost is crucial, as prices can range from $2500 to over $10,000 per month depending on various factors like location and services offered.
  • Pay-per-click (PPC) ads: Google Ads and social media ads drive targeted traffic to your website.
  • Social media marketing: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn help engage with potential patients.
  • Email marketing: Send newsletters with promotions, appointment reminders and dental care tips.
  • Referral programs: Encourage existing patients to refer friends and family in exchange for discounts or rewards.
  • Community engagement: Sponsor local events, school programs and charity initiatives to increase visibility.

Optimising for local SEO.

Local SEO ensures your practice appears in searches when patients look for dental services in your area. Here’s how to optimise your local SEO:

  • Optimise your Google Business Profile: Ensure your profile is complete with your practice name, address, phone number, operating hours and photos.
  • Use local keywords:  Include phrases like ‘family dentist in [city]’ or ’emergency dental clinic [suburb]’ in your website content.
  • Build local citations: List your practice on directories like Yellow Pages Online, True Local, Healthgrades and Dentist Directory.
  • Ensure a mobile-friendly website: Many patients search for dentists on their phones. A fast-loading, easy-to-use site improves user experience and rankings.
  • Encourage online reviews: Positive reviews improve local search rankings and build patient trust. Respond to all reviews—both positive and negative—to show engagement.

On-page SEO for dentist websites.

On-page SEO involves optimising your website’s pages to rank higher in search engine results. Key strategies include:

  • Using target keywords naturally in page titles, headers and meta descriptions
  • Writing detailed service descriptions with relevant keywords
  • Including patient testimonials and before-and-after images
  • Using internal links to guide visitors to other relevant pages on your site
  • Adding alt text to images for better accessibility and SEO.

Technical SEO for dental websites.

Technical SEO ensures your website functions well and is easy for search engines to crawl. Make sure your site:

  • Loads quickly: Check speed with Google PageSpeed Insights)
  • Is mobile-friendly: Responsive design is crucial for rankings and patient experience
  • Has secure HTTPS encryption to protect patient information
  • Fix broken links and include an XML sitemap for better search indexing.

RELATED: On-page SEO vs technical SEO: what is the difference?

Off-page SEO for dental professionals.

Off-page SEO helps improve rankings through activities outside your website, such as:

  • Building high-quality backlinks
    Get listed on reputable dental directories, guest post on industry blogs and gain backlinks from trusted sites
  • Engaging on social media
    Share valuable content, respond to patient inquiries and participate in local groups to build relationships
  • Guest blogging
    Writing for other healthcare or dental websites helps establish authority and improve search rankings.

Need help getting started? List your business on Yellow Pages Online to boost your visibility and connect with more local customers today.

Or take it further with Thryv – a powerful all-in-one platform to help you manage reviews, run ads, automate follow-ups and grow your business while you focus on the work that matters.

The post Local SEO and marketing tips for dental services. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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Accounting SEO: Local marketing tips for finance & investment services. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/accounting-seo-local-marketing-tips-for-finance-investment-services/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:49:53 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/partnerships// Running a successful accounting or finance business isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about ensuring local clients can easily find and trust your...

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Running a successful accounting or finance business isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about ensuring local clients can easily find and trust your services.

With the right digital marketing strategies – especially in the competitive field of the financial services sector – and local search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies, accountants, financial advisors and investment professionals can overcome resource limitations, attract more clients and establish themselves as industry leaders.

In this article, we’ll cover practical strategies to market your accounting or finance business, find clients and optimise your local SEO efforts to stand out from competitors.

What is SEO for financial services?

SEO for financial services involves a specialised digital marketing strategy that enhances a finance company’s visibility in search engine results. This includes keyword research, local SEO, content marketing and technical optimisations to ensure your site is visible to potential clients searching for financial solutions.

Does SEO work for financial advisors?

Yes, it does. SEO is a powerful tool for financial services providers, helping them enhance their SEO strategies to improve organic visibility and attract clients who are actively searching for financial planning, investment advice or tax assistance. A well-optimised website can increase visibility, build credibility and drive more qualified leads.

Why is SEO important for accounting, finance & investment services?

SEO is crucial for professionals in the financial services sector because it ensures your business appears in search results when potential clients are looking for your expertise. Given the vital role of the financial services sector in the economy, effective online marketing strategies are essential. Here’s why SEO matters:

  • Increased visibility: Many people search online for accountants or financial advisors before making a decision. A strong SEO strategy ensures your business ranks higher in search results.
  • Targeted traffic: SEO helps attract visitors actively looking for financial services, increasing the chances of conversion.
  • Local reach: Local SEO connects you with clients in your area who need services like tax preparation, investment advice or bookkeeping.
  • Cost-effective: Unlike paid advertising, SEO provides long-term visibility and organic traffic without ongoing costs.
  • Builds trust: High rankings signal credibility, making potential clients more likely to trust your services.

Investing in SEO is an investment in the long-term success of your finance business.

Understanding local SEO.

Local SEO focuses on optimising your online presence to attract more business from local searches. For accountants and financial professionals, this means ensuring that when someone in your service area searches for tax services, bookkeeping or financial planning, your business appears at the top of the search engine results page (SERP).

Financial service companies can enhance their digital marketing strategies through effective content creation, including visual content like videos and infographics. This is crucial for local SEO as it targets people actively looking for your services. By optimising your website and online profiles, you can increase visibility and convert more visitors into long-term clients.

RELATED: What is the best SEO strategy for small business?

Keyword research for finance & accounting services.

Keyword research is the foundation of any SEO strategy. In the context of financial services SEO, developing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy aimed at enhancing online visibility is crucial. Identify the search terms potential clients use when looking for accounting or financial services. Start by brainstorming services such as ‘small business tax accountant’, ‘investment advisor near me’, or ‘financial planning for retirees’.

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs or SEMrush to find related keywords and assess their search volume. Look for long-tail keywords like ‘best financial advisor in [city]’ or ‘tax return services in [suburb]’. These keywords often have lower competition and higher conversion rates due to their specific intent.

How do I market myself as a financial advisor?

Marketing yourself as a financial advisor requires building credibility, establishing trust and making it easy for potential clients to find you. Here are seven strategies to help you stand out:

  1. Develop a strong online presence
    Create a professional website showcasing your services, credentials and success stories. Include a blog with financial advice to position yourself as an expert.
  2. Optimise for SEO
    Use keywords like ‘financial advisor in [city]’ or ‘investment planning near me’ to improve your search visibility. List your business on directories like Yellow Pages, Google Business Profile and LinkedIn.
  3. Leverage social media
    Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are excellent for sharing financial insights, client success stories, and market updates to engage with potential clients.
  4. Attend networking events
    Join local business groups, attend financial planning seminars and collaborate with real estate agents, lawyers, and accountants to build a referral network.
  5. Encourage word-of-mouth referrals
    Satisfied clients are your best advocates. Ask for testimonials and referrals and consider offering incentives for successful referrals.
  6. Get reviews and testimonials
    Positive client reviews on Google and finance-specific platforms build trust and help new clients feel confident in choosing your services.
  7. Create educational content
    Publish blog posts, whitepapers, and video explainers on financial planning, investment strategies and tax-saving tips. Educating clients establishes you as a trusted expert.

Marketing yourself as an accountant or financial expert requires building a strong, professional brand. Here are seven ways to make your brand stand out from the crowd:

  1. Create a professional website
    Your website should be user-friendly, with clear service descriptions, contact details, and calls to action like ‘Schedule a Consultation’ or ‘Request a Quote.’
  2. Leverage social media
    Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are excellent for engaging with potential clients. Share financial tips, market insights and updates about your services.
  3. Network locally
    Attend business events, join local chambers of commerce and partner with related industries (e.g. mortgage brokers, real estate agents) to reach more clients.
  4. Use traditional marketing
    Flyers, brochures and sponsorships at local business expos can still be effective, especially for B2B services.
  5. Encourage word-of-mouth referrals
    Satisfied clients are your best marketing tool. Offer incentives for referrals to attract more business.
  6. Get online reviews
    Positive reviews on Google Business Profile, Yellow Pages and Facebook enhance credibility and improve SEO rankings.
  7. Invest in content marketing
    Publish blog posts, financial guides or tax tips to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.

How to optimise for local SEO?

Local SEO ensures your business shows up when people search for financial services in your area. Here’s how to make it work for you:

  • Optimise your Google Business Profile – Ensure your profile is complete with accurate business information, photos and regular updates.
  • Use local keywords – Include phrases like ‘accountant in [city]’ or ‘investment advisor near [suburb]’ in your website content and meta descriptions.
  • Build local citations – List your business on reputable directories like Yellow Pages, True Local and Oneflare to improve credibility.
  • Ensure a mobile-friendly website – Many people search for financial services on their phones. A fast-loading, mobile-optimised site enhances user experience and SEO rankings.
  • Encourage online reviews – Positive reviews build trust and improve local search rankings. Responding to reviews shows engagement and professionalism.
  • Utilise Google Search Console – Use Google Search Console to gain insights on keywords that generate impressions but aren’t receiving clicks. Incorporating these keywords can enhance the visibility and effectiveness of your content.

RELATED: How to set up and update your Google Business Profile.

On-page SEO for finance websites.

On-page SEO involves optimising your website’s pages to rank higher in search engine results. Key strategies include:

  • Using target keywords naturally in page titles, headers and meta descriptions
  • Writing detailed service descriptions with relevant keywords
  • Including client testimonials and case studies to build trust
  • Using internal links to guide visitors to relevant pages on your site
  • Adding alt text to images for better accessibility and SEO
  • Setting up Google Analytics to collect and analyse relevant data, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.

Technical SEO for finance websites.

Technical SEO focuses on backend website elements that impact performance and search rankings. Ensure your site:

  • Loads quickly (use Google PageSpeed Insights to check speed)
  • Is mobile-friendly (responsive design is crucial for rankings and user experience)
  • Has secure HTTPS encryption to build trust with visitors
  • Fixes broken links and includes an XML sitemap for better search engine crawling. Partnering with an SEO agency can provide tailored strategies and comprehensive technical support to enhance these aspects.

Off-page SEO for financial professionals.

Off-page SEO improves rankings through activities beyond your website, such as:

  • Building high-quality backlinks – Get listed on finance directories, guest post on reputable sites and gain links from industry blogs to reach your target audiences within the financial services sector.
  • Engaging on social media – Share valuable content, participate in finance-related discussions and interact with potential clients.
  • Guest blogging – Writing for other websites helps establish authority and gain quality backlinks.

By implementing these local SEO and marketing strategies, accountants and financial professionals can boost visibility, attract more clients and grow their business.

Measuring success with SEO KPIs.

Measuring the success of an SEO strategy in the financial services industry requires tracking a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs). Some of the most important KPIs to track include:

  • Organic traffic: The number of visitors to your website who come from search engines
  • Search engine rankings: The position of your website in search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords
  • Conversion rate: The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as filling out a form or making a purchase
  • Bounce rate: The percentage of visitors who leave your website immediately after arriving
  • Average session duration: The amount of time visitors spend on your website
  • Pages per session: The number of pages visitors view during a single session.

By tracking these KPIs, financial services companies can gain a better understanding of how their SEO strategy is performing and make data-driven decisions to improve their online presence.

In addition to these KPIs, financial services companies should also track their return on investment (ROI) from SEO efforts. This can be done by tracking the revenue generated from organic traffic and comparing it to the cost of SEO efforts.

It’s important to track the progress of your SEO efforts over time. This can be done by setting up a baseline and tracking the changes in your KPIs over time. SEO is a long-term strategy, and it may take some time to see the results, so it’s important to be patient and consistent in your efforts.

Need help getting started? List your business on Yellow Pages Online to boost your visibility and connect with more local customers today.

Or take it further with Thryv – a powerful all-in-one platform to help you manage reviews, run ads, automate follow-ups and grow your business while you focus on the work that matters.

The post Accounting SEO: Local marketing tips for finance & investment services. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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eBook: The complete guide to online review sites. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/ebook-the-complete-guide-to-online-review-sites/ Wed, 28 May 2025 02:30:29 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/?post_type=hub&p=7014 Reviews are like gold for small business owners – they help convince potential customers, they’re a valuable source of marketing insight and...

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Reviews are like gold for small business owners – they help convince potential customers, they’re a valuable source of marketing insight and they can help your SEO rankings. Research shows that 98% of Australian consumers check reviews before they buy a product, so it’s worth making an effort to cultivate them. Basically, the more reviews you can pull in, the better.

But how do you get your business onto the right review sites, encourage customers to leave reviews and deal with any negativity that comes your way?

This guide is designed to help Australian SMBs manage their reviews effectively, including:

  • Review sites – picking the best review sites for your sector
  • Profiles – setting up business profiles on review sites
  • Review generation – how to encourage customers to leave reviews
  • Leveraging reviews – using positive reviews in your marketing
  • Minimising negativity – responding to and learning from negative reviews.

RELATED: How to get and respond to reviews online.

Customers will find a way to review your business whether you like it or not. Why not find a way to turn those reviews into a positive? Our free eBook gets you started.

Download eBook


FAQs for online review sites.

What is the best online review site?
That depends on your industry. Google Business Profile is a must for local search, but there are other platforms better suited to trades, hospitality and B2B services. Our eBook breaks down the top review sites by sector so you can choose the right ones for your business.

How do online reviews work?
Customers leave ratings and feedback on platforms like Google or Yellow Pages, often after a service or purchase. These reviews influence visibility and reputation—sometimes before a customer even visits your website. We cover how to manage, respond to and make the most of them inside the guide.

What are the downsides of online review sites?
Negative reviews, fake comments or platform limitations can all be tricky to navigate. But with the right response strategy, even criticism can be turned into a strength. We explain how in the eBook.

Do customers actually care about reviews?
Yes—nearly every Australian checks reviews before buying. They’re a key influence on decision-making, so it pays to invest in your review strategy. Download the eBook to learn how.

Can online reviews be trusted?
Many can—but not all. That’s why it’s essential to build trust with consistent, authentic reviews and respond professionally.

RELATED: What to do if you get a fake online review for your business.

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Review response examples: Cut and paste templates to make reviews easy. https://www.yellow.com.au/business-hub/seo/local-seo/cut-and-paste-templates-to-make-reviews-easy/ Wed, 28 May 2025 02:00:32 +0000 https://www.yellow.com.au/?post_type=hub&p=7009 Managing online reviews can be time-consuming, but responding the right way could mean the difference between a satisfied customer and one who...

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Managing online reviews can be time-consuming, but responding the right way could mean the difference between a satisfied customer and one who never comes back.

Need to keep up with reviews without eating into that precious work time? Cut and paste our review templates to make it quick and simple.

Why responding to reviews is vital.

Customers notice when you respond—89% are more likely to buy from a business that replies to every review.

That’s why it’s worth replying with care, speed and empathy—especially when feedback is negative.

RELATED: How to get and respond to reviews online.

What makes a great response.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a glowing 5-star or a harsh 1-star, your tone and structure should always reflect professionalism, empathy and a genuine willingness to engage.

A strong review response should:

  • Acknowledge: Thank the reviewer for their feedback
  • Personalise: Refer to something specific they mentioned
  • Offer: Suggest a next step, apology, or solution if needed.

Stay calm, constructive and professional—even when the review isn’t.

RELATED: Online reputation management: Why it matters and how to get it right.

Your review toolkit. 

If you’re spending far too much time coming up with appropriate responses to reviews, templates can be a lifesaver. Keep them handy, then copy, paste and tweak to fit the specific instance you’re dealing with.

We’ve come up with some boilerplate responses to common types of review below to get you started:

Inaccurate or unfair review.

What happens if you get a low rating along with completely inaccurate or unfair feedback? While it’s tempting to respond with anger or snark, it’s important to stay calm – remember, your other customers could be reading, too.

Response template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your experience with our [product, service or location]. It sounds like [explanation or rebuttal of details – for example, the location wasn’t open at the time].

We’d love to talk more about your issue. Get in touch on [contact details] and we’d be happy to chat.

[Sign off]

Accurate but negative review.

Sometimes, customers will have a legitimately negative experience with your business. It’s not fun to get these reviews, but they’re a good chance to apologise, offer a solution and potentially repair your relationship with the disgruntled customer.

Response template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for reaching out to share your experience. We’re sorry to hear that [details of issue here] didn’t live up to your expectations. We’d like to offer you a [refund/redelivery/voucher] to make it up to you – please get in touch on [contact details] so we can make that happen.

Thank you again for letting us know about your issue. Your feedback helps us improve our services and do better by our customers. We hope you’ll give us another chance sometime!

[Sign off]

Positive ‘but’ review.

It’s a bit frustrating to get a mostly positive review with a lower rating thanks to a minor issue. A customer might rave about your hotel rooms, for example, but dock points because your lift was out of service. It can feel as if customers look for tiny issues to pick on.

However, these reviews can be a chance to play up the positives and minimise the negatives. If you can offer a solution to the problem – for example, if the broken lift is now fixed or the delivery delays have been resolved, make sure to mention that as well.

Response template:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to offer your feedback. We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed our [details of positive experiences here]. We’re sorry to hear about the [negative issue] and we hope it didn’t affect your experience too much. We’ll be looking into it and it should be resolved next time we see you.

Thanks again,

[Sign off]

Intensely detailed review.

You’ll probably come across some ‘professional reviewer’ reviews. Written by influencers or people who fancy themselves as pro reviewers, these often include bullet point lists of pros and cons and tend to be fairly balanced overall. When a reviewer has made the effort to write a long, detailed review, it’s only fair to respond with an equally thoughtful and detailed response.

Response template:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to give us such detailed feedback. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the [positive details here].

Of course, we’re also happy to hear about what we can do better. Thanks for letting us know about your experience with [negative/less positive detail] – this sort of feedback is helpful as we work to improve our [service or product] even further.

We hope to see you again soon.

Thanks again,

[Sign off]

Short but sweet review.

Finally, we get to the positive reviews. Often, customers won’t have as much to say when they’re happy with your service. Many will leave a five-star review along with a couple of words or a single sentence about your business.

The good news? Replying to these short-but-sweet reviews is simple.

Response template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for your feedback. We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with [business or location name].

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

[Sign off]

Rave review.

Everyone loves a glowing five-star review with plenty of detail. These reviews are a valuable asset, giving potential customers insight into your business as well as upping your star rating.

Here’s how to respond.

Response template:

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed [detail from review] and [detail from review]. If you’d like to let us know more, please feel free to get in touch at [contact details].

We look forward to welcoming you back soon.

[Sign off]

Asking for feedback.

The value of reviews is clear, but how do you encourage customers to write them? Many of your happy customers won’t think to leave a review, while unhappy customers may be more motivated to offer their feedback. One simple strategy that can help boost your positive reviews? Asking.

Make review requests part of your post-sale strategy and make leaving a review as simple as possible.

Add a line asking for a review at the end of each sales email.

Request template:

Thanks for choosing [business name] for your [details of product/service]. We love to hear from our customers, so please leave a review letting us know about your experience.
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To make it as easy as possible for customers to leave a review, include a link to your website or most-used review site. You could also incentivise reviews with a prize draw or discount code.

Review management made easy.

Reviews can be a powerful tool for your business—but only if you manage them well. Use our templates to save time, strengthen customer relationships and boost your reputation.

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The post Review response examples: Cut and paste templates to make reviews easy. appeared first on Yellow Pages.

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