Imagine you’ve built a stunning website, invested in ads, and posted regularly on social media, yet your phone still isn’t ringing. The missing piece? Your Google Business Profile (GBP).
In today’s digital-first world, most customers discover local businesses through Google Maps and local search results. A well-optimised GBP not only boosts your visibility but also builds credibility and trust within your community.
As an Australian business owner, your goal isn’t just to appear on Google, it’s to stand out on it. In this guide, we’ll share actionable Local SEO hacks that can help your business rise above competitors and attract high-intent customers.
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is more than just a digital listing; it’s your brand’s storefront on Google. When optimised strategically, it acts as a magnet for nearby customers searching for your services.
A properly maintained GBP is one of the strongest ranking factors in Local SEO, impacting your visibility on the “Local Pack” (the top three business listings displayed in Google search). It tells Google exactly who you are, where you are, and what you offer; crucial information that determines your local search ranking.
To understand how Local SEO integrates with broader marketing, you can explore how it supports digital growth strategies in our article The Rise of Answer Engines: What It Means for SEO and Digital Marketing.
Many businesses create a Google Business Profile and forget about it, a costly mistake. Here are some common pitfalls that can hinder your local visibility:
Fixing these issues is the first step to unlocking your GBP’s true potential.
Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and website URL are consistent across every online platform.
Inconsistency confuses Google’s algorithms and can push your profile down in search results. Add accurate business hours, attributes (like wheelchair accessibility or online appointments), and a concise business description infused with Local SEO keywords.
Your primary category defines your main offering, while secondary categories support additional services.
For example, a company like Priority1 Group might choose “Digital Marketing Agency” as the primary and “Bookkeeping Service” or “Website Designer” as secondary categories. These choices signal Google about your core expertise.
Posting updates, offers, and articles keeps your profile active and engaging. It also tells Google your business is trustworthy and current.
Consider sharing insights from your own blog, to attract clicks directly from your GBP.
Reviews are among the top-ranking signals for local search.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond to everyone, positive or negative, with professionalism.
Google rewards engagement, and so does potential clients.
Profiles with vibrant images receive significantly more clicks.
Upload high-resolution photos of your office, team, or recent projects. If you’re a digital marketing agency in Brisbane, you can showcase office life or client success stories, reinforcing your credibility.
When people search for “bookkeepers near me” or “SEO agency near me,” Google references proximity, relevance, and prominence.
To rank for such terms, include location-specific keywords (like Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne) naturally within your GBP description and website.
For example, view our SEO Services Brisbane page to see how localisation enhances ranking.
List every core service or product on your profile with keyword-rich, easy-to-read descriptions.
Include FAQs addressing common customer queries.
Example: “Do you offer bookkeeping for NDIS providers?” or “Can I schedule a web design consultation online?” These help your GBP rank for voice and zero-click searches.
Use GBP Insights to analyse customer actions – calls, messages, website clicks, and direction requests.
This data helps identify which listings, posts, or keywords drive the most engagement.
Platforms like Podium and Google Business Manager allow you to schedule posts, automate review requests, and maintain an active presence without constant manual effort.
Your Google Business Profile doesn’t operate in isolation.
It works best when it’s aligned with your broader digital ecosystem, including your website, SEO, and advertising campaigns.
If you offer multiple services like digital marketing, web design, and bookkeeping, create separate pages on your site for each and reference them in your GBP services section. This strengthens relevance in Google’s eyes and helps users easily navigate to what they need.
By maintaining this harmony between your website and your Google Business Profile, you’re sending Google a powerful signal of trust, consistency, and authority all of which contribute to higher rankings and better visibility in local searches.
When optimised correctly, GBP enhances every aspect of your digital marketing strategy:
If you’re unsure where to start, Priority1 Group’s Digital Marketing team can integrate GBP optimisation with your existing online campaigns for measurable outcomes.
Businesses that actively maintain their Google Business Profiles often see:
These tangible results are the direct outcome of consistency and effort, not luck.
At Priority1 Group, we help Australian businesses build visibility, trust, and performance through holistic digital solutions.
From SEO strategies to reputation management and GBP optimisation, our approach blends data-driven insights with real-world results.
Our team tailors strategies for each client whether you’re a small business, an NDIS provider, or an eCommerce brand, ensuring your business gets found where it matters most: on Google.
A complete GBP overhaul isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, the smallest tweaks like updating your photos, refining categories, or responding to reviews can make a huge difference in your ranking and visibility.
Treat your Google Business Profile as a living, evolving part of your brand, one that deserves as much attention as your website.
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