Running a business in Western Australia comes with its own unique set of challenges. We’re geographically isolated, we serve tight-knit communities, and we rely heavily on mobile tech to find what we need. In this landscape, Local SEO isn’t just useful—it’s critical.
Whether you’re a tradie in Bunbury, a café owner in Leederville, or a physio in Geraldton, having a strong local search presence means the difference between getting found by nearby customers—or not at all.
What Is Local SEO and How’s It Different?
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is all about helping your business appear higher in search engine results. Local SEO narrows that focus—it’s about showing up when someone nearby searches for what you offer.
Instead of targeting broad, nationwide keywords like “dentist” or “marketing agency,” local SEO aims for things like:
- “Dentist in Rockingham”
- “Marketing agency near West Perth”
- “Best fish and chips in Mandurah”
These are the types of searches real customers are doing every day. If your business doesn’t appear, they’ll go with someone else—usually someone who has invested in local SEO.
Why WA Businesses Can’t Ignore It
There are a few specific reasons why Local SEO is especially important for businesses in Western Australia:
1. Our Isolation Demands Local Focus
We’re far from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane—not just in distance but in digital trends, competition, and customer behaviour. WA customers are more likely to search locally because they know the east coast options aren’t relevant.
2. Suburbs Drive the Searches
Perth is not just “Perth.” It’s dozens of suburbs, each with their own mini-ecosystem. People look for services in their own suburb first. If you’re not optimising for places like Morley, Baldivis, or Cannington, you’re missing traffic.
3. We’re On Our Phones—A Lot
Mobile usage in WA is huge. When someone searches “car wash near me,” they’re usually on the move and ready to act. If your business isn’t mobile-friendly and showing up on maps, you’re invisible.
4. Word of Mouth Has Gone Digital
Even in regional WA, people check Google reviews before deciding on a local business. Local SEO puts you in front of those customers at the exact moment they’re making decisions.
How to Win with Local SEO in WA: Practical Steps
Let’s get into the good stuff. These are the WA-specific tactics that actually work:
1. Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is your digital shopfront. If it’s missing or neglected, customers won’t find you. Make sure to:
- Add your exact business name, address, phone number, and hours
- Upload clear, local images of your shop or team
- Use suburb-based keywords in your description
- Post regular updates (specials, events, changes)
- Respond to reviews, even the bad ones
Doing this builds trust and increases your chances of appearing on Google Maps.
2. Create Suburb-Specific Landing Pages
If you service multiple areas, don’t lump everything into one generic “Perth” page. Instead, create individual landing pages like:
- “Electrician in Clarkson”
- “Family Lawyer in Applecross”
- “Hairdresser near Ellenbrook”
Make each page unique with details about that suburb, client testimonials, and relevant services. Avoid copy-pasting—Google hates that.
3. Ask for Reviews the Right Way
In WA, we tend to be polite and low-key—but that shouldn’t stop you from asking for reviews. Most happy customers will leave one if you make it easy.
- Add a Google review link in your email signature
- Send a polite SMS after service with a direct review link
- Display signage asking for reviews (e.g. “Love our service? Let us know on Google!”)
The more local reviews you get, the more credible you look to Google—and your community.
4. Get Local Backlinks and Mentions
Backlinks from WA-based websites matter more than random backlinks from international blogs. To earn these:
- List your business on WA directories
- Reach out to local blogs or influencers
- Offer to write tips for your industry on community websites
- Sponsor local events, school sports, or markets (they often link back to your site)
These links tell Google: “This business is part of the WA ecosystem.”
5. Be Consistent with Your NAP
Your Name, Address and Phone number (NAP) must match everywhere online: website, Google, Facebook, Yellow Pages, local directories. Inconsistencies confuse both Google and potential customers.
Use exactly the same format and spelling. If your address is “Suite 2, Level 1,” don’t write “Lvl 1, Ste 2” somewhere else.
6. Think Beyond Text—Use Photos and Videos
WA customers want to know who they’re dealing with. Real images of your location, staff, jobs completed, and the local area can build trust instantly.
- Add suburb names in your image file names and alt text (e.g. “installing-solar-panels-midland.jpg”)
- Use videos to answer common local questions
- Share your process and show your face—it humanises your brand
7. Post Local Content, Not Just Generic Info
Don’t just talk about what you do—talk about where you do it. Ideas for local content:
- “5 Common Plumbing Issues in Older Fremantle Homes”
- “Why Our Clients in Scarborough Choose Us for Digital Marketing”
- “Tips for Maintaining Your Garden During Kalgoorlie’s Dry Season”
This proves your relevance to WA searchers and gives Google fresh content to rank.
Final Word: Local SEO Is an Ongoing Investment
If you’re a WA business owner, you’re already used to rolling up your sleeves and doing things properly. Local SEO is no different—it’s not a “set it and forget it” task.
Treat it like a monthly job:
- Check your rankings
- Respond to reviews
- Add new suburb pages
- Post something relevant and local
When you do, you’ll find more of your ideal customers—not through ads or cold calls, but by simply being visible when they’re looking.
