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Local SEO Melbourne: A Simple Guide to Help You Rank Locally

May 09, 2025•5 min read

If you run a business in Melbourne and you're not yet using Local SEO, you’re probably leaving a lot of money on the table. These days, people don’t flip through a phone book when they need a plumber, a coffee shop, or even a lawyer. They Google it.

And when they search, they don’t go past the first page.

So how do you get your Melbourne business to show up right there, on top of those local search results? That’s exactly what Local SEO Melbourne is all about. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics, share tips, and show you how to rank better on Google, especially in local searches.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your business to show up in search results when someone nearby looks for your products or services. Think of it as telling Google, “Hey, I’m here in Melbourne, and I serve people in this area!”

Let’s say someone types in "best Thai restaurant in Melbourne" — if you own one, you want to appear at the top of that list, right?

Why is Local SEO in Melbourne Important?

Let’s take a quick story.

A friend of mine, Sarah, opened a boutique hair salon in Fitzroy. For the first three months, she relied on walk-ins and Instagram promotions, but bookings were slow. Once she optimized her Google Business Profile and added local keywords to her website, things changed dramatically. Within 4 weeks, she was ranking #3 on Google Maps and saw a 70% increase in bookings.

That’s the power of Local SEO Melbourne. It helps Melbourne businesses get found by locals who are actively looking for what you offer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Your Local SEO in Melbourne

1. Set Up or Claim Your Google Business Profile

Your first step is to create or claim your Google Business Profile. It’s 100% free and the most crucial factor in local SEO rankings.

Here’s how:

Go to Google Business
Log in with your Google account
Enter your business name and details
Verify your business through phone or postcard
Add accurate hours, categories, photos, and contact info

Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) is consistent everywhere online.

2. Optimize Your Website for Melbourne Local Keywords

Include keywords like:

Local SEO Melbourne
Melbourne digital marketing
SEO services in Melbourne
Best SEO expert in Melbourne

Use these naturally in your titles, headers, and throughout your content.

Also, don’t forget to create location-specific landing pages if you serve multiple areas like Richmond, Brunswick, or St Kilda.

3. Get Listed on Local Directories

Search engines trust your business more when your details are listed on reputable directories like:

Ensure your information is the same everywhere.

4. Gather Positive Reviews

Reviews play a big role in local search rankings and trust.

Ask your happy customers to leave a Google review. You can make it easier by sending them a direct review link.

Tip: Respond to all reviews — good or bad. It shows that you care.

5. Use Local Structured Data Markup

Adding schema markup to your website helps Google better understand your business.

You can use a plugin (if you're on WordPress) or ask your developer to add LocalBusiness schema with your:

Business name
Address
Phone
Opening hours

6. Create Locally-Focused Content

Write blog posts about Melbourne events, community news, or guides relevant to your industry. For example:

“Top 5 Wedding Venues in Melbourne 2025”
“How to Choose the Right Accountant in South Yarra”

This not only boosts SEO but builds a deeper connection with your audience.

7. Use Local Backlinks

Backlinks from other Melbourne websites help Google trust your site more.

Try:

Sponsoring local events
Joining Melbourne business associations
Writing guest posts for local blogs

How Long Does Local SEO Take to Work?

It depends. If your website is well-built and you start optimizing consistently, you could see improvements in 3-6 months. However, Local SEO is ongoing. Keep updating your content, building links, and encouraging reviews.

How Much Does Local SEO in Melbourne Cost?

It can range from $300 to $3000 per month, depending on whether you're doing it yourself, hiring a freelancer, or working with an agency. But think of it as an investment — not a cost.

Just like Sarah’s salon, one month of good Local SEO brought her more business than three months of flyers.

Final Thoughts: Is Local SEO Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you're serious about growing your business in Melbourne, Local SEO is not optional anymore. It’s what helps you stay ahead of your competition, get more calls, more visits, and ultimately — more customers.

So don’t wait. Take action today.

If you’re unsure where to start or want professional help, consider partnering with a local SEO expert in Melbourne who understands your business and your market.