Running a small business in Victoria today means competing not just with others on your street but also with national brands and online giants that seem to dominate every search result. From Google to Instagram, big names have the budget and brand recognition to stay front and centre.
But here’s the thing: size doesn’t always win when it comes to local relevance. Local businesses still have unique advantages that larger competitors simply can’t replicate—especially when they use digital tools strategically.
If you’re based in a competitive inner suburb like Richmond, a tailored SEO Richmond can help you cut through the noise and show up when it matters most—right when local customers are searching for you.
Let’s break down how your business can outmanoeuvre the big guys and claim your spot online.
1. Be Local, Not Generic
Big brands often struggle to tailor their messaging to specific suburbs or communities. That’s where local businesses have the edge. You know your neighbourhood, your customers, and the small touches that matter to them.
Highlight this across your website, blog, and social media. Use suburb names naturally in your content and show how your business fits into the daily life of the area. This signals to both people and Google that you’re part of the local fabric—not just another listing.
2. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing potential customers see. And yet, many businesses still leave theirs half-complete, out of date, or filled with unanswered reviews.
Invest time into it. Add fresh photos, business hours, product info, and respond to reviews regularly. This can dramatically increase visibility in local search results—especially the “map pack” that appears above organic listings.
A polished GBP isn’t just about ranking. It also builds trust. People are far more likely to contact or visit a business that looks active and responsive.
3. Build a Site That Works for Real People
You don’t need a flashy website—just a fast, clear, mobile-friendly one that helps people get what they need. The goal isn’t to impress Google robots. It’s to serve the actual human searching for a local plumber, hairdresser, consultant, or café in Richmond.
That said, Google does reward websites that load quickly, display well on phones, and have useful content that matches user intent. Make sure yours ticks those boxes.
Local landing pages—like one that speaks directly to Richmond customers—can help reinforce your location relevance and boost your local rankings.
4. Create Regionally Relevant Content
Big brands produce content at scale, but it often lacks that local touch. That’s your opportunity. Whether it’s a blog post about upcoming events in Richmond or tips that reflect your community’s lifestyle, region-specific content can help you stand out.
This also creates more opportunities to rank in local search queries. Someone searching for “best fitness options in Richmond” isn’t looking for a generic national directory—they’re hoping to find a business that feels local.
5. Leverage Local Links and Partnerships
Backlinks remain one of the strongest ranking factors in SEO—but they don’t all need to come from high-authority national sites. Links from local business directories, community organisations, and even neighbouring businesses can help boost your domain authority and signal your local presence.
Look for sponsorship opportunities, partnerships, and ways to get involved in local initiatives. These not only build credibility, they also lead to mentions and links that support your SEO efforts.
6. Be Consistent Across Platforms
One of the most overlooked aspects of local SEO is consistency. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across all platforms—Google, Facebook, your website, online directories, and anywhere else you’re listed.
Discrepancies can confuse both search engines and potential customers—and might even hurt your visibility.
Local businesses across Victoria, including in high-traffic areas like Richmond, don’t need to be left behind online. In fact, with the right digital strategy, you can easily outrank big-name competitors in your area—especially when you double down on relevance, visibility, and trust.
If you’re ready to grow your online presence and attract more customers in your area, our SEO strategy for Richmond is built to help you do just that—with practical steps and measurable results.
One comment
Pingback: Christmas Decorations: 7 Powerful Tips to Keep Mice Away