How to Make Your Business Stand Out on Google in Your Local Suburb

Is Your Business Easy to Find on Google?

You probably use Google every day — to find a shop, a recipe for dinner, or to look up a café’s opening hours. But here’s the real question: when people in your area search for what you offer… are they finding you, or your competitors?

That’s where local search optimisation comes in.

Meet Jennifer. She runs a boutique café in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. For years, she relied on word-of-mouth and regulars strolling past. But when roadworks started and foot traffic dropped, her sales did too.

Jennifer turned to Google — not to search for a solution, but to become the solution customers found. She updated her Google Business Profile with tempting photos, added “best vegan breakfast in Adelaide” to her description, and encouraged happy customers to leave reviews.

Within three months, catering orders increased and new customers were walking in. When casually asked how they heard about the café, many would say, 'I found you on Google when I was searching for a vegan-friendly cafe near me'.

Why Google Matters for Local Business Growth

When locals search for a product or service, they usually want something nearby, right now. Google’s “map pack” — the top three business listings that show with a map — gets the most clicks. If you’re not there, you’re missing out on the easiest leads you’ll ever get.

5 Quick Wins You Can Do This Week

1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile — Fill in every section: address, phone number, website, hours, services.

2. Add photos that sell — Fresh images of your products, space, or team.

3. Use local keywords — Think like a customer (“emergency plumber in Norwood” or “kids’ dance classes Burnside”).

4. Collect reviews — Aim for three new ones this week from happy customers.

5. Post updates — Share a weekly special, upcoming event, or seasonal offer.

   
   

The 15-Minute Google Growth Challenge

Right after reading this, spend 15 minutes improving your Google profile. Even one small update — like adding better photos or adjusting your description — can boost your visibility.

Need a Digital Audit or Search Engine Optimisation help?

Philip Hopkins, an Eastern Business Advisory mentor specialising in Digital Marketing and search engine optimisation can help you unlock Google’s potential to put your business in front of the right people.

Apply now for FREE expert advice from our Panel of Advisors on the EBA program. We’re here to help small businesses grow and thrive.

Coming Soon : "Working Smarter, Not Harder: Simple AI and Tech Tools for Busy Adelaide Business Owners"