Why Local SEO Can Beat Big Brands (If You Set It Up Right)
Let’s cut through the noise. When you think about Google search results, you might assume the big national brands have it all locked down. They have deep pockets, marketing teams, and shiny websites. So how on earth can a small local business compete?
Here’s the good news. You actually can. And sometimes you can even come out on top.
The Power of Being Local
Big brands tend to play a broad game. They want to be seen everywhere, by everyone. That means their SEO efforts often focus on general keywords that cover large regions or even the whole country.
But people searching on Google are usually looking for answers close to home. When someone types “coffee shop near me” or “accountant in Brisbane,” Google wants to serve up businesses that are actually nearby and relevant.
That’s where local SEO comes in. It’s about setting up your online presence so Google knows exactly where you are and who you serve. This makes your business the go-to option when people want something close, quick and personal.
Google Business Profile Is Your Front Door
One of the most important tools you have is your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It’s free, and it’s where your business shows up in local map results, reviews, hours, and contact info.
But it’s not enough to just claim your profile and forget it. You need to:
Fill out every detail as completely as possible
Use accurate and consistent business name, address, and phone number
Add photos that show your business in action
Regularly update your hours, especially for holidays or changes
Collect and respond to reviews
This kind of attention signals to Google that you’re active, trustworthy and engaged with your community.
Location Pages Help Google and Customers
If you serve multiple suburbs or have more than one location, a common trick is to create dedicated pages for each area. These pages should have:
Clear info about what you offer in that location
Local landmarks or details that show you really know the area
Unique content rather than just copying and pasting the same text everywhere
These pages give Google context and help match your business with specific local searches. Plus, they make visitors feel like you’re right around the corner.
Consistency Is King
One of the sneakiest things that can hold small businesses back is inconsistent info online. Maybe your phone number is different on Facebook than on your website. Or your address is listed two ways across directories.
Google doesn’t like confusion. And when it spots conflicting information, it hesitates to rank you well. That’s why having consistent business details everywhere matters more than you think.
Small But Nimble
The advantage you have over big brands is you can move fast. You can update your profile today, add fresh photos this week, and ask a customer for a review after every job.
Big brands have layers of approval and long timelines. Your responsiveness can make you the favourite local option.
So How Do You Start?
It might sound like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by:
Claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile
Checking that your name, address and phone number are the same everywhere online
Creating or updating location pages if you serve more than one area
Encouraging customers to leave reviews and responding to them politely
Adding fresh photos regularly
If you want to avoid the headaches and get it right from the start, that’s exactly what we help with at Get You Set.
We set up local SEO properly so you show up in searches that matter and leave the big brands wondering how you did it.
Your community is searching. Make sure they find you.
