Your Customers Are Searching...Can They Find You?
By elvia, at: Sept. 1, 2023, 3:35 p.m.
Estimated Reading Time: __READING_TIME__ minutes
Introduction
“Best tradie in Newcastle.”
“Trusted accountant Perth.”
“Organic café near me.”
That’s how Australians search for services today. The question is: will your business show up when they do?
As a small business owner in Australia, you’ve probably built your reputation through word-of-mouth. A mate recommends you at the pub. A regular brings a friend to your café. That’s the foundation of local trust. But there’s another conversation happening and it’s not at the markets or in your neighbourhood. It’s happening online, right now, on your customers’ phones.
If you’re invisible in that search, you’re losing them before they’ve even had the chance to meet you.
Why Google Matters More Than You Think
Australians turn to Google first. Whether it’s a plumber in Parramatta or a hairdresser in Hobart, the search often starts with “near me.” In fact, 97% of Australians research online before making a purchase decision (Source: Google AU).
If your business only has a Facebook or Instagram page, you’re at a disadvantage:
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Social profiles rarely rank high in Google results
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Competitors with even a basic website appear first
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Customers equate “no website” with “not professional.
It’s not just about being online. It’s about being findable.
What Happens When You’re Not There
Imagine someone in Melbourne searching for “emergency electrician near me.” They’re ready to buy, ready to call. If your business doesn’t appear in those results:
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They won’t know you exist
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They’ll choose a competitor
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You lose revenue without even knowing it
And here’s the kicker: your competitors with websites don’t need to be better than you as they just need to be visible online.
The Fix: Your Digital Shopfront
A website is your 24/7 storefront. Unlike social media, it doesn’t rely on algorithms or ads to show up. With proper SEO, your site will appear consistently when customers search for your services.
What a professional website does for you:
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Captures intent → Shows up when customers are actively searching
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Builds credibility → Shows you’re established, trustworthy, and professional
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Keeps you visible → Ensures you don’t vanish when social platforms change their rules
Lesson for Australian Small Businesses
If you’re not showing up in search results, you’re already losing business. Word-of-mouth is still powerful, but it’s no longer enough. Your next customer is searching right now and if they can’t find you, they’ll find someone else.
Call to Action
At Glinteco, we help Australian small businesses and startups build SEO-friendly websites that put them on the map. From tradies to cafés, accountants to local shops, we’ll make sure when customers search, they see you first.
