Why Being in the "Top Three" is the Only Thing That Matters
If you run a plumbing business in Coorparoo or a law firm in the Brisbane CBD, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When someone searches for what you do, Google shows a map with three featured businesses at the top.
In the industry, people call this the 'Local Pack.' To you, it’s the 'Money Box.'
If your name isn't in those top three spots, you are practically invisible. Most people won't even click 'More businesses.' They’ll call the first person with a high rating and a local address. I’ve seen Brisbane businesses double their weekly enquiries just by moving from spot #7 to spot #2.
Most of what you read online about how to get there is complete rubbish written by tech-heads who have never run a real business. You don't need to understand code. You need to understand what makes Google trust you enough to recommend you to a local neighbour.
Here is exactly how to win those spots without wasting time on things that don't move the needle.
1. Your Google Business Profile: The Foundation
Think of your Google Business Profile as your digital shopfront. If it looks messy, Google won't send people there.
Most business owners set this up once and forget it. That’s a massive mistake. To Google, a profile that hasn't been touched in six months looks like a business that might have closed down.
Actionable Wins:
Use your real name: Don't try to be sneaky and name your business "Best Plumber Brisbane CBD" if your name is actually "Smith & Sons Plumbing." Google will eventually catch you and suspend your listing, which is a nightmare to fix. Pick the right category: This is where most people fail. If you’re an electrician who also does air con, make sure your primary category is what brings in the most profit. Photos matter (a lot): Don't use stock photos. People in Brisbane want to see your van, your team in their uniforms, and your actual office or shop. I recently worked with a landscaper in Carindale who saw a 30% jump in phone calls just by replacing his blurry phone photos with clear shots of his finished projects.2. Reviews: The Social Proof That Makes You Money
Google loves reviews, but not just for the reason you think. Yes, a 4.9-star rating looks great to a customer, but Google actually reads the words in your reviews to understand what you do.
If five people leave reviews saying, "Great service on my hot water system repair," Google starts to realise you are an expert in hot water systems. This is a core part of a solid Australian business SEO strategy because it builds authority naturally.
How to get more reviews without being annoying:
Ask at the 'Moment of Relief': For a tradie, this is right after you’ve fixed the leak and the customer is happy. For a professional service, it’s right after you’ve delivered the good news. Reply to every single one: Even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones. A polite, professional response to a 1-star review shows potential customers that you aren't a cowboy and you actually care about your reputation.3. Your Website: It Needs to Work on Phones
Google isn't going to send a customer to a website that doesn't work. If a customer in Chermside is looking for a mechanic on their iPhone and your website is slow or the buttons are too small to click, Google will hide you.
Your website needs to load fast and, most importantly, it needs to make it incredibly easy for someone to call you. If I have to hunt for your phone number, I’m leaving.
We often talk about how to get local phone calls by making sure your digital presence is geared towards the phone, not just a desktop computer. If your site looks like it was built in 2012, it’s probably costing you tens of thousands of dollars in lost leads every year.
4. Proximity: The One Thing You Can't Change
Let’s be honest: if your office is in Ipswich, you are going to have a very hard time showing up in the 'top three' for someone searching in North Lakes. Google tries to show the most relevant,
closest results.However, you can expand your 'reach' by mentioning the specific suburbs you serve on your website. Don't just say "We serve Brisbane." Say "We provide emergency plumbing to Milton, Paddington, and Auchenflower." This helps Google understand your service area.
5. Other Websites Must Vouch for You
Google doesn't just take your word for it. It looks at other places on the internet to see if your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent.
If your Facebook page has one phone number, your website has another, and the Yellow Pages has an old address from three years ago, Google gets confused. When Google is confused, it doesn't show your business.
One of the best ways to fix this is to get other websites to vouch for you by ensuring your business details are identical everywhere. This includes local directories, industry-specific sites, and even the local footy club you sponsor.
What is a Waste of Money?
I see business owners get scammed by "SEO Experts" all the time. Here is what you should avoid:
Buying fake reviews: Google is smarter than you think. They will spot a bunch of reviews from accounts in another country and they will ban your profile. It is never worth the risk. Paying for "Map Pins": Some people will try to sell you thousands of fake map points. This is a gimmick that doesn't work and can get your business blacklisted. Automated 'Submission' Services: If someone says they will submit you to 1,000 directories for $99, run away. Most of those directories are 'spam' sites that Google ignores or hates.How Long Until You See Results?
This isn't an overnight fix. If you start cleaning up your profile and asking for reviews today, you’ll usually see a difference in your ranking within 30 to 60 days.
In Brisbane’s competitive markets—like real estate, plumbing, or dental—it can take a bit longer to crack the top three, but once you are there, the phone calls start coming in consistently without you having to pay for every single click.
What Should You Do First?
1. Claim your Google Business Profile. It’s free. If you haven't done it, do it today. 2. Audit your info. Make sure your phone number and address are exactly the same on your website, Facebook, and Google. 3. Get 3 new reviews this week. Reach out to your three happiest customers from the last month and ask them for a favour.
Running a business in South East Queensland is tough enough without fighting Google. If you want to stop guessing and start getting more enquiries, focus on these basics. They aren't flashy, and they aren't 'techy,' but they are exactly what works for real businesses in the real world.
Still struggling to get your phone ringing?
At Local Marketing Group, we help Brisbane businesses dominate their local area. We don't do fluff; we do results. If you want us to take a look at your local presence and tell you exactly why your competitors are beating you, contact us today.