Whether you’re a tradie in Clayton, a café in Carnegie, or a salon in Chadstone, marketing your small business can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re wearing 10 different hats. But the good news is: you don’t need to be a full-time marketer to get real results.

Here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to marketing your business in South East Melbourne—full of practical tips you can start using right now.

1. Set Up (or Optimise) Your Google Business Profile

Why it matters:
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the first things people see when they search for your business—or someone like you—in your area.

How to do it:

• Claim your listing at google.com/business
• Add your correct business name, phone, website, hours, and address
• Upload photos of your work, team, or space (before/after works great for tradies!)
• Add local keywords to your description (e.g. “Plumber in Oakleigh” or “Hairdresser near Chadstone”)
• Ask happy customers for Google Reviews

The benefit:
More visibility in local search results + higher trust = more calls and customers.

📌 Learn how to maximise your local SEO with Google My Business

2. Post Regularly on Social Media (But Don’t Overcomplicate It)

Why it matters:
Local customers use social media to check you out before they visit or book.

How to do it:

• Choose one or two platforms (Instagram and Facebook are great for most)
• Share behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, team intros, or product highlights
• Use suburb-specific hashtags like #oakleightradie or #carnegiecafe
• Post consistently (2–3 times a week is fine)

The benefit:
Builds trust and keeps your business top of mind in your local community.

📌 Explore how social media can grow your small business

3. Use Local Facebook Groups the Smart Way

Why it matters:
Local Facebook groups like “Chadstone Locals” or “Bentleigh Community Hub” are full of people asking for recommendations.

How to do it:

• Join groups relevant to your suburb and industry
• Comment helpfully when someone asks for a service you offer
• Share tips and value, not just salesy promos
• Post your special offers during allowed promo days

The benefit:
Free visibility in your exact target market. Builds reputation and word-of-mouth referrals.

4. Run a Suburb-Specific Google Ads Campaign

Why it matters:
When someone searches “Electrician Murrumbeena” or “Best Café Chadstone,” you want to be the first result.

How to do it:

• Set up Google Ads with tight suburb targeting
• Use clear, benefit-driven ad copy (e.g. “Fast Same-Day Plumbing in Oakleigh”)
• Link to a clean landing page with a call-to-action (call, book, quote)

The benefit:
High intent = high conversion. You’re showing up right when someone is ready to buy.

📌 Learn why Google Ads work for small businesses like yours
📌 Check out suburb-based Google Ads guides for barbers, electricians, mechanics and more

5. Partner with Other Local Businesses

Why it matters:
Cross-promotion introduces your business to a whole new customer base that already trusts the person referring you.

How to do it:

• Team up with complementary businesses (e.g. a hair salon + nail bar, or a plumber + electrician)
• Offer bundle deals, referrals, or giveaways
• Share each other’s content on social media

The benefit:
Increased reach with zero ad spend—and a stronger local network.

6. Start Collecting Emails (Yes, It’s Still Worth It)

Why it matters:
You own your email list. It’s one of the few channels where you’re not relying on an algorithm.

How to do it:

• Offer something of value in exchange (discount, tip sheet, early access)
• Use a free platform like MailerLite or look into Klaviyo
• Send updates once or twice a month—specials, tips, new services

The benefit:
Stay top of mind and drive repeat business with zero extra ad spend.

📌 Get our tips on maximising ROI from email marketing

7. Track What’s Working (And What’s Not)

Why it matters:
Marketing is only effective if you know what’s driving results.

How to do it:

• Use tools like Google Analytics and Meta Ads Manager
• Track key actions (calls, form fills, bookings, sales)
• Check where your best customers are coming from—social, search, or direct

The benefit:
Make smarter decisions and stop wasting money on what’s not working.

📌 Learn the 5 marketing metrics small businesses should actually care about

Let’s Make Marketing Simple (And Local)

You don’t need fancy tools or a huge budget to get real results from your marketing—especially if you're serving suburbs like Carnegie, Chadstone, Oakleigh, Caulfield, or Clayton.

But if you’re ready to take it to the next level, I offer localised marketing support without the jargon or overwhelm. From strategy to hands-on implementation, I’ll help you grow your small business in a way that actually works.

📩 Reach out for a chat—I’m based in South East Melbourne and would love to hear what you’re working on.

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