1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a powerful tool for local SEO. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Claim and verify your business.

• Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate and consistent.

• Add high-quality photos of your cafe, menu, and dishes.

• Encourage customers to leave positive reviews and respond to them promptly.

• Use relevant keywords in your description, such as "Melbourne cafe," "best brunch," or "specialty coffee."

2. Target Local Keywords

Research and use keywords that your potential customers are searching for. Focus on location-specific terms like:

• “Best cafes in Melbourne CBD”

• “Coffee near me in Brunswick”

• “Top vegan cafes in Fitzroy” Include these keywords naturally in your website’s content, meta descriptions, headings, and blog posts.

3. Create Engaging Content

Blogging is a great way to improve your SEO and showcase your cafe’s personality. Share engaging content, such as:

• Coffee brewing tips

• Seasonal menu updates

• Behind-the-scenes stories

• Guides to the Melbourne cafe scene

Regularly publishing high-quality content helps attract more visitors to your website and keeps them coming back.

4. Optimise for Mobile Users

Most customers will search for cafes on their smartphones. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly by:

• Using a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes.

• Keeping page load times fast.

• Simplifying navigation and ensuring buttons are easy to tap.

5. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are vital for connecting with your audience and driving traffic to your website. To maximize SEO impact:

• Share high-quality images and videos of your food, drinks, and cafe ambiance.

• Consistency is key with social media. It may seem like slow growth but it all pays off.

• Use relevant hashtags, such as #MelbourneCafe or #MelbourneFoodie.

• Link your social media profiles to your website and vice versa.

6. Monitor Your Analytics

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website’s performance. Analyse data such as:

• Which keywords are driving traffic.

• How users are interacting with your website.

• Where your visitors are located. This information can help you refine your SEO strategy over time.

7. Collaborate with Local Influencers

Partnering with Melbourne-based influencers or food bloggers can boost your visibility. When they share posts about your cafe, it can drive traffic to your website and improve your local SEO.

8. Focus on Online Reviews

Online reviews significantly impact local SEO rankings. Encourage your customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook. Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows you value customer feedback and improves your credibility.