Have you ever searched your own salon and thought…

“Why am I nowhere to be found?”

You’re not alone.

In this episode of Diary of the Search Queen, I break down exactly why some salons consistently show up on Google, in the Map Pack, at the top of search, and in paid positions, while others stay invisible.

And no, it’s not luck.

It’s structure. Strategy. And consistency.

Because here’s the truth:

Google isn’t favouring your competitors.

It’s rewarding them.

There are three key places your salon can appear on Google:

• Google Ads (paid placements at the top)

• The Google Map Pack (your Google Business Profile visibility)

• Organic SEO rankings (your website positioning)

If your Google Business Profile is incomplete, outdated, inactive, or poorly optimised, you are handing bookings to your competitors, daily.

In this episode, we cover:

1. The “visibility gap” most salon owners don’t realise they have
2. Why incomplete Google Business Profiles cost you clients
3. How to properly optimise your Google Business Profile (services, links, descriptions, categories)
4. Why linking Google Ads to your Google Business Profile is underutilised, and powerful
5. How reviews influence your rankings (and why responding matters)
6. Why regular updates signal activity and authority to Google
7. The hidden damage broken booking links create
8. Why auditing your online directories and NAP consistency is essential

If nobody can find you, you are a billboard in the desert.

And if your ideal client can’t see you when they search “hair salon near me”?

They’re booking someone else.

This episode is for you if:

1. You’ve Googled your salon and felt frustrated by what you saw
2. Your competitors are ranking higher and you don’t know why
3. You rely heavily on Instagram but want predictable bookings
4. You want a system that works even when you’re behind the chair

Want more?

Book your free Salon Scaling Demo:

https://offer.sonjathesearchqueen.com/salon-scaling-system

Follow me on Instagram: @sonjathesearchqueen

Visit: sonjathesearchqueen.com

Love this episode?

Tag me @sonjathesearchqueen with your biggest takeaway.

And if this helped you see Google differently, leave a 5-star review so we can help more salon owners stop being invisible.

There’s a lot of pressure on business owners to rely on referrals, word-of-mouth, or social media to keep bookings coming in, but what happens when those channels disappear overnight?

In this episode of Diary of the Search Queen, I’m joined by Michelle Murphy, owner of Mercy Physio, & Baby Swim, for a grounded and honest conversation about visibility, resilience, and why Google became the backbone of her business growth.

Michelle took over the clinic just as a major referral pathway closed, wiping out a once-reliable stream of new clients. Instead of panicking, discounting, or burning herself out trying to be everywhere at once, she made a strategic decision to invest in being found, and it changed everything.

Because here’s the truth:

Referrals aren’t guaranteed

Social media is unpredictable

And if your business isn’t visible on Google, you’re invisible to people actively searching for your services

This episode is for service-based business owners who want stability, predictability, and growth, without burning out or relying on luck.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Why Google became the primary growth channel after referrals disappeared
2. How strategic Google Ads and SEO led to a 40% increase in business over two years
3. Why visibility creates peace of mind, not just leads
4. How adding new services, and making them searchable, unlocked new revenue
5. The emotional and lifestyle impact of predictable bookings on business owners and their families

This episode is for you if:

1. You’ve relied heavily on referrals and now feel exposed or uncertain
2. You know your service is exceptional but feel invisible online
3. You want consistent bookings without discounting or chasing clients
4. You’re ready to build a business that can withstand change

About Michelle Murphy

Michelle Murphy is a Titled Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is the owner of Mercy Physiotherapy & Baby Swim, leading a team of 23 staff, and the founder of Glow Pelvic Health, an education platform supporting health and fitness professionals working with women.

Michelle is deeply passionate about empowering women to live active, vibrant lives through every stage of life, and is committed to mentoring and collaborating with other professionals to create meaningful community impact. A mother of two young children, she is a lifelong learner who believes in doing purposeful work, and enjoying the journey along the way.

Want more?

Book A Call for Salon Scaling System

Buy The Search for Resilience: Amazon Link

Download the free Google Ads & SEO Checklist

Follow me on Instagram: @sonjathesearchqueen

Visit: sonjathesearchqueen.com

Follow Michelle:

website: www.mercyphysio.com.au

Social Media account: @mercy_physio

Love this episode?

Tag me @sonjathesearchqueen with your biggest takeaway.

And if this episode resonated, please leave a 5-star review so we can reach more business owners who need to hear it.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by the inspiring Lisa from Glamour Empire in Tamworth, NSW, an incredible salon owner who, alongside her business partner Renee, has 2.5x’d her salon revenue in just three months. Yep, you read that right. And it’s not just the numbers that have changed, it’s the entire business.

Lisa shares exactly what life looked like before working with us, why she finally said yes to Google (after years of sticking with social media), and the incredible ripple effect it’s had on her business, team, and personal life.

If you’re a salon owner still relying solely on social, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible when you stop guessing and start scaling strategically.

We Talk About:

What it was really like before signing up with The Search Republic

Why gaps in the books are more expensive than you think

How her team morale shifted once the pressure to “market” was lifted

The unexpected joy of watching junior stylists fill their books faster

How Google now brings in ideal, high-ticket clients ready to buy

Why social media alone wasn’t cutting it, and what finally did

How increased revenue = more time, more freedom, and better family balance

Lisa’s vision for expansion

About Glamour Empire
Located in Tamworth, Glamour Empire is a full-service hair and beauty salon specialising in weddings, blondes, lashes, and luxe experiences. Lisa and Renee lead a team of 10 passionate professionals committed to making every client feel seen, celebrated, and stunning. Their salon is a local institution with a reputation for both talent and heart.

Links Mentioned:

Follow Glamour Empire: @glamour_empire

Want to 2.5x your revenue like Lisa? Book a free Google strategy call: https://thesearchrepublic.com.au/contact-us/

Grab the free SEO & Google Ads checklist: [Insert link]

Follow Sonja: @sonjathesearchqueen

Loved this episode?
Share it with a salon owner who needs to hear it. And tag @sonjathesearchqueen
and @glamourempire_tamworth
with your biggest takeaway!