Empowering Small Businesses in Western Australia with World-Class Strategies

G'day to my new neighbours & locals!

I’ve officially moved to Busselton! Business is booming here thanks to the launch of the new Bunbury bypass highway, Busselton’s growing infrastructure—like the upgraded arts and community centre—and continued residential expansion around Vasse. Not to mention the buzz around that new multi-million dollar shopping precinct everyone’s talking about.

And for me? Busselton means beach. The beach is the centre of my universe. It’s where I feel most myself, and oddly, where I get my best work done. Since settling in, I’ve spent a lot of time bouncing between here and Fremantle, and what’s struck me most is the community spirit. It’s pure, it’s true, and it’s strong in Busselton and every little town around it. I’ve never felt so welcomed.

We’ve also seen a serious spike in tourism across the South West. Figures released by Tourism WA in May 2024 indicate that over the previous year, the City of Busselton received 895,000 visitors who stayed a total of 3.44 million nights in the local government area!

Origins Market has curated dining, fresh produce and artisan shopping experiences to suit the most discerning tastes.

So what does this mean for businesses—barbers, boutiques, nail salons, fast food joints? It means online presence isn’t just important, it’s essential. And not just any presence, but a current, optimised, storytelling, SEO-smart presence.

We’re talking about knowing your sales data, using it to plan smarter campaigns, posts, reels, emails, and websites. Staying visible in search engines like Google and Meta (yep, that’s Facebook and Insta), and adapting to the ever-growing AI-led digital landscape. Don’t get me started on how even Apple Maps and random directories can tank your visibility without you even knowing it.

Map of South West Western Australia highlighting small business hubs, courtesy of The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA)

WA’s economy is rough, and regional businesses feel it even more. Busselton alone generates over $6.7 billion in economic output, with construction being the biggest contributor. It’s a place clearly growing fast—and locals have noticed. A 2020 satisfaction survey scored Busselton 88 out of 100 as a ‘place to live’, well above the industry average. All this to say: this region is thriving. But some local businesses are still being left behind online.

This past year, I’ve been studying full-time—an accredited Diploma of IT in backend web development and cybersecurity—to give Daly Creative the tools to offer world-class, local-first services to small businesses right here.

The Good Egg in Busselton has high-quality food and drinks in a family-friendly environment.

My online classes weren’t just about coding. They were a reminder that people from all walks of life—like you, like me—are out here, working hard, learning new skills, and trying to build something meaningful.

So now I’m here, with my skillset sharpened and my feet on local soil, and I want to serve the community that’s made me feel so at home. That’s why I’m offering serious discounts—up to 75% off—on website development, branding, SEO repair, and review/reputation management to any business in Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River, Yallingup, Cowaramup, Bunbury and surrounds.

The reality? 80% of people trust Google reviews over what their friends say. That sucks, but it’s true. It means a single bad haircut review from a tourist can hit harder than years of loyal locals. And guess what? Google rewards those reviewers no matter how off-base they are.

Local businesses get left to clean up the digital mess. I see it every day. Especially as we head into the quieter winter season. So here I am. Offering this because I can. Because I believe we can do better. And because this community deserves support from within, not just vague advice from consultants in big cities.

Whether you’re grabbing a drink at Shelter or picking up something handmade from a local legend—take a moment to back the people who make this place what it is. And if you are one - reach out. No pressure. No cost. Just an offer to help.

Yours, signed, sealed, supported and delivered (well, posted) from the local ground up,

Tim Daly

Head Creative