ANZ Google Core checklist 2025

Published 23 July, 2025

Search
Hero

Recent changes to digital regulation and search algorithms require all Australian and New Zealand businesses to meet enhanced compliance, authoritativeness, and technical accuracy standards. The June 2025 Google Core Update enforces these requirements.

State, territory, and national requirements, covering New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and New Zealand, demand precise alignment between digital content, legal frameworks and search best practices.

Industry leaders in trade, health, beauty, retail, finance and real estate must now demonstrate verified expertise, transparent business conduct and robust data handling. Developers and business leaders are required to coordinate closely, implementing structured data, privacy controls and regional legal disclosures across all platforms.

This resource outlines sector-by-sector requirements, with guidance on regulatory compliance, technical validation and AI integration. All recommendations reference authoritative legal sources and contemporary best practices, enabling both technical and executive stakeholders to meet evolving standards and secure market leadership.

Google E-E-A-T diagram showing Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust with their definitions.

Trade

Trade service operators (e.g. contractors, builders, electricians, plumbers) must align their digital content, technical frameworks, and business practices with strict national and regional requirements. Sector-specific compliance, accurate licensing, and technical validation are essential for regulatory standing and search visibility.

Requirements

Businesses should present dedicated, service-specific landing pages for each offering and geographic location. All information on these pages must reflect current qualifications, accreditations, and trade licences.

Each service page must:

  • State the applicable licence and accreditation numbers for that trade and region.
  • Reference sector-specific experience and professional qualifications.
  • Include verifiable customer testimonials or project outcomes (if testimonials are used, they must be genuine and not misleading).
  • Present transparent pricing (including any call-out fees) and terms of service.

Each page essentially needs to function as a compliance showcase for that service, listing credentials, demonstrating expertise, and providing clear, honest information.

For example, New South Wales law requires that "licence numbers must be displayed on any form of advertisement, stationery [or] signage" (Hipages). Likewise, Service NSW advises licensees, "You’re legally required to display your licence number on all advertising, stationery and signage." (Service NSW)

Accordingly, the website footer or contact page should clearly display the contractor licence number, and each service listing should identify the licensed individual or company responsible.

Compliance

Each Australian state and New Zealand have distinct licensing and advertising requirements for trade professionals. Business websites are required to display contractor licence numbers and relevant accreditations as mandated by each jurisdiction (e.g. a plumber in NSW should list their NSW Fair Trading licence number, an electrician in Victoria should list their Energy Safe Victoria licence, etc.).

As a best practice, include direct links to the appropriate state, territory, or New Zealand regulator on your site for user reference and trust – for example:

Each trade service page should explicitly reference the relevant licensing authority and display all required credentials. Wherever possible, provide a method for the public to verify the licence status (such as a link to the regulator’s online licence lookup). This level of transparency not only meets legal requirements but also builds customer confidence.

Pricing, call-out fees, and contract terms must be disclosed clearly to satisfy both Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and any state-based regulations on pricing transparency. Under ACL rules, a business must not advertise a price that isn’t the total price payable, inclusive of all unavoidable fees (ACCC). In practice, if a call-out fee or additional travel costs are charged, these should be stated upfront on the website.

According to the ACCC, "businesses must display the total price of a product or service as a single figure…including any taxes, duties and unavoidable or pre-selected extra fees" (ACCC). Both jurisdictions forbid misleading pricing practices. If a call-out fee applies, it should be listed; if weekend rates differ, this should be clearly stated.

If customer testimonials, before-and-after imagery, or case studies are used on trade pages, ensure they are truthful and obtained with the client’s consent. Each testimonial should be traceable to a real customer who has agreed to let you use their feedback.

Addisons recommends "getting a written acknowledgment from each of your reviewers confirming that they have used your service and that the review reflects their genuine views" (Addisons).

Validation

Developers are responsible for implementing and verifying technical SEO and schema compliance on trade pages. Key requirements include:

  • Applying appropriate structured data (Schema.org markup) such as LocalBusiness and Service schema to all trade-specific pages. This markup helps search engines understand your business details (name, address, phone, opening hours) and the services offered.
  • Validating schema markup with the official tools, Schema Markup Validator and Google's Rich Results Test. The Rich Results Test checks if your schema makes the page eligible for special Google search features (rich snippets), and the Schema Markup Validator checks the code against schema.org standards for correctness.
  • Integrating your Google Business Profile (GBP) with accurate service areas and business details. A GBP listing (formerly Google My Business) is crucial for local visibility – it should mirror the information on your site (same address, phone, categories, etc.).
  • Monitoring structured data warnings and enhancement reports through Google Search Console.

Monitoring and responding to online reviews on platforms like Google Maps, Facebook, or industry sites. Importantly, consider using AI tools to summarise and analyse reviews for insights. Google itself is now leveraging AI to summarise user reviews of local businesses, highlighting common sentiments and recurring pros/cons (Google).

Google’s help docs explain that it "uses AI to analyse people’s reviews on a place and compile a helpful summary highlighting common sentiment and tips," updated weekly based on recent reviews (Google).

Build Crew footer showing QBCC licence 15318825 and NDIS provider number 4-J43ANRD, with contact details and service links.

Application

To ensure ongoing compliance and optimisation, businesses and developers should:

  • Schedule quarterly audits of all service pages. In these audits, verify that licence numbers and accreditations are up to date (licence renewal dates haven’t passed), that any claims (e.g. "20 years experience" or "#1 plumber in Melbourne") are still accurate and can be substantiated, and that all policies (refunds, guarantees, etc.) reflect current law.
  • Automate schema deployment using a content management system (CMS) plugin or server-side templating, where possible. For example, if you use WordPress, plugins like Yoast or RankMath can manage LocalBusiness schema for you, or developers can hard-code JSON-LD schema into the page templates.
  • Validate and back up client consents. All client consent forms (for testimonials, images, case studies) that contain personal information should be securely stored in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
  • Document and periodically review all marketing and service claims. If your site says "All work 100% guaranteed" or "24/7 emergency service," ensure promises are being kept operationally.

Integration

Adopting AI tools can further enhance service delivery and online reputation for trade businesses, provided human oversight remains in place. Some best practices for responsible AI integration include:

  • Utilising AI-driven review summarisation and customer service chatbots, with fact-checking protocols. This can be used internally (to fix pain points) or externally (to auto-generate a "Common Questions" or "Why Choose Us" section based on real feedback).
  • Dynamically updating structured data to reflect any changes in business details. If your business details change (new location, new services, holiday hours), ensure your structured data and content are updated.
  • Regularly generating FAQ content and monitoring AI-driven search features for eligibility.

Ensure AI-generated content is overseen with human review. AI can be used to assist in drafting blog posts (e.g. "How to troubleshoot a tripped circuit breaker") or in generating how-to videos. However, all AI-generated content must be reviewed for accuracy, particularly in trade sectors where incorrect advice poses a safety risk.

Google’s stance on AI content states, "Appropriate use of AI or automation is not against our guidelines" (Google). Content produced by AI is subject to the same quality expectations as human-authored material; low-quality or inaccurate content is unlikely to benefit from improved search rankings.

Health

Providers in the health and disability sector, including clinics, hospitals, and NDIS-registered organisations, are required to comply with stringent regulatory, privacy, and content standards. Legal obligations, professional attribution, and accessibility are critical for consumer trust and for Google’s recommendations.

Requirements

All published health information must be attributed to registered practitioners and updated in line with the latest clinical standards. Medical advice or information should come from people or organisations with demonstrable medical expertise. Service and eligibility details should be comprehensive and structured. Content standards include:

  • Attribution of all advice to qualified, registered professionals. Every article or advice section should identify the healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, allied health practitioner) who provided or reviewed the information. Their qualifications or registration (e.g. MBBS, PhD, Registered Psychologist with AHPRA) should be mentioned. This aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines, where high-quality health content is expected to have medical expertise behind it.
  • Detailed NDIS provider status, scope of services and participant eligibility information. NDIS-registered providers should clearly state their NDIS registration number, the scope of services offered under NDIS, and participant eligibility. Include sections that explain eligibility, access pathways, and any relevant price caps (for example, compliance with NDIS Pricing Arrangements).
  • Accessible navigation, contact forms and clear service descriptions. Navigation should be simple, with visible contact information (ideally including a phone number for urgent inquiries) and clear calls to action such as "Refer a patient" or "Book an appointment." Content should use plain language where possible, with medical terminology explained or avoided unless essential.
  • Regularly refreshed content to reflect clinical guidelines and sector updates. A schedule should be established to review and refresh content periodically (e.g. every 6 or 12 months, or when new clinical guidelines are released).

For example, a physiotherapy clinic’s "Back Pain Management Tips – 2023" article should be reviewed by a registered physiotherapist and updated to "2025" with any new research findings or techniques, citing sources such as medical journals or government health sites.

Compliance

Health and disability service websites must operate within the requirements set by national and state authorities. Core obligations include:

  • Adherence to AHPRA, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the Privacy Act 1988. All Australian health providers must follow the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, which is enforced by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the National Boards.
  • Display of provider numbers, transparent service agreements, and all pricing details. Claims of specialisation (such as "Expert Cardiologist") must match the provider’s recognised qualifications, as the National Law prohibits use of titles like "specialist" where not applicable.
  • Prominent disclaimers that online information is not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Compliance with WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards. Compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is crucial, not just ethically but often legally (e.g. under the Disability Discrimination Act).
  • Patient reviews or success stories that qualify as testimonials should not be published. "Testimonials are prohibited… The National Law bans the use of testimonials or purported testimonials in advertising of regulated health services" (AHPRA). Avoid anything that can be seen as incentivising treatment (e.g. "special limited-time offers on surgery" or "discount for referrals"), as these can breach ethical guidelines.

Guidelines

Advertising
Health Service

Validation

Web development and compliance teams must ensure all digital platforms meet both privacy/security requirements and technical SEO requirements. Key technical steps include:

  • Implementation of Physician, MedicalOrganization, MedicalClinic and Service schema where relevant. A proper schema helps search engines identify your content as authoritative health information.
  • Validation of all structured data via the Schema Markup Validator and Google Rich Results Test. This ensures your clinic’s phone and geo coordinates are correctly understood by search.
  • Application of web accessibility best practices, with periodic audits using tools such as WAVE and Axe Accessibility Checker. Consider manual testing (e.g., navigate your site with only a keyboard, or use a screen reader on key pages to see if everything makes sense).
  • Secure handling and encrypted storage of all personal and health data, supported by regular privacy compliance reviews. Data in transit should be encrypted. For data at rest (stored in databases or CRMs), best practices should be followed, including encryption and access control.

Application

Organisations should establish robust content and compliance workflows:

  • Quarterly reviews of all published advice, practitioner details and legal statements. All published advice, informational pages, practitioner profiles and legal statements (like consent forms, T&Cs) should be reviewed at least quarterly. Medical practitioners should review medical content for accuracy (and sign off on it).
  • Automated schema generation and validation for practitioner and service data. If possible, use your CMS to automate schema for practitioners and services. For instance, if you have a directory of doctors on your site, your templates can automatically generate JSON-LD schema for each doctor using the data fields (name, specialty, degrees).
  • Secure capture and audit trails for all client consents and testimonials. Consent for any patient stories or images used for publication and marketing should be obtained and documented.
  • Staff training on privacy, accessibility, and updated clinical guidelines. All staff involved in content creation, including third-party marketing agencies, should be trained on regulatory guidelines.

Integration

Adoption of responsible AI in healthcare can improve client outcomes and engagement, but it must be done with caution and human oversight:

  • Deployment of AI-powered appointment triage, eligibility tools and FAQ content, with direct review by qualified health professionals. Some health providers implement AI chatbots capable of conducting preliminary symptom checks or directing patients to the appropriate service. For example, an NDIS service may have a bot to help users determine program eligibility, or a GP clinic may use AI to ask basic intake questions. These tools can be beneficial, particularly after hours, but should be thoroughly tested and reviewed by clinicians.
  • Use of AI-driven analytics to monitor service trends and content effectiveness, with regular human validation. AI can be used to analyse operational data, such as appointment no-shows, common patient questions, or anonymised patient outcome data, to identify actionable insights. For example, AI may detect patterns such as frequent patient queries about waiting times, suggesting that this information should be made available online.
  • Dynamic updates to structured data and practitioner profiles as regulations and workforce change.

Users should always be informed when AI is being used, with a clear path to a human professional provided. This approach ensures innovation while maintaining patient trust and safety.

Beauty

The beauty sector, including salons, cosmetic clinics, and individual practitioners (like cosmetic nurses, estheticians, etc.), operates under a mix of health regulations, advertising standards, and consumer law. Search optimisation and legal compliance are closely linked in this sector, as claims about beauty treatments may approach the threshold of medical claims. Accordingly, clear documentation, regular updates, and responsible innovation are required.

Requirements

Websites for beauty and cosmetic services must deliver credible, practitioner-focused content that is transparent and user-centric. The content structure should highlight qualifications and set realistic expectations. Key elements of effective beauty/cosmetic service sites include:

  • Detailed practitioner profiles with qualifications, certifications, and scope of services (e.g., skin treatments, injectables, laser). For example, a cosmetic injectable clinic should list the credentials of its practitioners (e.g., "Jane Doe, RN, cosmetic nurse injector with 10 years of experience, trained in Advanced Dermal Fillers"). If there is a medical director or dermatologist supervising services, this should be clearly stated. Clients expect confirmation that treatments are provided by qualified professionals.
  • Up-to-date galleries of before-and-after images, with clear client consent for each. If before-and-after photos of clients are published, obtain written consent from each client specifically for that use. According to professional guidelines, "you need to get consent from your patient to use an image and the consent must be specific for that use, in writing and free from any inducement" (Avant).
  • Provide current details on each treatment (e.g., chemical peels, laser hair removal, Botox®, microblading). Include what the procedure involves, the technology or products used, any required patch tests or prep, the typical downtime/recovery, potential side effects, and how long results last. It is also important to clearly indicate eligibility and any exclusions (for example, "not suitable for pregnant women or those with [specified] conditions").
  • Mobile-friendly booking functionality and transparent display of business hours and locations. Many beauty clients will discover services via Instagram or mobile search. Ensure the website is mobile-optimised and that appointment booking or direct contact is straightforward.
  • Written FAQs addressing common customer concerns, eligibility and aftercare. A dedicated FAQ section can improve SEO by targeting common queries and can help manage client expectations. For example, an FAQ on a laser clinic website might address, "How many sessions are required for hair removal?" or "Is laser skin treatment safe for darker skin tones?"

Compliance

Beauty and cosmetic practices must meet obligations under national health regulations, advertising standards, and privacy laws. Key compliance requirements include:

  • Strict adherence to Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advertising rules for all therapeutic claims and products. If you mention any therapeutic goods (like medicines, injections, implants, devices) in your advertising, you fall under the TGA’s advertising code. Notably, prescription-only substances cannot be advertised to the public.
  • Full disclosure of all treatment risks, potential downtime, aftercare, and realistic outcomes for each procedure. Under both consumer law and health advertising rules, you must not promise outcomes that are not guaranteed.
  • Documented, auditable consent for any published client images or testimonials.
  • Privacy-compliant handling of client bookings, records, and communications under the Privacy Act. Marketing communications must only be sent with consent, and all health information (such as disclosed medical conditions or pregnancy) must be kept confidential.
  • Posted pricing and cancellation policies, in accordance with Australian Consumer Law. Under consumer law, these should be fair and clear. If you have a no-refund policy on prepaid treatments, that might conflict with consumer guarantees if the service isn’t provided as promised.

Regional regulators and associations may include:

Validation

The digital team for a beauty business must ensure technical and accessibility compliance similar to health:

  • Implement Person, HealthAndBeautyBusiness, and Service schema for practitioners and treatments. Validate structured data with the Schema Markup Validator and Google Rich Results Test.
  • Maintain mobile responsiveness and accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.2) using WAVE and Axe Accessibility Checker. For example, if you have an image carousel of before/afters, provide alt text like "Before and after acne scar treatment – showing significant reduction in scarring". Captions on images can also help understanding.
  • Encrypt and securely store all client and consent records, enabling prompt regulatory response. If clients are able to log in to view appointments or submit forms, the portal must be secure. A data retention policy should be implemented to ensure personal information is not kept longer than necessary.

Application

Operational workflows should include:

  • Beauty trends and products change rapidly. A monthly or bi-monthly schedule should be established to review treatment pages and gallery content. Outdated information (such as discontinued devices) should be removed, and new services added promptly. Pricing should be kept current. For example, a blog post about microblading trends from 2023 should be updated in 2025 with relevant developments or reviewed for ongoing relevance.
  • Automated schema deployment and regular technical validation after every update
  • Written, dated consent forms for all client images or case studies, retained in a secure, retrievable format.
  • Consistent updating of policies and FAQ content as new treatments and regulations emerge. Monitor Google searches (via Search Console or keyword tools) to see what questions people search related to your services, and add/update FAQs accordingly.

Integration

Innovative practices are encouraged, provided compliance is not compromised:

  • Adoption of AI-driven review analysis, online consultation pre-screening, and automated FAQ generation, with human review and correction.
  • Integration of dynamic schema updates as business offerings and staff changes.
  • Monitoring AI search features and eligibility for inclusion, adjusting content formats as required.

Compliance must not be compromised by innovation.

Retail

Retail and e-commerce operators are subject to stringent standards regarding consumer protection, product transparency, and data privacy. Whether operating an online store or a physical retail location with an online presence, legal compliance, original content, and technical validation underpin online reputation and search performance.

Requirements

All product and category pages must be unique, clear, and compliant with Australian and New Zealand regulations. Critical content practices include:

  • Create original product descriptions rather than duplicating supplier or manufacturer content. Duplicate content can negatively affect SEO and may not fully comply with local labelling requirements. Descriptions should be accurate and written in plain language, including essential details such as size, material, origin, and any required disclosure (e.g., age restrictions, health warnings).
  • Detailed shipping, returns, refund, and warranty policies are visible at every relevant stage of the customer journey.
  • Display of payment methods, accepted currencies and security assurances. Under ACL, if you quote a price, it must include all mandatory charges (GST, basic shipping if it’s unavoidable, etc) (ACCC).
  • Accurate business contact details and local operating information for multi-region businesses.
  • Use of bullet points, summaries, and clear navigation to support zero-click and AI search features.

Compliance

Retailers must meet both national and local obligations on how they market products, display pricing, handle data, and more. Core requirements include:

  • Upfront disclosure of total product prices, delivery costs, and all fees in accordance with Australian Consumer Law and NZ Commerce Commission. It is not permitted to advertise a price such as "$50" and subsequently add a compulsory $10 booking fee; this practice is considered illegal "drip pricing" (ACCC). If certain fees cannot be calculated upfront (such as variable shipping costs), this must be clearly disclosed.
  • Clear terms for refunds, exchanges, and warranties, with customer access before checkout completion. Terms and conditions must comply with relevant laws; unfair contract terms are unlawful. For instance, a blanket "no refund for any reason" policy for online sales is not permitted, as consumer law rights override such terms. If original packaging is required for returns, this should be clearly stated; however, returns for faulty items cannot be refused solely because the packaging has been opened, as consumer rights allow for inspection.
  • Full disclosure of affiliate links, sponsored content, and paid promotions in line with ACCC guidelines.
  • Privacy-compliant handling of all customer data under the Privacy Act 1988 and NZ Privacy Act 2020.
  • Prompt and documented handling of all consumer complaints, warranty requests, and disputes.

For state-specific trading requirements, reference the consumer affairs body in each jurisdiction (e.g., NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, NZ Consumer Protection).

Validation

E-commerce and retail websites must maintain best-in-class technical standards:

  • Apply Product, Offer, and Review schema to all product listings. Use Product schema on product pages, including properties like name, image, description, SKU, brand, and, importantly, Offer details (price, availability, currency) and review ratings if applicable.
  • Validate all structured data using the Schema Markup Validator and Google Rich Results Test.
  • Implement secure payment gateways and HTTPS across the entire site, with PCI DSS compliance where credit card payments are accepted.
  • Ensure accessibility and responsive design for all users, with ongoing validation via WAVE and Axe Accessibility Checker.
  • Integrate Google Business Profile for physical stores and accurate local search visibility.

Application

Effective retail operations should:

  • Audit all product and policy content quarterly for originality, compliance, and clarity
  • Regularly update structured data and test after each major change or product update. If you significantly change the site layout or add new product categories, update your structured data accordingly.
  • Automate price and stock information where possible to prevent outdated listings. If possible, integrate your inventory system with the website such that stock levels and prices update in real time or at least daily. Outdated listings, such as out-of-stock items appearing available or outdated pricing, can result in legal issues related to misrepresentation.
  • Securely store all transaction records, consent forms and privacy agreements.
  • Monitor customer feedback and update FAQs and support resources in response to emerging issues.

Integration

Retailers should leverage AI for operational efficiency and improved customer engagement, within a compliant framework:

  • Deploy AI-powered product recommendation engines and automated customer service chatbots, with escalation protocols for unresolved or complex issues.
  • Use AI-based content generation tools for FAQ and support content, reviewed by human staff for compliance and accuracy. Implementing an AI chatbot to address common customer queries (for example, order tracking or product availability) can significantly reduce support workload and provide timely responses.
  • Track AI-driven search features and update product schema and content as Google and marketplace algorithms evolve.

In all uses of AI, maintain compliance. For instance, if AI generates a product description, it must not make prohibited claims (such as unsubstantiated health benefits or false "bestseller" statements). All AI-generated content must be fact-checked. AI tools should be regarded as support resources; while they may draft or analyse, the final output must be approved by an industry expert.

Finance

Financial services and loan providers (covering banks, fintechs, mortgage brokers, etc.) must uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance, disclosure, and technical accuracy. This sector is heavily regulated because of the risks to consumers. Licensing, risk transparency, and data protection are critical, and there is significant oversight from both national and regional authorities.

Requirements

All financial advice and product information presented on your site must be attributable to appropriately licensed professionals and up-to-date with current regulations. Providers offering any type of financial product (loans, insurance, investments) are subject to specific legal disclosure obligations. Some critical content elements include:

  • Disclosure of Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) or Australian Credit Licence (ACL) numbers, or relevant New Zealand licence details. Websites must clearly display the relevant licence numbers and the licensee name (often in the footer and certainly on an "About" or "Regulatory Information" page). For example: "XYZ Finance Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 123456" or "Our advisors are Authorised Representatives of ABC Licensee AFSL 234567".
  • Clear explanations of product features, interest rates, eligibility criteria, and all associated fees. Each financial product page, whether for a loan, credit card, insurance policy, or investment fund, should clearly present key features, benefits, risks, and costs. For example, a loan page should specify the interest rate (and whether it is fixed or variable), comparison rate (in AU), applicable fees (such as application, annual, or late fees), and eligibility criteria.
  • Accessible comparison tables, summary boxes, and risk warnings for each financial product. Many regulators encourage the use of comparative tables. For example, a credit card offering should include a table of key facts such as credit limit, interest-free days, and reward program summary. Home loan products may provide a comparison tool.
  • Step-by-step application guides and updated financial calculators. Any calculator should use accurate formulas and be updated with the latest interest rates. Calculators should include disclaimers stating that results are estimates and not a formal quote.
  • Regularly refreshed content to reflect new regulations, market trends and rate changes. Outdated financial information can be misleading or constitute a compliance breach if it is no longer accurate.

Compliance

Finance and lending providers must satisfy national and state/territory obligations. Essential requirements include:

  • Compliance with ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and ACCC rules for advertising, product disclosure, and consumer rights.
  • Prominent display of dispute resolution processes and transparent, accessible terms and conditions.
  • Adherence to the Privacy Act 1988 and NZ Privacy Act 2020 for all customer data collection and handling. Australia has mandatory data breach notification requirements; if a data breach occurs that could cause harm, the OAIC and affected customers must be notified. New Zealand imposes similar obligations under the Privacy Act 2020. Secure data handling, including encryption and two-factor authentication for customer logins, is both prudent and required for compliance with Privacy by Design principles.
  • Full documentation of all advice, with avoidance of unsubstantiated claims regarding approval, savings, or guaranteed outcomes.
  • Timely, accessible channels for complaints and dispute resolution in line with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and NZ Financial Services Complaints Ltd (FSCL).

For state-specific credit and lending rules, reference:

Validation

Developers and compliance officers must ensure all digital platforms meet strict technical standards:

  • Apply FinancialProduct, FAQ, and Organization schema for product, comparison, and adviser pages.
  • Validate all structured data using Schema Markup Validator and Google Rich Results Test.
  • Secure all forms and transactions with HTTPS and appropriate encryption protocols.
  • Conduct regular privacy and vulnerability audits, with compliance reviews following regulatory changes.
  • Calculators should be tested monthly. If a rate or tax threshold changes, ensure all formulas are updated. Incorrect calculations can mislead customers and may result in loss of trust or potential legal claims related to misrepresentation.

Application

Financial service providers should establish robust governance and technical processes:

  • Quarterly legal and technical audits of all published product, adviser, and rate information.
  • Automated schema generation and validation after every website update.
  • Secure storage and encrypted handling of all customer data, with access logs and audit trails.
  • Documentation and regular review of dispute resolution procedures and compliance with advertising standards.
  • Proactive updates to content and calculators as regulations and market rates evolve.

Integration

Innovation can drive both operational efficiency and customer trust, provided compliance is maintained:

  • Utilise AI-powered rate comparison tools, lead qualification chatbots, and automated disclosure generation, with final human review. Many banks and lenders use chatbots to pre-qualify prospective customers by asking preliminary questions to determine eligibility before referring the customer to a human adviser or application form.
  • Monitor evolving AI search features and update structured data and compliance statements for eligibility.
  • Use AI analytics for regulatory risk monitoring, customer sentiment, and complaint trends.

Real estate

Real estate agencies, agents, and property listing platforms operate under comprehensive regulations and must uphold strict transparency, data security, and technical standards. Accuracy in listings, proper licensing disclosures, and digital compliance are essential not just for consumer trust but also to avoid legal penalties. Additionally, in such a competitive industry, a technically optimised and informative online presence can significantly impact search performance. This is particularly important given the volume of location-based real estate searches conducted online.

Requirements

All property, agent, and market information must be accurate, unique, and compliant with legal and search standards. Effective content strategy requires:

  • Unique property listings with detailed descriptions, professional photos, and virtual tours.
  • Agent profiles featuring experience, credentials, and licence numbers. Each agent or broker should have a profile page displaying their experience, areas of specialty, awards, and licence number (including the jurisdiction of validity). In many regions, licensed agents are required to disclose their licence number on all advertising materials.
  • Current suburb guides, market insights, and tailored buyer/seller checklists. Rich content, such as suburb guides or market insights, can enhance SEO by capturing queries such as "Living in [Suburb]" or "[Suburb] house prices." Guides should provide current data, including median prices, school information, and amenities and be reviewed at least annually or after major data releases to maintain credibility and search relevance.
  • Clearly stated commissions, marketing costs, and contractual terms.
  • Frequently updated FAQs addressing regulatory queries, eligibility, and process guidance.

Compliance

Real estate operators are subject to state, territory, and New Zealand licensing and consumer protection rules. Key compliance requirements include:

  • Display of valid agency and agent licence numbers on all relevant pages and marketing materials.
  • Up-to-date listings, free of misleading or outdated claims, in accordance with relevant fair trading and consumer law.
  • Transparent disclosure of commissions, third-party fees, marketing charges, and contractual obligations.
  • Full adherence to privacy requirements in the collection and handling of inquiry, open home, and tenant data under the Privacy Act 1988 and NZ Privacy Act 2020.
  • Compliance with anti-discrimination laws and ethical marketing practices.

For region-specific real estate regulation, consult:

Validation

Development and compliance teams must ensure technical rigour across all property and agent listings:

Application

Operational and compliance workflows should include:

  • Scheduled content audits to ensure all property, agent, and legal content remains accurate and current.
  • Automated schema deployment and regular technical validation after updates to listings or staff profiles.
  • Documented consent management for all client data, testimonials, and photos, stored in a secure format.
  • Routine reviews of privacy, anti-discrimination, and marketing compliance, including response logs for all complaints or disputes.

Integration

Adopting AI-driven solutions can improve operational efficiency and user experience:

  • Use of AI-powered property matching engines and chatbot-assisted customer queries, with human escalation as required.
  • Integration of automated content updates and analytics to maintain current, accurate listings.
  • Monitor AI-driven search features and featured snippet eligibility, updating structured data to maximise visibility.

Universal

Businesses across all sectors must uphold foundational standards of governance, transparency, and technical accuracy to remain compliant and competitive. Regular updates, audit trails, and ongoing staff training are essential for both risk management and search engine trust.

Organisations must maintain current and accessible legal documentation at all times. This includes:

  • Privacy policies and terms of service tailored to national, state, and territory requirements.
  • Explicit consent processes for all personal data collection, marketing communications, and testimonials.
  • Transparent display of business credentials and author profiles on every digital property.
  • Prompt updates to all disclosures, policies, and licences following regulatory or operational changes.

Technical

Development and content teams must ensure continuous technical compliance, including:

  • Implementation and validation of structured data (schema.org) for all business, service, and product content.
  • Ongoing monitoring of search enhancements and error reports in Google Search Console.
  • Accessible web design, validated against WCAG 2.2 standards.
  • Secure storage and encrypted handling of all sensitive customer data, with documented audit trails.

Editorial

Effective editorial processes underpin content accuracy and compliance. Key practices include:

  • Documented fact-checking standards and regular content reviews for all regulated information.
  • Clear assignment of author credentials and editorial accountability for each article or page.
  • Consistent update cycles based on regulatory changes and search best practices.
  • Comprehensive staff training in regulatory awareness, data privacy, and digital accessibility.

Application

Ongoing compliance and operational excellence require:

  • Scheduling regular cross-departmental audits of all published content, schema, and privacy settings.
  • Using Schema Markup Validator and Google Rich Results Test after each major change.
  • Monitoring for regulatory updates via official government and sector regulator channels.
  • Maintaining secure, version-controlled records of all consent forms, compliance reviews, and risk assessments.

Integration

Continuous improvement can be supported through responsible AI adoption, provided appropriate safeguards are in place:

  • Implementation of AI-driven tools for review summarisation, customer support, and dynamic content updates, overseen by human experts.
  • Regular review and testing of AI-generated outputs to ensure compliance and factual accuracy.
  • Integration of emerging Google AI features and structured data requirements as they become available.

Sustained visibility and regulatory compliance now require a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach from Australian and New Zealand businesses. Sector leaders, developers, and compliance teams must work together to maintain legal accuracy, technical excellence, and transparent operations.

Proactive audits, structured data validation, and continuous monitoring of legal and search updates are essential for long-term stability and competitive advantage. Adopting responsible AI and implementing robust content governance processes further protect against emerging risks and enable organisations to capitalise on new opportunities.