Fonthip Ward launches SEO consulting practice in Queensland

By AI, Created 4:31 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Fonthip Ward has launched an Australian SEO consulting practice from Toowoomba, offering direct strategy and execution for service businesses in Brisbane, Toowoomba and across Australia. The move gives local businesses access to 14 years of SEO experience spanning Australia and Thailand, with a growing focus on AI search visibility.

Why it matters: - Queensland service businesses now have direct access to a senior SEO consultant with experience across two markets and multiple industries. - The launch targets businesses that want search visibility, quality traffic and lead growth without the overhead of a large agency. - AI search visibility is becoming a competitive issue as Google, ChatGPT and Gemini change how people find businesses online.

What happened: - Fonthip Ward, founder of Search Studio, launched her Australian SEO consulting practice in 2026. - The practice serves service businesses in Toowoomba, Brisbane and across Australia. - Ward is based in Toowoomba and travels regularly to Brisbane. - Clients can work with Ward in person in Brisbane and Toowoomba or remotely anywhere in Australia.

The details: - Ward has more than 14 years of hands-on SEO experience. - More than a decade of that work involved campaigns for Australian marketing agencies. - Ward handles both strategy and delivery herself. - Search Studio keeps its client list small so each engagement gets direct attention. - Services include technical audits, on-page optimisation, link building, content strategy and AI search visibility. - The Australian practice focuses on service businesses including tradies, health clinics, professional services, construction and SaaS. - Ward started her career in Thailand in 2012. - She founded Search Studio Thailand in 2018, and that business continues to serve clients across Southeast Asia and internationally. - Search Studio operates across Australia and Thailand.

Between the lines: - The launch positions Ward as a direct operator rather than a behind-the-scenes agency contractor. - Her dual-market background may appeal to businesses that want a broader view of search competition and multilingual markets. - Ward argues that many local SEO providers have not adapted to AI search fast enough. - One client described the results as faster than expected and the communication as easy to understand for non-marketers.

What’s next: - Ward is expected to grow the Australian consulting practice while continuing to serve clients remotely nationwide. - Businesses seeking stronger visibility in both traditional search and AI-driven search results are likely to be the main audience for the service. - Search Studio will continue operating in both Australia and Thailand.

The bottom line: - Queensland service businesses now have a veteran SEO consultant offering hands-on strategy and execution from a local base, with international experience and a strong focus on the next phase of search.