Thryv® Australia’s provider of the leading small business marketing and sales software platform, has launched a new AI-powered marketing solution tailored for home services businesses. The solution helps businesses – from plumbers and landscapers to electricians and pool maintenance specialists- get discovered online, land more sales and grow efficiently.

Built within the Thryv platform, the new features harness AI and automation to help growth-minded, time-poor trades and service professionals reach high-intent customers, automate follow-ups, and maintain visibility online, all without needing a marketing agency or complex integrations.

According to Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand, home services operators are some of the hardest-working small businesses.

“They are experts in their fields, however, not necessarily on digital marketing. Our software levels the playing field – giving them access to the same technology and intelligence as big brands, in a format that is easy to use and designed for everyday business.”

Smarter growth in three steps

Built on a proprietary 3-step growth framework, Thryv’s home services software helps businesses:

1. Get found online – boosts brand credibility and helps businesses rise to the top of online search results, AI-search platforms, social sites and top directories.
2. Capture and convert new customers – CRM and automation software help capture leads and automate follow-up (like free estimates and appointment reminders).
3. Drive repeat business – helps fuel repeat business with reputation management tools like AI-generated review responses, as well as automated email and text marketing campaigns with timely offers that keep revenue flowing during shoulder seasons.

Turning everyday actions into growth

Thryv’s home services software brings AI to life where it matters most – in the day-to-day customer journey. When a lead request lands, Thryv automatically sends an acknowledgement, adds the customer to the CRM and follows up with tailored communication. When the job is done, the software prompts a branded review request and builds long-term loyalty through timely maintenance offers.

According to Elise, the result is a new level of simplicity for small businesses seeking scale.

“Automation shouldn’t feel robotic – it should feel human, relevant and on-brand. That is what Thryv’s AI tools do. They save hours of manual effort, reduce missed sales opportunities and strengthen the reputation that small businesses work so hard to build.”

Key features for home services businesses

• Enhanced Local Listings: Updates business details across 30+ local directories to improve ranking and reach on Google™ Search and ChatGPT.
• AI Review Response: Delivers consistent, brand-aligned replies to customer reviews, preserving tone and quality, while saving valuable time.
• Automated Follow-Up: Sends personalised emails instantly to prospects and existing customers, keeping communication active without extra admin.
• AI Content Generator: Designs and schedules marketing emails featuring seasonal offers, exclusive discounts or maintenance plans — maintaining engagement through quieter periods.
• Integrations: Thryv connects via Zapier to thousands of platforms including ServiceM8 and SimPro, enabling seamless data flow between the tools businesses already rely on.

Elise added that the focus on connection and usability reflects the ANZ market’s appetite for integrated business tools.

“We have seen a huge shift toward consolidation. Business owners want everything in one place, including marketing, bookings, payments, and communication – all working together to grow their business. That is exactly where Thryv delivers,” Elise said.

Looking ahead, Elise said Thryv’s AI development will continue to evolve alongside the needs of local businesses.

“What matters now is making AI accessible, transparent and genuinely useful for small businesses. Our goal is to make growth effortless and marketing meaningful, no matter the size of the team or the trade.”

Twenty standout restaurants – 15 across Melbourne and Sydney and five in Auckland – have been selected as grantees of the American Express Backing International Small Restaurants program. Each restaurant is receiving a grant of $23,000 AUD for critical improvements to their business, supporting their long-term growth.

Globally, the initiative is awarding more than $1.4 million USD to 97 small and independently owned restaurants across 14 cities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Spain and France, honouring restaurants that that have demonstrated a positive impact in their local communities.

In partnership with the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation and supported by Mainstreet Australia, the American Express program offers grants to small, independent restaurants, empowering them to make critical improvements like refreshing dining spaces, enhancing digital tools and improving kitchen operations.

Robert Tedesco, Vice President of Global Merchant Network Services for American Express Australia and New Zealand, said: “Now in its fourth year, the American Express Backing International Small Restaurants program has provided $867,500 AUD in financial support to Australian restaurants and for the first time this year, $125,000 NZD to New Zealand restaurants. These grants are all about empowering small restaurants to thrive, enrich the dining culture we all love and support their local communities. At Amex, we’re passionate about backing small businesses because when they succeed, neighbourhoods flourish.”

Mainstreet Australia President Troy Stuchbree, said: “As we celebrate the Backing International Small Restaurants program, we are continually inspired by the resilience and positive impact of the small, independent restaurants selected as this year’s grantees. These restaurants are the heart and soul of their main streets and through the generous, sustained support of American Express and the IDA Foundation, Mainstreet Australia is proud to help strengthen the fabric of these local communities.”

One of the 15 Australian grantees is Porcine in Sydney. Known for its classic French fare, the 35-seater bistro champions small regenerative farmers and heartfelt hospitality. Co-owned by chefs Nik Hill, Matt Fitzgerald and Harry Levy, the team is using the $23,000 AUD grant to improve the restaurant’s weather- affected courtyard, refurbish aging facilities, and continue offering a welcoming, community-focused dining experience.

“When you work within a quirky old building like the one we do, there’s always something that needs love, and as a small independent team, we don’t have deep pockets to fall back on. This grant gives us the chance to finally do some of those things: re-do the bathrooms for our guests, add heating and fans, fix the kitchen floor that’s 30 years old, and make our little wine bar more comfortable for our regulars. This kind of support helps us make a dramatic improvement in a short time – something that keeps a place like Porcine thriving in the neighbourhood we love,” chef Nik Hill said.

The Lebanese Grocer is one of five small restaurants in Auckland to receive $25,000 NZD. Chef and owner Elie Assaf is using the grant to build a commercial kitchen and develop a new line of house-made grocery products based on his family recipes, helping to diversify their revenue.

“When we opened the Lebanese Grocer, it was my way of carrying my family’s legacy forward – sharing the flavours, memories and traditions that were passed down to me. What began as a small neighbourhood spot quickly became a space that connects people through culture, hospitality and good food. We applied for the grant because we’re at a pivotal stage of growth. As a small, family-run business, this grant is a chance to turn a challenging period into one of expansion and resilience. It allows us to move forward with our kitchen build, invest in our product line and continue serving our community in a meaningful way,” owner Elie Assaf said.

This initiative complements American Express’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, which has provided over $8 million USD to 180 restaurants across all 50 U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands since its creation in 2021. Together, these programs have delivered over $11 million USD to support more than 410 small restaurants globally. American Express has long championed small businesses, launching Small Business Saturday 15 years ago and founding Shop Small, now a global movement across the UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, New Zealand and more.

2025 Backing International Small Restaurants Program Grantees Australia

• Porcine – Sydney
• Anchovy – Melbourne
• Banh Meats and Co – Sydney
• Beach Bar @ Carrum – Melbourne
• Butter Sydney – Sydney
• Hudson’s Bakery – Sydney
• La Coppola – Sydney
• Little Growling Cafe – Melbourne
• MAIZ Mexican Food – Sydney
• Milhouse Canteen – Melbourne
• Mokum Cafe – Melbourne
• Saigon Alley – Melbourne
• Tahina – Melbourne
• The Moat – Melbourne
• Tokyo7 Japanese Restaurant – Melbourne