SEO can feel like a giant maze. You know you need it, but should you focus on local SEO to attract customers nearby, or go all in on traditional SEO to reach a wider audience? The answer depends on your business goals, and choosing the right strategy can mean the difference between steady growth and getting lost in search results.
What’s the Difference Between Local SEO and Traditional SEO?
At first glance, SEO might seem like a one-size-fits-all deal, but there are two major approaches: local SEO and traditional SEO (also called organic SEO). So, what’s the deal with each, and which one should you focus on?
Local SEO: The Best Choice for Brick-and-Mortar and Service-Based Businesses
Ever searched for “coffee shop near me” or “best plumber in [your city]?” That’s local SEO in action. Local SEO is all about helping businesses appear in location-based searches, especially on Google Maps.
Local SEO is perfect if:
- You run a business with a physical location (restaurants, salons, churches, retail stores, etc.).
- You provide services in specific areas (landscapers, HVAC technicians, real estate agents, etc.).
- You want to rank in the local map pack—the section of Google that displays businesses with reviews, directions, and phone numbers.
How Local SEO Works
Google prioritizes businesses that are nearby, relevant, and trustworthy. To win at local SEO, you need:
- A fully optimized Google Business Profile with accurate information.
- Consistent business listings across directories.
- Positive customer reviews (yes, Google loves reviews).
- CityRank Pages to target searches in multiple locations.
If your goal is to get more foot traffic or local leads, local SEO is your best bet.
Traditional SEO: Best for National and Online Businesses
Unlike local SEO, traditional SEO focuses on ranking your website in broader, non-location-based searches. Instead of showing up in Google Maps, your goal is to rank for keywords that bring in organic traffic from all over.
Traditional SEO is ideal if:
- You run an e-commerce store and sell products nationwide.
- Your business doesn’t depend on a specific city or region.
- You want to build long-term organic traffic to your website.
How Traditional SEO Works
Traditional SEO is all about making your website more authoritative and relevant in Google’s eyes. To do that, you need:
- Keyword-rich content that answers customer questions.
- High-quality backlinks that tell Google your site is trustworthy.
- Optimized website speed, mobile-friendliness, and user experience.
- Regular blog updates to show Google your site is active and valuable.
Traditional SEO takes time, but it’s a long-term investment that helps businesses grow their visibility beyond their local market.
Should You Focus on Local SEO, Traditional SEO, or Both?
Great question! The answer depends on your business type and goals. Here’s a simple way to decide:
- If you rely on local customers, start with local SEO.
- If your business sells nationwide or online, focus on traditional SEO.
- If you want to grow locally and beyond, do both.
Need Help Choosing the Right SEO Strategy?
SEO isn’t just about ranking—it’s about getting the right people to find your business. Whether you need help with local SEO, traditional SEO, or a mix of both, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule a free, no-pressure call and let’s map out the best SEO strategy for your business.
