SEO vs. Local SEO: What’s the Difference and Which Should I Use?

When deciding between local SEO vs. traditional SEO, understanding their differences can help your business reach the right audience. With nearly half of all Google searches having local intent and local searches converting at a much higher rate than general searches, choosing the right strategy is crucial for growth. This guide will break down what is the difference between SEO and local SEO, compare local SEO vs. organic SEO, and help you decide which approach is best for your goals.

What Is SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results for keywords relevant to your business, products, or services. Traditional SEO, often called organic SEO, targets a broad audience—local, national, or global—by focusing on non-location-specific keywords.

Key strategies in traditional SEO include:

• Keyword research and optimization

• High-quality, comprehensive content

• Improving technical performance and site speed

• Earning backlinks from authoritative websites

Why SEO matters:

• Websites ranking in the top positions receive about 27.6% of all clicks.

• SEO builds long-term visibility and trust with a broad audience.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a branch of SEO focused on increasing your business’s visibility in local search results, such as “coffee shop near me” or “plumber in Miami”. It’s essential for businesses with a physical location or those serving a specific geographic area.

Key local SEO tactics:

• Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile

• Earning and responding to online reviews

• Using location-specific keywords in website content

• Building local citations and directory listings

• Ensuring NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across platforms

Why local SEO is powerful:

• 46% of all Google searches have local intent.

• 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day.

• 28% of local searches lead to a purchase, and 78% of local searchers eventually make a purchase.

Local SEO vs. Traditional SEO: What’s the Difference?

Local SEO is designed for businesses wanting to be visible in their local area, while traditional SEO targets a wider audience without a geographic focus.

How Do Local SEO and Traditional SEO Work Together?

Local SEO and traditional SEO complement each other. Optimizing your website for relevant keywords and high-quality backlinks (traditional SEO) can improve your local rankings. Adding location-specific content and managing your Google Business Profile (local SEO) helps you stand out in local searches.

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Which Should I Use: Local SEO or Traditional SEO?

The right approach depends on your business type, goals, and audience.

When to Focus on Local SEO

Local SEO is best for:

• Brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants, clinics, or local service providers

• Businesses relying on foot traffic or serving a specific area

• Companies wanting to appear in “near me” searches and Google Maps results

If you ignore local SEO, you could miss out on nearly half of your potential customers.

When to Focus on Traditional SEO

Traditional SEO is ideal for:

• E-commerce stores, online services, or businesses with a national or global audience

• Brands seeking to build authority and attract visitors from anywhere

• Websites aiming for high rankings on broad, non-location-specific keywords

Local SEO vs. Organic SEO: Key Differences

While both aim to boost your visibility on search engines, their focus and tactics differ:

• Local SEO: Targets users searching for businesses or services in a specific location. Relies on Google Business Profile, local citations, and reviews.

• Organic SEO: Targets a broader audience, focusing on content, backlinks, and technical optimization without a location-based focus.

Most businesses benefit from a blend of both strategies—reaching local customers ready to buy and a wider audience interested in your offerings.

Real-World Results: Why Local SEO Is Booming

• 46% of Google searches have local intent.

• “Near me” or “close by” searches have increased by 900% in the last two years.

• 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day.

• 28% of local searches result in a purchase.

• 8 in 10 US consumers search for a local business online at least once a week.

• 88% of people who do a local search on their smartphone visit or call a business within a week.

Can I Use Both Local SEO and Traditional SEO?

Absolutely. Combining both approaches maximizes your visibility, drives more traffic, and increases conversions. For example, a local bakery with an online store can use local SEO to attract nearby customers and traditional SEO to sell products nationwide.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between local SEO vs. SEO comes down to your audience and business goals. Local SEO is essential for businesses with a physical location or a defined service area, while traditional SEO is key for those seeking a wider reach. For most, using both strategies together delivers the best results, helping you connect with customers wherever they are searching.

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between local SEO and traditional SEO?

Local SEO targets customers in a specific location, while traditional SEO focuses on reaching a broader, often national or global, audience.

2. What percentage of Google searches have local intent?

About 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information or businesses.

3. What are the top ranking factors for local SEO?

• Google Business Profile optimization

• Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across directories

• Local reviews and ratings

• Location-specific keywords in content

• Local backlinks from community sites

4. How long does it take to see results from local SEO?

Most businesses notice improvements in 3 to 6 months, but this can vary based on competition and industry.

5. What are the benefits of combining local SEO and traditional SEO?

• Reach both local and wider audiences

• Boost credibility and trust

• Increase website traffic and in-person visits

• Improve rankings for both local and broad keywords