97% of search engine users search online to find a local business. If users want to find a local business online, they turn to search engines first.
In the world of online marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has become essential for any business wanting to gain visibility. But did you know there are different flavors of SEO? Local SEO and regular SEO both serve a purpose, but which is right for your business? Let’s break down the distinctions and how to leverage each type for success.
What is Regular SEO?
Regular SEO, sometimes called “traditional” or “organic” SEO, focuses on improving your website’s rankings in search results for a broad audience. It targets keywords relevant to your industry and products/services but without a specific geographic element.
Here’s when regular SEO is your focus:
- You serve a national or global audience: E-commerce businesses or SaaS companies fall into this category.
- Location isn’t primary: Some online businesses, even if local, focus less on the location of the searcher if their product/service doesn’t require in-person interaction.
- Brand building: Even if you’re local, regular SEO plays a role in building your overall brand authority online.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is all about making your business visible in search results when someone is looking for products or services in their local area. It involves optimizing for keywords with a local intent (like “plumber in Chicago”) and ensuring your business information is correct in online directories and your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Choose Local SEO if:
- You have a physical location: Brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants, service area businesses all heavily rely on local SEO.
- Location defines your customer base: You primarily serve people within your city, region, etc.
- You want to appear in the map pack: The coveted top spots in Google Maps results? That’s a primary goal of local SEO.
Key Differences: A Breakdown
Let’s look at the major ways local SEO and regular SEO differ:
- Keywords: Local SEO uses location modifiers (city, neighborhood), while regular SEO targets broader industry terms.
- Google Business Profile: A well-optimized GBP is critical for local SEO but less important for regular SEO.
- Citations: Listing your business in relevant local directories is a cornerstone of local SEO, while less focused on in regular SEO.
- User intent: Local SEO aims to satisfy searches where proximity matters (“dentists near me”), while regular SEO casts a wider net.
Can I Do Both?
Absolutely! Most businesses with a physical location benefit from a combined approach, using local SEO to dominate searches in their area while using regular SEO to increase their overall online presence and authority.
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Need Help Navigating SEO?
Understanding the distinctions between local and regular SEO is just the first step. Putting effective strategies into action requires expertise. At D&D SEO Services, we specialize in helping businesses boost their visibility in the right places. Contact us for a free consultation and see how we can drive more customers to your door.
