People often use “SEO” and “Local SEO” as if they mean the same thing. They share the same foundations, but they target different goals and use different tactics.
What traditional SEO focuses on
Traditional SEO aims to rank your website for search terms regardless of where the searcher is. It works well for businesses that serve customers anywhere, such as online stores, publishers and software companies. The main levers are content, technical health and links from other websites.
What Local SEO focuses on
Local SEO helps a business appear when people search for something nearby, such as “dentist near me” or “plumber in my area”. Google decides local results mainly on three factors: relevance, distance and prominence. Your Google Business Profile, reviews and local listings play a much bigger role here than they do in traditional SEO.
Key differences at a glance
- Goal: traditional SEO targets traffic from anywhere; Local SEO targets customers in a specific area.
- Where you appear: traditional SEO targets the organic results; Local SEO also targets the map pack and Google Maps.
- Key assets: traditional SEO relies on website content and links; Local SEO relies on your Business Profile, reviews and consistent listings, plus your website.
- Success metrics: traditional SEO tracks traffic and rankings; Local SEO also tracks calls, direction requests and visits.
Which one do you need?
If customers must visit you or you travel to them, Local SEO should be your starting point. If you also sell nationally or online, you will likely need both. The good news is that they support each other: a well-optimized website helps your local rankings, and strong local signals build trust for your whole brand.
Want to know where to start? Let’s talk about your business.