Search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial part of any online marketing strategy. It’s the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords and phrases. However, SEO is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are two main types of SEO: local SEO and traditional SEO. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between these two approaches and why it matters for your business.

What is Traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in SERPs for keywords and phrases that are not location-specific. This type of SEO is focused on improving a website’s overall search engine ranking, regardless of the searcher’s location.

The primary goal of traditional SEO is to improve a website’s visibility in organic search results. To achieve this goal, traditional SEO tactics may include keyword research and optimization, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation. Traditional SEO can be effective for businesses that operate online and don’t have a physical location or a specific geographic area they serve.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in SERPs for location-specific keywords and phrases. This type of SEO is focused on improving a website’s visibility in local search results.

Local SEO tactics may include optimizing a website’s Google My Business listing, building local citations, creating location-specific content, and generating positive customer reviews. The goal of local SEO is to improve a website’s visibility in local search results, so that it appears at the top of the search results when someone searches for a product or service in a specific geographic area.

Why Local SEO Matters

Local SEO is becoming increasingly important for businesses, especially those that rely on local customers. According to Google, 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, and 72% of consumers who did a local search visited a store within five miles.

Local SEO is also important because it’s more targeted than traditional SEO. By optimizing for location-specific keywords and phrases, businesses can reach customers who are actively looking for their products or services in a specific geographic area. This makes local SEO more effective for businesses that operate in a specific geographic area or have a physical location.

Key Differences Between Local SEO and Traditional SEO

There are several key differences between local SEO and traditional SEO:

• Keyword focus: Traditional SEO focuses on non-location-specific keywords, while local SEO focuses on location-specific keywords.
• Target audience: Traditional SEO targets a broad audience, while local SEO targets a specific geographic area or location.
• Optimization strategies: Traditional SEO may include tactics like link building and content creation, while local SEO focuses on building local citations and optimizing Google My Business listings.
• Goal: The goal of traditional SEO is to improve a website’s overall search engine ranking, while the goal of local SEO is to improve a website’s visibility in local search results.

Which Approach is Right for Your Business?

The approach you should take depends on the type of business you have and your goals. If you operate online and don’t have a physical location, traditional SEO may be the best approach.