The question that many people tend to ask in case you are new to the world of digital marketing or blogging is: What is the difference between local SEO and regular SEO?
I recall that I used to ask the same question when I was learning SEO. The two were similar and to be honest, it was at first confusing. But once you get to know the intention behind them all, it is so obvious.
In this paper, I will explain the distinction in a simple and friendly manner- no complex terminologies, no dense theory. Ordinary knowledge, such as the explanation of one friend to another.
The first one is What Is SEO in Simple Words?
Search Engine Optimisation is abbreviated as SEO. In the simplest terms, SEO is the matter of making your web site easier to comprehend and be displayed by Google to the appropriate individuals.
SEO will ensure that your site shows up when a person goes to Google:
- Higher in search results
- Before the appropriate audience.
- At the right time
Today, there is regular SEO and local SEO based on who you would like to target.
What Is Regular SEO?
Regular SEO (sometimes referred to as traditional or organic SEO) aims at getting in touch with individuals on a country or even the planet level.
Example:
If someone searches:
- “Best SEO tools”
- How to learning digital marketing.
- “What is content marketing”
Such searches are not associated with a place. Google presents the results regardless of the location, provided that the contents are meaningful and applicable.
Regular SEO is best for:
- Blogs
- Online courses
- SaaS products
- News websites
- Affiliate websites
- International or national companies.
Main goal of regular SEO:
Increase the number of visitors to the site through non-location based searches.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO targets the target population within a particular city, region, or the locality.
This form of search engine optimization is significant when you are operating a business that is serving customers on a face-to-face basis or a locality.
Example searches:
- “SEO agency near me”
- Digital marketing company in Chennai.
- “Best dentist in Coimbatore”
- “Coffee shop near me”
Google displays results in such instances according to:
- User’s location
- Google Maps
- Nearby businesses
Local SEO is best for:
- Local service businesses
- Shops and showrooms
- Clinics and hospitals
- Restaurants
- Gyms
- Freelancers serving a city
Main goal of local SEO:
Get local customers to make calls, visit or enquire.
Major Disagreement between Local SEO and Regular SEO.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Target Audience
- Routine SEO: National or global people.
- Local SEO: Citizens of a particular place.
In case your audience is everywhere, please use regular SEO.
In the case your customers are local, it becomes important to use local SEO.
Search Intent
Frequent searches (SEO): Informational or general searches.
- “What is SEO”
- “Best blogging tips”
Local search engine optimization: Local or service search.
- “SEO expert in Bangalore”
- “Plumber near me”
Local search is normally characterized by high purchasing intent.
Google Results Appearance
This is a big difference.
Regular SEO results:
- Blog posts
- Articles
- Websites
Local SEO results:
- Google Maps
- Business listings
- Reviews
- Phone numbers
You could have observed that a map of 3 businesses is on top- it is referred to as the local pack.
Significance of Google Business Profile.
- Frequent SEO: Google Business Profile is unnecessary.
- Local search engine optimization: Google Business Profile cannot be overestimated.
Your business profile will assist Google in knowing:
- Where you are
- What services you offer
- When you are open
- How customers review you
Local SEO is made very tough without it.
Keywords Used
Regular SEO keywords:
- SEO tips
- Learn digital marketing
- Blogging for beginners
Local SEO keywords:
- SEO services in Chennai
- Web designer in Madurai
- Best salon near me
Local SEO is very much dependent on location words.
Competition Level
Regular SEO:
- High competition
- Competing with big websites
Local SEO:
- Lower competition
- Competition with the businesses in the area.
This is why local SEO works quicker with the small businesses.
Can One Website Do Both?
Yes, absolutely.
Local SEO and regular SEO are utilized by a number of businesses.
Example:
An SEO agency may:
- Write blogs that are aimed to the entire nation (normal SEO)
- Optimise service pages: SEO company in Chennai (local SEO).
Such a combination assists in bringing:
- Brand awareness
- Local leads
- Long-term traffic
Which One Should You Focus On?
The following are questions that you need to ask yourself:
- Am I serving customers to a single city or area? Focus on local SEO
- Do I sell via the internet or disseminate information around the world?
Focus on regular SEO
- Do I desire traffic as well as leads?
Combine both strategies
At my beginning, I concentrated on the normal SEO. However, when I started to work with local clients, I learned the might of local SEO, particularly in the context of fast enquiries and calls.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up simply:
Constant SEO would make your site reach anyone and anywhere.
Local search engine optimization brings your business to the local people.
They are both significant yet the right one is determined by your objective.
In case this article made you appreciate the distinction well, then share the same in your social media. It could be used to confuse another person just as we used to be confused.
And do not forget to subscribe to the blog to get more beginner SEO oriented guides, tips and real life examples.
What is the main difference between local SEO and regular SEO?
The primary distinction is the target audience.
The local SEO targets customers within a certain location whereas the regular SEO targets customers within a nation or the world.
Is local SEO only for small businesses?
No. Local SEO is mostly applied by small businesses, however large companies that have their physical locations also apply local SEO to get nearby customers.
Do I need a website for local SEO?
A web site is useful, but not a necessity. It is still possible to achieve local visibility with a Google Business Profile, but a website is better in terms of trust and ranking.
Which is better: local SEO or regular SEO?
There is no “better” option.
Select local SEO in case you have local customers.
Select standard SEO in case your target audience is online and is not location-dependent.
An example is that there are many businesses that combine the two.
How long does local SEO take to show results?
Local SEO tends to provide faster results which are compared to regular SEO. It might be possible to see improvements in a couple of weeks, particularly with appropriate Google Business Profile optimisation.