Local SEO vs. Traditional SEO What's Best for Your Business?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is how businesses get discovered online. Think of it as helping your customers find you easily when they search on Google or Bing. The better your SEO, the higher you appear in search results—and that means more visitors, more customers, and ultimately more sales.
Why Your SEO Approach Matters
SEO isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right strategy depends on your business goals and the customers you’re trying to reach.
That’s why understanding the difference between Local SEO vs. Traditional SEO matters so much. Picking the right one can make all the difference between just being online and being found by your ideal customers.
Traditional SEO
Local SEO
- Is this difficult to do?
Traditional SEO
Requires website adherence to complex rules that change constantly.
Local SEO
Simple steps anyone can do.
- When will I see results?
Traditional SEO
Takes months to even start seeing results.
Local SEO
Yields significant results, as positive ratings and reviews directly impact attracting more local business.
- When do I start ranking?
Traditional SEO
The search engines constantly change their algorithms for websites using hundreds of different search signals.
Local SEO
Easy to rank due to the algorithm's focus on review count and ratings, which can be boosted quickly.
- What are my risks?
Traditional SEO
There's a risk of the agency handling backlinks or content negatively impacting your rankings and potentially de-listing your site.
Local SEO
Use an ethical reputation management solution that constantly monitors your progress and protects you from losing your reviews or getting delisted.
- How much does it cost?
Traditional SEO
Costs thousands of dollars per month.
Local SEO
Requires a modest investment, equivalent to the cost of a Frappuccino Venti per day, to drive more rankings, reviews, and customers.
- Is this effective way to SEO?
Traditional SEO
Despite meticulous efforts, there's no guarantee of success with traditional SEO. Ranking fluctuations, unforeseen changes in search behavior, or sudden shifts in the competitive landscape can lead to unpredictable outcomes, further reducing the ROI.
Local SEO
Proven to be the most efficient channel for business growth; cutting costs in this area should be the last resort when seeking cost reductions.
- How does this help my business visibility?
Traditional SEO
It aims to improve a website's visibility on a global or national level. The focus is on attracting organic traffic from users across different regions and countries.
Local SEO
It concentrates on optimizing a website to rank better in local search results for specific geographic areas, such as cities, towns, or regions.
- Who does this target?
Traditional SEO
Targets a broad and diverse audience, regardless of their location. It's ideal for businesses that operate online and want to attract customers from various regions.
Local SEO
Targets a localized audience, primarily people who are searching for products or services within a specific geographical area. It's essential for brick-and-mortar businesses or local service providers looking to attract customers in their vicinity.
- How are keywords used?
Traditional SEO
Involves targeting more general and competitive keywords that have a higher search volume. These keywords are relevant on a global or national scale.
Local SEO
Involves targeting location-specific keywords that include the name of the city or region. These keywords are typically less competitive and more geographically relevant to the local audience.
- Does a Google Business Profile (GBP) matter?
Traditional SEO
While having a Google Business Profile is beneficial for businesses, it's not the primary focus of traditional SEO efforts. Google Business Profile is formerly known as Google My Business or just GMB.
Local SEO
A well-optimized Google Business profile is crucial for local SEO success. It provides essential information about the business, such as address, phone number, hours of operation, and customer reviews. Local search results often feature GBP listings prominently.
- Is it worth listing my business elsewhere online?
Traditional SEO
Citations (mentions of a business's name, address, and phone number) are still important for traditional SEO, but they don't hold the same level of significance as in local SEO.
Local SEO
Consistent and accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across various online directories and platforms is a vital factor for local SEO success. It helps search engines verify the legitimacy and relevance of the business in a particular location.
- What is the focus of using this approach?
Traditional SEO
Focuses on acquiring high-quality backlinks from diverse sources to improve the website's authority and rankings.
Local SEO
Involves building both traditional backlinks and local citations from local websites, directories, and other businesses to boost local relevance.
- What is the difference in keyword competition?
Traditional SEO
The competition for broad and general keywords in traditional SEO can be intense, especially for popular industries or niches. Ranking high for competitive keywords often requires significant time, effort, and resources.
Local SEO
The competition for local keywords is relatively less fierce compared to broad keywords. Local businesses have a better chance of ranking higher in local search results by focusing on location-specific keywords and optimizing their Google My Business listing.
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