If you’ve been following the blog, you know we’ve already discussed that search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial component for enhancing online visibility and driving organic traffic. (If you missed it, here’s a link.) However, not all SEO strategies are created equal. Two prominent approaches stand out in the SEO world: Traditional SEO and Local SEO.
While both aim to improve search rankings and boost website traffic, they target different audiences and cater to specific business objectives.
In our experience, most business leaders think they need Traditional SEO, when in reality, that may not be the best fit for their ideal traffic. In this article, we want to help you understand the differences between Traditional and Local SEO Strategies. We’ll shed light on their benefits and application, helping you make the most informed decision about what’s right for your business.
Target Audience:
The primary distinction between Traditional SEO and Local SEO lies in their target audience.
Traditional SEO strategies are designed to attract a global or national audience. Websites that implement Traditional SEO techniques aim to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for broader keywords, focusing on reaching users from all geographical locations. For this reason, a Traditional SEO strategy is only right for a small handful of businesses and industries.
On the other hand, Local SEO concentrates on reaching local customers and establishing a strong online presence within a specific geographical area. Local businesses that desire local consumers, local visitors or local clients should prioritize Local SEO to connect with potential customers in their vicinity.
Keyword Selection:
The choice of keywords plays a significant role in both Traditional SEO and Local SEO, but the emphasis varies.
Traditional SEO involves targeting highly competitive and broader keywords with higher search volumes. For instance, a global e-commerce platform may optimize for keywords like “buy smartphones online” or “best laptop deals.”
Conversely, Local SEO involves optimizing for location-specific keywords. Local businesses need to target keywords that include the name of their city, region, or neighborhood. For instance, a local bakery in New York City would focus on keywords like “best cupcakes in NYC” or “artisan bakery in Manhattan.”
Google Business Profile and Local Citations:
Unlike Traditional SEO which focuses almost exclusively on the website itself, in Local SEO the Google Business Profile (GBP) is a crucial component. It allows businesses to create a profile with essential information such as location, contact details, operating hours, and customer reviews. Through the GBP, businesses can appear in Google’s Local Pack and Google Maps, significantly enhancing their visibility to local users.
Local citations are also essential for Local SEO. A citation refers to any online mention of a business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). These citations can be found on local business directories, review sites, and other platforms. Consistent NAP information across various citations helps boost a business’s local search ranking.
Content Strategy:
While content quality is essential for both Traditional SEO and Local SEO, the focus of their content strategies differs.
Traditional SEO often emphasizes creating content that caters to a broader audience, addressing topics relevant to a wide range of users.
Conversely, Local SEO content is tailored to the local audience. This includes creating location-specific pages, producing blog posts or other content relevant for local events or services, and engaging with the local community through content. As opposed to Traditional SEO, some of the most valuable use of content in a Local strategy is posted on third party sites rather than the businesses website alone.
Link Building:
Link building is a vital aspect of SEO, regardless of the approach. However, the strategies for Traditional SEO and Local SEO can differ.
Traditional SEO often involves building backlinks from high-authority websites, industry-specific blogs, and other sources, aiming to improve domain authority and search rankings on a global scale.
Local SEO, on the other hand, places emphasis on obtaining local backlinks from sources within the target area. This can include local partnerships, collaborations with nearby businesses, and outreach to local community websites.
Understanding the differences between Traditional SEO and Local SEO allows business leaders to make informed decisions and optimize their online presence in a way that’s meaningful for their desired growth.
If you’re unsure which strategy is right for your business, connect with us. At Adsum Partners, we offer a consultative approach to SEO. We’ll discuss your goals, who your ideal client is, and make an SEO recommendation based off what’s right for your target audience and goals.