Local vs. General SEO Services: Key Differences & Strategies Explained
Local SEO services and general SEO services differ primarily in their target audience, strategies, and implementation methods. I'll explain the key differences to help you understand which approach best suits your business needs.
The main distinction lies in geographical focus. Local SEO specifically targets customers in a particular location or service area, while general SEO aims to reach a broader, often nationwide or global audience. For example, a local pizza shop would use local SEO to attract nearby customers, while an online clothing retailer might use general SEO to reach shoppers across the country.
Let's break down the specific differences:
Geographic Targeting - Local SEO focuses on optimizing for specific cities, neighborhoods, or regions - General SEO targets broader audiences without geographic restrictions - Local SEO emphasizes "near me" searches and location-based keywords - General SEO prioritizes topic-based keywords regardless of location
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) - Local SEO heavily relies on optimizing Google Business Profile listings - General SEO doesn't typically require Google Business Profile optimization - Local SEO includes managing customer reviews and local citations - General SEO focuses more on website authority and backlinks
Content Strategy - Local SEO content includes location-specific pages and local events - General SEO content focuses on industry topics and broader themes - Local SEO requires location-based keyword optimization - General SEO uses broader, topic-based keyword strategies
Technical Requirements - Local SEO needs location schema markup and local business structured data - General SEO focuses on broader technical optimizations - Local SEO requires NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across platforms - General SEO emphasizes overall site structure and performance
Link Building Approach - Local SEO targets local directories and community websites - General SEO focuses on industry-relevant websites and authoritative domains - Local SEO values quality local citations - General SEO prioritizes diverse, high-authority backlinks
Performance Metrics - Local SEO measures local pack rankings and local visibility - General SEO tracks overall organic rankings and domain authority - Local SEO monitors review ratings and local engagement - General SEO focuses on organic traffic and conversion rates
The choice between local and general SEO services depends on your business model. Local businesses with physical locations should prioritize local SEO, while online-only businesses typically benefit more from general SEO services.
Both approaches require ongoing maintenance and updates, but local SEO often demands more frequent attention to maintain accurate location information and respond to customer reviews.
Remember that these approaches aren't mutually exclusive. Many businesses benefit from combining both local and general SEO strategies to maximize their online visibility and reach their target audience effectively.
By understanding these differences, you can better choose the right SEO approach for your business and allocate your marketing resources more efficiently.