What Is the Difference Between SEO and Local SEO?

by | Aug 24, 2016

Here’s what entrepreneurs should know to answer the question, “What is the difference between SEO and local SEO?”

What is the difference between SEO and local SEO? Over the past few years, the term search engine optimization (SEO) has been added to most entrepreneurs’ vocabularies. However, now you probably see information everywhere about the importance of local SEO – and it might be confusing. Keep reading to learn the difference between the two forms of marketing.

What Is SEO?

SEO means using a variety of strategies to drive traffic to your website. For example, you may optimize your website to attract search engine traffic that’s looking for the keyword phrase “laser eye surgeon.” Ultimately, if your website is optimized well, your site will get visitors from all over the planet using these search terms.

What’s Different about Local SEO?

At a basic level, local SEO does much the same thing. There are two big differences regarding local SEO. First, you can optimize your website to draw traffic looking for service providers in your geographic area. For instance, you may optimize your site for the search term “Atlanta laser eye surgeon.” Now, you’re less likely to see traffic from the other side of the country. However, you will attract the eyes of people looking for a professional in your local area.

Second, the search engines are automatically looking for local businesses that fulfill a person’s search terms. Near the top of a search engine results page, your target audience will see a list of local laser eye surgeons. In many cases, the searcher doesn’t have to add a geographic location to their search term to see local service providers.

Want to Learn How to Use SEO and Local SEO for Your Business?

Now that you understand the difference between SEO and local SEO, hit me up if you’d like some help getting your SEO strategies up and running.