What’s the difference between Local SEO and Regular SEO?

Local SEO and regular (or traditional) SEO both aim to increase your website’s visibility in search engines, but they focus on different audiences and ranking factors.

Local SEO is about ranking in searches with local intent—think “garage door repair near me” or “jet ski rentals in Sarasota.” It’s essential for businesses that serve a physical location or a specific service area. Key elements of local SEO include:

  • Optimizing your Google Business Profile

  • Earning local reviews

  • Building local citations

  • Targeting geo-specific keywords

  • Showing up in the Google Map Pack

Regular SEO (also called national or organic SEO) targets broader searches without geographic limits. It’s ideal for online businesses or service providers competing at a regional, national, or even global level.

Both approaches matter—especially if you’re looking to grow beyond your local market. We often blend both strategies to ensure you rank in local searches and broader organic results, depending on your business goals.

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