We’ve discussed Local SEO on this blog before (here >> https://marketerslist.co/what-is-local-seo/)
This time, we want to explain further to business owners, the differences between local SEO, and “normal” SEO.
If you do have a local area business, and need help with your local SEO – we recommend you speak to Good Oil Marketing HERE.
Right – onto the article…..
Businesses often aim for visibility on search engines. However, not all SEO strategies are created equal. Local SEO and traditional (or normal) SEO serve different purposes and target distinct audiences. This article will delve into the key differences between local SEO and normal SEO, highlighting their unique features, strategies, and benefits.
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What is Normal SEO?
Normal SEO, often referred to simply as SEO, is the practice of optimizing websites to improve their visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) for a broader audience. For example, SideChain Security serves worldwide, and would be interested in Normal SEO.
This type of SEO focuses on driving organic traffic to a website from diverse geographical locations.
Key Features of Normal SEO:
- Global Reach: Targets audiences regardless of their location.
- Broad Keywords: Utilizes general keywords that could attract visitors from anywhere (e.g., “best coffee shops”).
- Content Focus: Emphasizes high-quality content and backlinks from authoritative sites.
- Technical SEO: Considers website speed, mobile optimization, and structured data to enhance user experience.
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What is Local SEO?
Local SEO, on the other hand, is a specialized branch of SEO focusing on optimizing a business’s online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches. It is particularly crucial for businesses that operate on a regional basis and want to attract customers from specific locations.
For example, ZR Decorating serves a local area, and therefore would focus on Local SEO.
Key Features of Local SEO:
- Location-Specific Targeting: Focuses on attracting users searching for services or products in a specified area (e.g., “coffee shops near me”).
- Local Keywords: Utilizes geo-targeted keywords often incorporating location (e.g., “best coffee in Austin”).
- Google My Business (GMB): Involves creating and managing a GMB listing to enhance visibility in local search results and Google Maps.
- Local Citations and Reviews: Emphasizes the importance of local citations (mentions of the business in other online platforms) and customer reviews.
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Fundamental Differences Between Local SEO and Normal SEO
1. Target Audience
- Normal SEO:
- Aims for a global audience.
- Caters to users looking for information or services without regional constraints.
- Local SEO:
- Targets users based on their geographical location.
- Essential for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to attract local customers.
2. Keyword Strategy
- Normal SEO:
- Focuses on broader keywords with high search volumes.
- Generally involves more competitive keywords.
- Local SEO:
- Utilizes long-tail keywords that reflect local intent.
- Keywords often include local landmarks, neighborhoods, or regions.
3. Ranking Factors
- Normal SEO:
- Emphasizes backlinks, content quality, and overall site authority.
- Considers engagement metrics and user experience.
- Local SEO:
- Incorporates local pack rankings, citations, and review signals.
- Prioritizes proximity to the searcher’s location as a key ranking factor.
4. SEO Tools and Techniques
- Normal SEO:
- Utilizes tools like Google Analytics, Moz, SEMrush for tracking overall site performance.
- Focuses on on-page and off-page SEO techniques.
- Local SEO:
- Requires GMB optimization, local citation building, and management of online reviews.
- Tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark are often employed for tracking local search performance.
5. Content Creation
- Normal SEO:
- Engages in broader content marketing strategies aimed at a wide audience.
- Content can range from blogs to eBooks and video content.
- Local SEO:
- Focuses on creating locally relevant content that speaks to the community.
- Examples include local news, events, and community-specific guides.
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Benefits of Local SEO vs. Normal SEO
Benefits of Local SEO:
- Increased visibility in local search results.
- Higher chances of attracting foot traffic to physical locations.
- Establishing trust and authority within the local community.
Benefits of Normal SEO:
- Greater reach and potential customer base.
- Stronger branding presence on a national or international scale.
- Opportunity to target a variety of audience interests beyond local needs.
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Conclusion
While both local SEO and normal SEO share the same fundamental goal of improving visibility on search engines, they cater to different audiences and employ distinct strategies. Businesses should assess their specific goals and customer demographics to determine which approach is most suitable. For local businesses, focusing on local SEO can lead to increased foot traffic and a stronger community presence, while normal SEO is vital for brands operating on a larger scale. Understanding these differences can help businesses optimize their online presence effectively and capture their target audience.
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