Local SEO
Local SEO focuses on optimizing a website to rank for a specific location or geographic area. This includes targeting keywords that mention a primary location (e.g., “Plumber in Sacramento”) and may also cover surrounding cities or regions. Pages optimized for local SEO will often include keywords with location references to help attract users searching for services within a specific area. Since local keywords usually have less competition compared to broad or national terms, it’s typically easier and faster to achieve higher rankings for local searches. Sometimes it’s often better to start off locally to get some traction, it all depends on the competition.
Example: A page optimized for “Best Coffee Shops in Sacramento” targets users specifically searching within that city. The competition for such localized terms is generally lower, making it easier to rank.
National SEO
National SEO, on the other hand, focuses on optimizing a website to rank across a broad audience without referencing any specific city, state, or geographic area. The goal is to appeal to users nationwide, avoiding location-specific keywords. Because national keywords typically have higher search volumes and appeal to a larger audience, the competition for these terms is significantly greater. As a result, achieving high rankings for national SEO often requires more effort, time, and a well-thought-out strategy.
Example: A page optimized for “Best Coffee Beans for Home Brewing” targets users across the entire country, regardless of where they are searching from.
What is best for your business?
If you primarily work with local businesses, Local SEO is the best option. If you have two or more locations, it’s best to focus on the main location, and create landing pages within your website for any other locations.
If you serve clients nationwide, National SEO would be more appropriate.
If you are new to the industry or lack an established online presence, starting with Local SEO before transitioning to National SEO would be most beneficial and help gain some traction.
