You’ve heard you need SEO. But then someone mentions local SEO. Now you’re wondering: aren’t they the same thing?
Yes, and no.
Local SEO targets customers searching in your geographic area — people looking for “pizza near me” or “plumber in Lafayette,” for example. National SEO (usually what’s referred to as organic SEO or just SEO) targets broader searches where location doesn’t matter as much — like “how to fix a leaky faucet” or “best CRM software.”
Most businesses benefit from one or the other. Some need both.
Here’s how to figure out which applies to you.
What’s the Difference Between Local SEO and SEO?
Local SEO: For Businesses Serving Specific Geographic Areas
Local SEO optimizes your online presence to show up when people search for businesses near them — Google Maps rankings, the Local Pack (the top 3 businesses shown in search results), “near me” searches, and city or region-specific searches like “Lafayette lawyer” or “restaurants in Tippecanoe County.”
The focus is on Google Business Profile optimization, local citations in directories like Yelp and Yellow Pages, location-specific content, reviews and ratings, and local schema markup.
Who needs it: Brick-and-mortar businesses, service area businesses, and multi-location companies. Think restaurants, law firms, plumbers, dentists, retail stores, and home services.
National SEO: For Businesses Serving Broader Audiences
SEO optimizes your website to rank for searches where location isn’t the primary factor. Informational searches like “how to choose a CRM,” product or service searches like “best project management software,” and industry topics like “what is SEO” fall into this category.
The focus here is on keyword research for broad terms, content creation targeting informational and commercial intent, technical SEO (site speed, mobile optimization, crawlability), backlink building, and topic clusters.
Who needs it: E-commerce, SaaS companies, online services, B2B companies with national reach, and content publishers. Think online stores, software companies, consultants serving clients nationwide, and educational sites.
Which Is Better, Local SEO or Just SEO?
There’s no universal “best” — it depends entirely on your business model. But here are a few things you should consider:
Can You Do Both at the Same Time?
Yes — and many businesses should.
SEO builds long-term authority and attracts customers earlier in their decision process. When someone searches “how much does a website cost,” they’re not ready to hire yet — but they’re starting to think about it. By ranking for those informational searches, you become the trusted resource they’ll think of when they’re ready to take action.
Local SEO captures high-intent customers who are ready to buy right now. When someone searches “web design in Lafayette,” they’re probably looking to hire. Local SEO puts you in front of them at the exact moment they need you.
Used together, the strategies create a full-funnel approach. SEO brings people in at the research stage and builds trust. Local SEO captures them when they convert that trust into a purchase decision. You’re not choosing between immediate leads and long-term brand building — you’re doing both.
How to Decide Your Budget Split (If You’re Doing Both)
If you’re investing in both local SEO and SEO, here’s how to think about budget allocation.
Prioritize local SEO if:
- 80%+ of your revenue comes from local customers
- You rely on foot traffic or service calls in your area
- Your business model depends on proximity (ex: people won’t drive 2 hours to use your service)
Prioritize SEO if:
- Most of your revenue comes from customers outside your immediate area
- Your customers research and buy online without needing to visit a location
- You’re competing on expertise, product features, or pricing — not proximity
How HustleFish Can Help
We help businesses figure out the right mix without guessing. We start by discussing your business goals, looking at your revenue sources, and seeing where your customers are currently coming from. Then we build a strategy that matches — whether that’s SEO, local SEO, or a combination.
Ready to set up your SEO strategy? Let’s chat about your business and get to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is local SEO easier than national SEO?
Not necessarily. Local SEO has less competition in smaller markets, but it requires managing multiple components (GBP, citations, reviews, local content). National SEO often involves more content creation but less local-specific optimization.
Can I do local SEO without a physical address?
Yes. Service area businesses (plumbers, electricians, mobile services, etc.) can use local SEO by targeting service areas in their Google Business Profile instead of listing a physical storefront.
How long does local SEO take vs. national SEO?
It depends, but in general they both take 3-6 months for initial results, and 6-12 months for significant traction. The speed at which you see results depends a lot on your business and your existing web presence.
Do I need separate agencies for local SEO and national SEO?
No. Most SEO agencies (including HustleFish) handle both. In fact, it’s better to work with one agency so your local and content strategies align.
Which one is cheaper?
Our local SEO service is $500/month, and our SEO service starts at $500/month and increases based on your needs. The important thing is to make sure you have the right mix for your goals.