One of the most important strategic decisions in SEO is whether your business should pursue local SEO targeting customers in a specific geographic area, national SEO targeting customers across the entire country, or a hybrid of both. Getting this decision right is critical to achieving results within a realistic budget and timeline.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO focuses on ranking in Google Maps results and the local three-pack for geographic search queries. It targets searches with local intent such as plumber near me, dentist in Chicago, or best restaurant downtown Seattle. Local SEO relies heavily on Google Business Profile optimisation, local citations, geographic keyword targeting on your website, and building reviews and local backlinks. Local SEO is the right approach for businesses that serve customers in a specific geographic area and whose customers are typically searching with local intent.
What Is National SEO?
National SEO focuses on ranking in organic search results for keywords without geographic modifiers, targeting customers across an entire country regardless of location. It relies on content authority, a strong backlink profile, and comprehensive topical coverage. National SEO is the right approach for ecommerce businesses, SaaS products, professional service firms that serve clients remotely, and any business that can realistically serve customers anywhere in the country.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
Ask yourself these questions. Do your customers need to be geographically close to you to use your services? Do you primarily serve customers who find you by searching location-specific terms? Can you realistically serve customers from anywhere in the country? The answers will clarify whether local, national, or a hybrid approach is appropriate for your business.
The Hybrid Approach
Many businesses benefit from a hybrid strategy that pursues local SEO for their home market while building national organic visibility for their primary service keywords. For example, an accounting firm might pursue local SEO for accounting firm in Dallas while also building national organic rankings for small business tax advice blog content.
Professional Local and National SEO Services
Digital SEO Services provides both local and national SEO services for businesses across the USA. Book a free strategy consultation to determine the right approach for your business at digitalseoservices.us.