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What Makes Local SEO Different Than Traditional SEO & Why Getting It Right Is Important for Business Growth

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Business Growth, Google My Business, More Traffic

In the world of local business marketing, understanding the difference between someone searching for your business and someone searching for your website can make all the difference in how you approach SEO and business growth.

You see, when people search for your business, they usually have a specific thing in mind: your location, your phone number, or perhaps even directions. But when someone’s looking for your website, they’re more likely exploring what your business offers, seeking out your expertise, or browsing through your products or services.

But why does this distinction matter? Let’s break it down.

The Searcher’s Intent: A Closer Look

  1. Someone Looking for Your Business:
    These are searches like “best pizza near me” or “Joe’s Auto Repair in [Your City].” When potential customers are looking for your business, they want to find your location and contact information. They might want to call or visit you, so making sure your business shows up accurately in local search results is critical.

  2. Someone Looking for Your Website:
     This is someone who has already heard of you or is ready to engage with you online. They might search for “Joe’s Auto Repair” or “Joe’s Auto Repair services.” These people are interested in exploring what you offer in more detail, and they’re seeking specific information—whether it’s pricing, service options, or testimonials.

Why This Matters for Business Growth

When you optimize for someone looking for your business, you’re focusing on local SEO. That’s about ensuring your business shows up on Google Maps, Apple Maps, in local directory listings, and in search results for “near me” queries. This is crucial because you want to be easily accessible when someone’s ready to take action.

On the other hand, when you optimize for someone looking for your website, you’re diving into traditional SEO—focusing on content, technical SEO, and user experience. These efforts bring people to your site to learn more, convert, and potentially become loyal customers.

If you focus solely on one or the other, you’re missing out on a big opportunity to grow your business. Local searches drive foot traffic or phone calls, while website searches build credibility and trust. Both are essential to a balanced marketing strategy.

SEO Checklist for Someone Looking for Your Business (Local SEO)

  1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile and Apple Business Connect Listings
    Ensure your profile is complete with up-to-date information, including hours, address, contact number, proper categories, and a business description.

  2. Add Location Keywords to Your Website:
    Include phrases like “auto repair in [Your City]” or “best [Your Service] near me” to show up in local searches.

  3. Encourage Reviews:
    Positive reviews on platforms like Google boost your local SEO ranking and increase trust among potential customers.

  4. Ensure NAP Consistency:
    Your Name, Address, and Phone number should be consistent across all online platforms (website, directories, social media).

  5. Local Backlinks:
    Build connections with local bloggers, newspapers, and organizations that can link back to your site, boosting your local authority.

SEO Checklist for Someone Looking for Your Website

  1. On-Page SEO:
    Optimize your website’s meta tags (title, description) and headers to include relevant keywords that potential customers might search for (e.g., “[Your Service] in [Your City]”).

  2. High-Quality Content:
    Offer detailed, valuable content about your services, expertise, or FAQs. This helps build trust and keeps visitors engaged.

  3. Mobile Optimization:
    With most searches being conducted on mobile devices, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.

  4. User Experience (UX):
    Make sure your website is easy to navigate, with clear calls-to-action (like “Contact Us” or “Get a Quote”) that guide visitors to take the next step.

  5. Local Schema Markup:
    Add structured data to your website to help search engines understand your business information, improving visibility in local search results.

Conclusion: Optimizing for Both Is Key to Business Growth

To grow your local business, you need to meet potential customers where they are—whether that’s on Google Maps looking for directions or browsing your website to find out more about what you offer. A comprehensive SEO strategy should include both local SEO to make sure your business is visible on local searches, and traditional SEO to ensure your website speaks to potential customers in a way that builds trust and drives conversions.

If you’re ready to take your business growth to the next level with a tailored SEO strategy, schedule your free marketing consultation today! Let’s ensure that whether someone’s searching for your business or your website, they find exactly what they need to take the next step with you.