As a small business owner, you know that search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for attracting new customers and growing your business. However, deciding whether to focus on local or national SEO can take a lot of work. So, what are the differences between local and national SEO, and when does it make sense to focus on one over the other?

Firstly, let’s define the difference between local and national SEO. Local SEO is focused on optimizing your website to appear in local search results, typically within a specific geographic area. National SEO, on the other hand, is focused on optimizing your website to appear in search results across the country.

If your business primarily serves a local market, such as a restaurant or a retail store, then it makes sense to focus on local SEO. This involves optimizing your website for local keywords and phrases, such as “best pizza in town” or “coffee shops near me”. You’ll also want to ensure that your business listings on platforms like Google My Business are accurate and up-to-date. Local SEO can help your business appear in the “local pack” of search results, which can be a valuable source of traffic for small businesses.

If your business operates on a national scale, such as an e-commerce store, then it makes sense to focus on national SEO. Optimize your website for national keywords and phrases, such as “buy shoes online” or “best online clothing stores”. National SEO can be more competitive than local SEO, but it can also offer a larger audience and more opportunities for growth.

Of course, there are some businesses that may benefit from a combination of both local and national SEO. For example, if you operate a chain of retail stores across the country, you should focus on national SEO to drive traffic to your e-commerce store, while also optimizing your local listings to attract customers to your physical stores.

Deciding whether to focus on local or national SEO depends on the nature of your business and your marketing goals. If your company needs assistance understanding the differences between local and national SEO, don’t hesitate to contact our digital marketing agency. Fasturtle has the search engine marketing expertise you need to take your company to the next level!