Local SEO vs Traditional SEO: Who Wins the Battle?

Hey there, are you tired of seeing your business on the second page of Google? Or worse, the third? We get it. You want to be on the first page, where all the cool kids are. But how do you get there? Well, my friend, it’s all about upping your SEO game. But here’s the kicker – there’s not just one, but two types of SEO. Yep, you heard it right. And what works for one business might not work for another. So, let’s dive into the world of SEO and figure out which one is your perfect match.

Traditional SEO: The Big Picture

Let’s start with Traditional SEO. This is the big kahuna, the one that aims to make your website visible on a global or national scale in search engine results pages (SERPs). It’s all about keyword research, on-page optimisation, link building, and content creation. For instance, here at Mash Media, we’re all about that keyword research life. We want to make sure your website ranks highly for relevant terms. The ultimate goal? To make your website so appealing to search engines that they can’t help but give you higher rankings for your desired search terms.

Local SEO: The Homebody

On the other hand, we have Local SEO. This strategy is all about improving your website’s visibility in location-based results. It’s perfect for businesses that serve customers in a specific geographic area. So, if you’re running a pizza joint in Sydney, you’d want your business to pop up when someone in Sydney searches for ‘pizza near me’. This is achieved through a variety of tactics, like optimising your Google Business Profile, managing online reviews, and making sure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online directories. If you’re keen on boosting your business’s local SEO, Mash Media has got your back with our specialised Local SEO services.

Local SEO is probably the lesser-known of the two but is incredibly important for businesses to gain support in their own communities through location-based strategies. In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of local SEO, including what it is, how it’s different from traditional SEO, and why it’s so important for your business to rank well in local searches. Let’s get started!

Local SEO: The Underdog

Local SEO might be the lesser-known of the two, but don’t underestimate it. It’s a powerhouse for businesses wanting to gain support in their own communities through location-based strategies. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of local SEO. We’ll explore what it is, how it’s different from traditional SEO, and why it’s so crucial for your business to rank well in local searches. Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride!

Local SEO Basics: The Lowdown

If you’re a small to medium business owner based in Australia looking to boost your online presence, then local SEO is your new best friend. It’s all about optimising your website to rank higher in search results for people searching for products or services in your specific geographic area. And guess what? Your local neighbourhood might just become your biggest fan club. They just need to find you online first!

Local vs Traditional SEO: The Showdown

The main difference between local and traditional SEO is the focus on specific vs. broad search terms. Traditional SEO is like a shotgun approach, trying to hit a wide range of targets. It focuses on ranking for broad search terms, like “plumbers”. On the other hand, local SEO is more like a sniper, focusing on specific local search terms, like “plumber in Sydney”. Similar strategies are used, but local SEO is often less competitive and can bring you quicker results. So, if you’re not already focusing on local search ranking factors, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to grow.

Local SEO Factors: The Game Changers

When it comes to local SEO, there are several ways you can optimise your site to positively affect your search engine rankings. Here are some of the most important strategies you should be aware of:

1. Google Business Profile: This is your business’s virtual storefront. Your GBP is essentially a mini-website that appears in the search results when people search for your business. So, make sure it’s looking sharp!
2. Reviews: Positive online reviews are like gold. They help to build trust and credibility with potential customers, and they also signal to search engines that your business is reputable and trustworthy. So, don’t be shy about asking your happy customers to leave reviews.
3. Citations: A local citation is any mention of your business on the web. Local citations are important because they help to validate your business information and improve your search engine rankings. So, get your name out there!
4. Backlinks: Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites. They’re an important ranking factor for both traditional and local SEO. So, start networking and get those backlinks!
5. On-page optimisation: This includes optimising your website’s title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and content for local search terms. It’s like dressing your website in its Sunday best.

If you get to work on implementing these items, you will be well on your way to local domination!

Local SEO Tools and Resources: Your Secret Weapons

Alright, you’ve got the basics of local SEO down and some killer strategies to boost your online visibility. But wait, there’s more! Because we’re just that awesome, we’re going to let you in on some secret weapons – tools and resources that can turbocharge your local SEO results. These bad boys will take your online marketing game to the next level and help you reach more customers in your local area. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

• Google Business Profile: Think of this as your business’s online dating profile, but instead of attracting potential dates, you’re attracting potential customers. This free tool from Google is a must-have for any business owner looking to optimise their online presence for local search results. Set up, verify, and manage your business info, appear in local search results, and interact with potential customers. It’s like being the most popular kid in school but for businesses.
• Local Citation Tools: These are like your personal online detectives. Tools like BrightLocal, Moz Local, and Yext make it easy to find and manage your business listings across a wide range of online directories. They ensure your business info is accurate and consistent across the web, improving your chances of ranking well in local search results. It’s like having a personal stylist making sure you always look your best.
• Online Review Management Platforms: These are your online reputation bodyguards. Tools like BirdEye, Podium, and ReviewTrackers help you monitor and manage your online reviews and encourage customers to leave positive reviews. It’s like having a cheering squad building up your online reputation and attracting more customers.
• Keyword Research Tools: These are your secret code breakers. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush help you identify the best keywords to optimise your website and content for local search. It’s like finding the secret password to get into the cool club, attracting more traffic to your website.

With these tools in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to dominating the local SEO game. So, go forth and conquer!

Traditional SEO: The Big Leagues

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about traditional SEO. This is the strategy you’re probably more familiar with. It’s all about getting your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) on a national or even global scale. It’s like playing in the big leagues, and it requires a solid game plan. So, let’s break down the key components of a winning traditional SEO strategy.

Traditional SEO Factors: The Heavy Hitters

Just like in a baseball game, there are a few heavy hitters in traditional SEO that can really drive your rankings home. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Keyword Research: This is the process of finding and analysing the words and phrases that people use when they search for information online. It’s like finding the secret language of your customers and using it to attract them to your website.
2. On-Page Optimisation: This involves optimizing the content and HTML source code of a page. It’s like giving your website a makeover to make it more attractive to search engines.
3. Link Building: This is the process of acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your own. It’s like networking at a party, but instead of exchanging business cards, you’re exchanging links.
4. Content Creation: This involves creating high-quality content that is valuable and relevant to your audience. It’s like cooking a delicious meal that your guests can’t resist.

By focusing on these key factors, you can improve your website’s visibility and ranking in the SERPs, attract more traffic, and ultimately, drive more leads and sales for your business.

Traditional SEO Tools and Resources: Your Digital Power Tools

Now that we’ve covered local SEO, let’s shift gears and talk about traditional SEO. Just like with local SEO, there are a bunch of tools and resources that can help you supercharge your traditional SEO results. These digital power tools will help you reach a wider audience and climb the SERPs like a pro. Ready to level up your SEO game? Let’s get started!

• Keyword Research Tools: These are your treasure maps to the gold mines of the internet. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help you discover the best keywords to target in your content and on your website. It’s like having a crystal ball that shows you exactly what your audience is searching for.
• On-Page Optimisation Tools: These are your website’s personal trainers. Tools like Yoast SEO and Surfer SEO can help you optimise your website’s title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and content for your target keywords. It’s like having a personal stylist for your website, making sure it always looks its best for search engines.
• Link Building Tools: These are your networking gurus. Tools like Moz’s Link Explorer and Ahrefs’ Backlink Checker can help you find link-building opportunities and monitor the quality of your backlinks. It’s like having a professional networker who helps you make valuable connections on the internet.
• Content Creation Tools: These are your creative muses. Tools like BuzzSumo and AnswerThePublic can help you come up with content ideas that are relevant to your audience and likely to perform well in search results. It’s like having an endless source of inspiration for your content creation efforts.

With these tools at your disposal, you’re ready to take on the world of traditional SEO. So, put on your SEO superhero cape and get ready to soar!

Local SEO vs Traditional SEO: The Final Verdict

So, which is better: local SEO or traditional SEO? Well, that’s like asking whether pizza or ice cream is better. They’re both great, but they serve different purposes. If you’re a local business trying to attract customers in your area, local SEO is your go-to strategy. But if you’re trying to reach a broader audience, traditional SEO is the way to go. The best part? You don’t have to choose. You can use both strategies to maximise your online visibility and reach more customers. So, why not have your pizza and your ice cream too?

Still, have questions?

Here are some commonly asked questions about Local SEO vs Traditional SEO:

Q: Can a business benefit from both local SEO and traditional SEO strategies?
A: Yes, absolutely. In fact, many businesses use a combination of local and traditional SEO to maximise their online visibility and reach a wider audience. For example, a business that wants to target a specific geographic area might use local SEO tactics to optimise its Google Business Profile and attract local customers, while also using traditional SEO tactics to create high-quality content and build a strong backlink profile to gain more exposure online overall.

Q: Which businesses are best suited for local SEO?
A: Local SEO is ideal for businesses that rely on foot traffic to a physical location, such as retail stores, restaurants, and service providers. It’s also a great strategy for businesses that only serve customers in a specific geographic area, such as restaurants, hairdressers, dentists, chiropractors etc…

Q: Which businesses are best suited for traditional SEO?
A: Traditional SEO is best suited for businesses that want to establish themselves as a trusted brand in their industry and reach a wider audience. It’s particularly effective for businesses that operate in a competitive industry or rely on Google searches to deliver new website traffic and leads.

Q: How long does it take to see results from local and traditional SEO?
A: The timeline for seeing results from local and traditional SEO strategies can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the competitiveness of the industry, the quality of the content, and the strength of the backlink profile. Generally speaking, businesses can expect to see some results within a few months of implementing an SEO strategy, but it may take up to a year or more to see significant improvements in search rankings and traffic. We do find that local SEO tends to see results quicker due to the nature of it being less competitive.

Q: Do businesses need to hire an SEO expert to implement local or traditional SEO strategies?
A: Whilst it is possible to implement some basic SEO strategies on your own, SEO is very competitive and requires a range of expertise, experience and skills to gain results. It is best to work with a professional who can help you achieve your goals in the quickest time possible.