Local SEO vs Traditional SEO: What Local Businesses Need to Know

In the world of digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is essential for businesses wanting to be discovered online. But not all SEO strategies are the same. For many small and medium-sized businesses, the key question is: should I focus on Local SEO or Traditional SEO? In this article, we’ll break down the difference and explain what you really need to know about SEO for local business growth.

What Is Traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO helps your website rank higher in search results on a national or even global level. It’s ideal for businesses that aren’t limited by geography—like online stores, SaaS companies, or blogs with broad audiences.

A Traditional SEO business strategy typically includes:

• Keyword optimisation targeting broad, non-location-specific terms

• Long-form content and blog articles

• High-quality backlink building

• Technical SEO improvements like page speed and mobile responsiveness

• Schema markup and structured data

Why traditional is important: If your business sells products or services Australia-wide (or globally), traditional SEO helps you gain visibility in a broader search landscape, attract top-of-funnel traffic, and grow your brand’s online authority.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO, on the other hand, focuses on improving your visibility in local search results—especially for people searching for nearby products or services. It’s tailored to local SEO for business owners who rely on foot traffic, local service areas, or community presence.

Key elements of SEO for local business include:

• Claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile

• Generating customer reviews

• Using location-based keywords (e.g. “hair salon in Geelong”)

• Building citations in online directories

• Creating suburb- or service-area-specific landing pages

Why local SEO is important: It helps nearby customers find you exactly when they need you, boosts in-store visits or service calls, and improves your credibility through local reviews and map visibility.

Key Differences Between Local and Traditional SEO

Which SEO Strategy Should Local Businesses Use?

For most local businesses—like tradies, dentists, cafés, and real estate agencies—Local SEO is the top priority. If your customers come from your local area, there’s no point trying to rank for broad terms that attract irrelevant traffic.

That said, you don’t have to choose one over the other. In fact, combining local SEO for business with elements of traditional SEO business strategy is often the best approach. This way, you can:

• Rank in Google Maps and the Local Pack

• Build long-term website authority

• Convert more customers who are ready to take action

How to Get Started with SEO Services for Business

Whether you’re a café owner in Melbourne or a plumber in Perth, here’s how to start improving your local search visibility:

• Set up and verify your Google Business Profile

• Keep your business name, address and phone number (NAP) consistent across the web

• Ask happy customers to leave reviews

• Write service pages that include your suburb or city

• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and fast

• Build citations and local backlinks

If you’re not confident doing this yourself, professional SEO services for business can make a big difference.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between Local SEO and Traditional SEO can help you choose the right path for your business. If you rely on local customers, Local SEO should be a core part of your digital strategy. It ensures you’re visible when people nearby are looking for exactly what you offer.

Want help getting started with SEO for local business?
Contact Manifest Website Design or Book with Jillian today to explore tailored SEO strategies that bring real results.