Local SEO vs. National SEO: Which One Is Right for You?

Search engine optimization is a powerful tool for growing your business online. But not all SEO strategies are the same. One of the biggest questions we hear from clients is whether they should focus on local SEO or national SEO. The answer depends on who your customers are and where they’re located.

Let’s break down the difference between the two and how to know which one (or a combination of both) fits your business goals.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO helps businesses show up in search results when people nearby are looking for products or services. It’s about getting your business found by the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

If someone in your area searches for “coffee shop near me” or “plumber in Warsaw,” local SEO makes sure you appear in that search.

Key elements of local SEO include:

• Optimizing your Google Business Profile
• Building local citations and directory listings
• Earning reviews from local customers
• Using location-based keywords
• Creating location-specific pages or blog content

If your business serves a specific geographic area, local SEO keeps you competitive and visible to nearby customers.

What Is National SEO?

National SEO helps your business rank for broad, non-location-specific search terms. Instead of targeting searches like “dentist in Fort Wayne,” national SEO aims to rank for terms like “how to whiten your teeth” or “best dental care products.”

This strategy works well for businesses that:

• Sell products online and ship nationally
• Offer services that aren’t limited by geography
• Operate multiple locations across the country
• Focus on building a nationwide brand presence
  

National SEO includes:

• Building backlinks from reputable websites
• Publishing high-quality, in-depth content
• Targeting competitive, high-volume keywords
• Optimizing site speed, mobile performance, and technical structure

It takes time and consistency, but a strong national SEO strategy can drive large-scale visibility and traffic.

How to Know Which One You Need

Choosing between local and national SEO starts with a clear understanding of your business model and customer base. Here are a few questions to help you decide:

• Do you serve customers in a specific town, city, or region? Go with local SEO.
• Do your customers come to you in person? Local SEO is essential.
• Do you sell products online to customers across the country? National SEO makes more sense.
• Do you want to rank for broad, industry-related search terms? National SEO will help.
• Do you rely on foot traffic or local referrals? Local SEO should be your priority.

For some businesses, the right strategy blends both. For example, a regional service provider may use local SEO for each location while also creating blog content for a national audience.

Our Approach

At 1Eighty Digital, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter SEO. We create a customized strategy that matches your goals, your customers, and your vision for growth.

Whether you need to rank in your neighborhood or make a name for yourself across the country, we’ll help you get there with a clear plan and measurable results.

Need help figuring out where to start? Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through what makes the most sense for your business and build an SEO strategy that actually works.