If you’ve ever Googled your business name and thought, “Wait…why is that other guy showing up before me?” then you’ve already run into the mysterious world of SEO.
But here’s the thing: not all SEO is the same. If your business relies on local customers (like a restaurant, roofer, or hair salon) what you really need isn’t “just SEO.” You need Local SEO, which is kind of like regular SEO… but with a GPS.
SEO: The Big, Wide Internet
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of making your website more attractive to search engines so you show up higher in results. It involves keywords, backlinks, mobile optimization, and site speed; all the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes Google say, “Hey, this site looks pretty sharp.”
The goal of traditional SEO is to get found anywhere.
For example: if you sell handmade candles online, general SEO helps you rank for searches like “best soy candles” whether someone’s in Wisconsin or Wyoming.
In short: SEO is about visibility everywhere.
Local SEO: The Hometown Hero
Local SEO, on the other hand, helps people near you find your business. It’s the secret sauce behind “near me” searches, Google Maps results, and that little local 3-Pack that shows up before everything else.
Local SEO includes:
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile
- Building local citations (consistent Name, Address, and Phone, or “NAP”)
- Gathering customer reviews
- Targeting location-based keywords like “plumber in Rice Lake” instead of just “plumber”
In short, Local SEO tells Google, “Hey, I’m not just any business – I’m your local business.”
Why Local SEO Matters More Than Ever
Google knows where people are searching from. (Creepy? Maybe a little. Helpful for your business? Absolutely.)
If you’re a local bakery, ranking for “best chocolate cake recipe” nationwide won’t sell a single cupcake. But showing up when someone nearby searches “birthday cakes near me”? That’s your ticket to ringing the register.
Local SEO brings you real, ready-to-buy customers, not just curious browsers from three states over.
The Bottom Line
SEO and Local SEO share the same goal, getting your business found online. But they target different audiences.
If you sell to customers all over, traditional SEO is your best friend.
If you rely on your local community, Local SEO is your hometown hero.
Either way, if you want Google to love you as much as your customers do, it’s time to give your online presence a little polish.
Ready to Show Up Where It Counts?
At SO Services, we help small businesses climb the rankings and get noticed by the customers right in their own backyard. Whether you’re looking to boost your map visibility, clean up your citations, or just finally understand what “NAP consistency” actually means — we’ve got you covered.
Let’s make sure your business gets found — locally and proudly.
Contact SO Services today to get started!
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