SEO and local SEO are both strategies that businesses can use to increase their online presence and visibility, but it is important for business owners to understand the key differences between the two.

SEO, or search engine optimization, focuses on making sure a website gets as many views as possible from organic (unpaid) sources such as Google. For example, if a person was looking for ""pizza New York City,"" an SEO campaign would work towards ensuring that a website about pizza in NYC shows up first in Google's search results - even above other websites with a similar focus. Local SEO works similarly by using techniques that will ensure a company appears at or near the top of any search results that include location information – think ""pizza Brooklyn"" or ""coffee shop near me.""

So, what's the key difference? Simply put, SEO is about increasing a website's visibility to anyone anywhere in the world, while local SEO targets potential customers within a specific geographic area. This is an important distinction because it means that businesses need to approach their SEO and local SEO campaigns differently.

For example, a business that wants to target people in other parts of the country or even the world would focus on general keywords and phrases (e.g., ""pizza New York City"") in their SEO campaign, while a business looking to attract customers only within a 10-mile radius would use more specific keyword phrases (e.g., ""pizza Brooklyn"" or ""coffee shop near me"").

The good news is that businesses can use many of the same techniques for both SEO and local SEO. However, it is important to tailor campaigns to fit the specific needs of each. For example, a business with a physical location should make sure their address and other contact information are included prominently on their website and that they are listed in online directories such as Google My Business and Yelp. Additionally, businesses should create localized content (e.g., blog posts, videos, etc.) that speaks to the interests of people in their target area.

SEO and local SEO are both valuable tools for businesses looking to increase their online visibility. By understanding the key differences between the two, business owners can develop campaigns that will best meet their specific needs.

What Does a Local SEO Consultant Do?

A local business owner wants to rank well on Google for a few keywords, but the client doesn't feel confident in their ability to understand and execute a successful SEO strategy. The client calls up a Local SEO Consultant who works with local businesses in order to get more customers from Google's search results.

The consultant maps out a plan that takes into account the client's goals, existing online presence, budget, and more. From there they begin executing the plan. They review analytics from tools like Google Search Console and Moz Local to identify issues or areas of improvement.

Using a combination of technical website changes and content creation/promotion strategies, the consultant starts driving qualified traffic directly to the client through search engines like Google. This can include fixing common technical errors such as incorrect titles, duplicated content, and thin or low-quality pages. It can also include promoting news articles and other online content to rank well in search engines for the client's target keywords.

After a few months of steady effort, the client begins to see their website rankings and organic traffic start to improve dramatically. This leads to more local customers finding their business through search engines like Google, which means they're getting more customers without spending any additional money on marketing efforts. The consultant continues working with the client over time in order to ensure that they maintain their newfound success."