In Los Angeles’ highly competitive digital marketplace, companies must carefully select an SEO strategy if they wish to meet marketing and business goals. For Los Angeles-based businesses, understanding Local SEO vs National SEO is imperative. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences, advantages, and considerations for each tactic that will help you make informed decisions as you look to expand your online presence.
Defining Local SEO and National SEO
Local SEO is all about ensuring your online presence is optimized for attracting more business from local searches. This involves tactics such as maximizing your Google Business Profile, taking control of local citations and soliciting customer reviews. It’s especially useful for businesses with physical locations trying to attract foot traffic.
National SEO, on the other hand, aims to reach a broader audience without focusing on a specific geographic area. It’s about optimizing your website for broad keywords, publishing high-quality content, and building backlinks from authoritative sources. It is a common-sense approach for a business that is online or is targeting customers in multiple regions across the country.
Partner with a trusted and experienced SEO agency, LA, to know which SEO strategy aligns with your business.
Comparative Overview
The following table highlights the fundamental differences between Local SEO and National SEO:
Aspect | Local SEO | National SEO |
Target Audience | Local customers in specific geographic areas | Nationwide audience |
Keyword Strategy | Location-specific keywords (e.g., “Los Angeles bakery”) | Broad keywords (e.g., “online bakery”) |
Competition Level | Competing with local businesses | Competing with national brands |
Optimization Focus | Google Business Profile, local directories | Website content, backlinks, technical SEO |
Conversion Goal | Drive foot traffic and local inquiries | Increase national brand visibility and online sales |
Statistical Insights
Understanding current SEO trends can inform your strategy:
- 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information. (Loopex Digital)
- 28% of local searches result in a purchase within 24 hours. (LocaliQ)
- 80% of US consumers search online for local businesses weekly. (BrightLocal)
- 49% of marketers report that organic search has the best ROI of any marketing channel. (Backlinko)
Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Business
Tossing up between Local SEO, Los Angeles and National SEO, Los Angeles isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision – it does depend on what your business is, how your business operates and your audience. No matter if you are a service-based business centered in Los Angeles or a national e-commerce brand serving clients all over the country, It’s crucial to partner with a reliable SEO agency, LA, that designs a custom SEO strategy that is in sync with your business model in order to succeed online.
I. Local SEO, Los Angeles: Best for Community-Centric Businesses
Local SEO is tailored for businesses that rely on a geographically defined customer base. For example, a Los Angeles-based dental clinic, boutique, or home repair company would benefit immensely from optimizing for local search intent. According to Loopex Digital, 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase, making Local SEO a high-conversion strategy for brick-and-mortar stores.
You should prioritize Local SEO in Los Angeles if:
- You operate a physical store or office in Los Angeles. Customers searching “near me” or “in Los Angeles” are more likely to discover your business.
- Your services are limited to a certain area. Think plumbers, real estate agents, or catering companies with a defined service radius.
- You want to boost in-person visits and local calls. Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, gathering positive reviews, and appearing in local directories will drive targeted traffic to your location.
II. National SEO, Los Angeles: Best for Broad Market Reach
National SEO, on the other hand, is designed for businesses that serve customers across cities, states, or even the entire country. For instance, an online fashion retailer or a SaaS product company with no physical storefront can benefit from casting a wider net. SE Ranking reports that over 94% of all web pages get no organic traffic from Google, showing the intense competition and the need for a robust strategy.
You should opt for National SEO in Los Angeles if:
- Your business is not location-dependent. You ship products or offer digital services to customers nationwide.
- You operate primarily online. An optimized, content-rich website becomes your digital storefront.
- You want to compete on a broader scale. National SEO helps you challenge bigger brands by targeting competitive keywords across multiple states or regions.
III. When a Hybrid SEO Strategy Makes Sense
Some businesses find value in combining both approaches. For example, a Los Angeles-based handmade furniture brand may sell products online nationwide (National SEO) while also attracting local customers for custom orders or showroom visits (Local SEO). This dual focus can maximize reach, visibility, and conversions.
Businesses that implement both strategies often achieve better ROI due to increased keyword coverage and diversified traffic sources. Also, businesses appearing in both local and organic SERPs have greater chances of attracting clicks and conversions.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand the differences between Local and National SEO. This is vital for companies looking to maximize their online visibility. From driving traffic and increasing online visibility to converting visitors into paying customers, this is how SEO will help you in more ways than one. When your SEO strategy is aligned with your company’s goals, you will go all out in tapping into the right audience, and in the process, achieve long-lasting growth.
For expert guidance on implementing tailored SEO strategies in Los Angeles, consider partnering with a reputed SEO agency, LA, like Sacred Cow Studios. Our team specializes in both Local and National SEO, ensuring your business reaches its full digital potential.