The Difference Between Local and Organic SEO: What Every Business Needs to Know

Understanding the Basics of SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a fundamental digital marketing strategy designed to improve a website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). It helps drive traffic, build brand awareness, and increase conversions. However, not all SEO is created equal. There are different types of SEO, and two of the most important ones are local SEO and organic SEO.

For businesses looking to grow online, understanding the difference between local and organic SEO is critical. Each has a unique purpose, audience, and optimization strategy. Choosing the right approach—or using both strategically—can make all the difference in how effectively you reach your target market.

What Is Organic SEO?

Organic SEO refers to the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in the non-paid listings on search engines. These results are based on relevance to the search term and include blog posts, service pages, and product listings that appear after the paid ads and map pack.

Key Features of Organic SEO

• Focuses on national or global visibility

• Optimizes entire website content and structure

• Targets broad, often high-volume keywords

• Relies heavily on content marketing, backlinks, and user experience

• Long-term strategy with sustainable results

Organic SEO is ideal for businesses that operate online, serve customers nationwide, or want to rank for topics beyond their immediate location.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO, on the other hand, is designed to optimize a business’s online presence for location-based searches. It’s particularly useful for brick-and-mortar businesses or service providers that target customers within a specific geographic area.

Key Features of Local SEO

• Focuses on visibility in local searches

• Optimizes Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)

• Includes location-specific keywords like “near me” or city names

• Aims for placement in the “map pack” (top three local results shown on a map)

• Emphasizes customer reviews, citations, and local backlinks

Local SEO is essential for any business that wants to be found by nearby customers—think restaurants, dentists, contractors, or law firms.

Local SEO vs Organic SEO: The Key Differences

While both types of SEO aim to improve visibility in search engines, they differ in several important ways. Here’s a breakdown of the major distinctions.

1. Search Intent

• Local SEO targets people looking for services or businesses in a specific location.

  • Example: “Pizza near me” or “plumber in Norfolk”

• Organic SEO targets broader informational or transactional queries.

  • Example: “Best SEO practices” or “how to fix a leaking faucet”

2. Search Results Appearance

• Local SEO helps your business show up in the local map pack with reviews, directions, and contact info.

• Organic SEO gets your site ranked in the traditional organic listings—often below the map pack and paid ads.

3. Optimization Focus

• Local SEO involves optimizing local business listings, acquiring local citations, and encouraging customer reviews.

• Organic SEO focuses on content creation, internal linking, meta tags, and acquiring high-authority backlinks.

4. Geographic Targeting

• Local SEO targets searchers within a defined radius or region.

• Organic SEO targets users regardless of geographic location.

5. Tools and Tactics

• Local SEO Tools: Google Business Profile, Moz Local, BrightLocal, Yext

• Organic SEO Tools: Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog

When to Use Local SEO

You should prioritize local SEO if:

• You operate a physical storefront

• You serve customers in a specific region or service area

• You want to increase foot traffic or phone calls

• You rely on customer reviews and word-of-mouth

Examples of businesses that benefit from local SEO:

• Restaurants and cafes

• Local medical clinics

• Home service providers

• Real estate agents

• Auto repair shops

When to Use Organic SEO

Organic SEO is the right strategy if:

• You operate an eCommerce or national service brand

• You provide online products or digital services

• You want to rank for educational or industry-related content

• You aim to build a long-term online authority

Examples of businesses that benefit from organic SEO:

• SaaS companies

• Bloggers and influencers

• National retailers

• Online educators

• Digital agencies

How Local and Organic SEO Work Together

Here’s the good news—you don’t have to choose between local and organic SEO. In fact, using them together can deliver the best results.

A strong organic presence boosts your credibility and search performance, while a well-optimized local strategy helps you dominate your immediate market. Together, they form a powerful combination that can increase traffic from multiple sources and strengthen your brand reputation both locally and beyond.

Example Strategy

Let’s say you run a fitness studio in Arlington, Virginia.

• Local SEO strategy: Optimize your Google Business Profile, add local schema markup, and encourage reviews. Target keywords like “fitness studio Arlington VA.”

• Organic SEO strategy: Write blog content on fitness tips, meal planning, or home workouts to rank for broader topics like “how to lose weight fast.”

This combination attracts both local customers ready to visit and wider audiences who can become leads or follow your brand online.

Metrics to Track for Each SEO Type

Local SEO Metrics

• Google Business Profile views and actions

• Local pack rankings

• Customer reviews and ratings

• Click-to-call and direction requests

• Local citation accuracy

Organic SEO Metrics

• Keyword rankings

• Organic traffic volume

• Bounce rate and session duration

• Backlink profile strength

• Conversions from blog or service pages

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SEO Strategy

The difference between local and organic SEO lies in the audience you’re trying to reach and how you engage them. Local SEO helps your business get found in a specific area, while organic SEO casts a wider net across industries, topics, and geographies.

For most businesses, a balanced SEO strategy that includes both local and organic elements is the most effective path forward. Focus on what aligns with your business model, customer base, and long-term goals.

If you’re unsure where to start, Skyfield Digital is here to help. Our team specializes in crafting smart, scalable SEO strategies tailored to your needs—whether you’re trying to get more foot traffic locally or rank nationally for competitive search terms.

Call us today at (203) 226-8795 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.