In a digitally-oriented world where businesses from every size and niche compete with each other to gain attention in a crowded arena, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) makes it possible to put the spotlight on your brand by increasing your visibility in search engines. But SEO is only an umbrella term that encompasses several strategies, including local and national search, both of which are designed for distinct purposes and problems. 

When creating an SEO-friendly campaign, it's important to know whether you need to incorporate local or national SEO tactics, though some businesses may use both. But what's the difference between the two, and how does that impact your digital marketing approach? 

Local vs. National SEO: What's the Difference?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your website to appear in relevant searches from users located in your area, regardless of their general geographic preferences. This type of SEO works best for businesses that offer services or sell products in a specific location.

National SEO, on the other hand, focuses on customers from a wider area, intending to promote your brand to larger markets across the country. If your business is large and visible, then national SEO may be the best way to achieve your goals. However, local SEO is the more strategic option if your brand focuses on a smaller area.

Why Use Local SEO?

The main benefit of local SEO is that it's highly targeted. With a traditional SEO strategy, businesses try to rank for keywords that could apply to any industry or geographic location, but local SEO allows businesses to tailor their digital presence to local users looking for something nearby.

Why Use National SEO?

While local SEO is beneficial for service or product providers that have a physical location or can be found locally, national SEO is ideal for large and well-known businesses.

National SEO campaigns are typically designed to bring awareness to the brand as a whole rather than the local business. If your company has a strong presence in the local area but little-to-no representation in the national arena, then a national SEO strategy may be the way to go.

The Bottom Line on Local vs. National SEO: Which Works Best for Your Business?

When you're deciding whether to focus on local or national SEO, the first step is to identify your short-term and long-term goals. If your business has a local presence and offers local services, there's no reason not to take advantage of local SEO. In fact, it's one of the most cost-effective methods of reaching a locally-oriented audience.

But if your brand is nationally recognized, your target customer is more likely to be searching for information about your brand rather than a specific location. National campaigns require a more aggressive approach than local SEO, but they can also have a greater impact, as they allow you to reach across the country with one campaign.

How Can Calling Digital Help You?

If you're looking for digital marketing in Frisco, TX, Calling Digital is here to help.

We're a digital marketing agency that fuels businesses or churches with innovative and powerful digital marketing strategies that take teams to another level. Learn more about how we can help your business today!