When it comes to growing your business online, not all SEO strategies are created equal. Whether you’re a small brick-and-mortar shop trying to attract nearby customers or an eCommerce brand aiming to expand nationwide, the approach you take to search engine optimization makes a big difference.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Local SEO and National SEO, who each strategy is best for, and how to choose the right one to maximize your visibility, traffic, and ROI.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing your online presence to attract customers from a specific geographic area. It’s perfect for businesses that serve a local community, such as:
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Restaurants and cafes
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Retail stores
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Gyms and wellness centers
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Law firms, salons, dentists, and other service-based businesses
Local SEO focuses on ranking in the “Local Pack”—that map section you see in Google when searching for services like “dentist near me” or “best pizza in [City].”
Core Components of Local SEO:
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Google Business Profile optimization
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Local citations (business listings on directories like Yelp, YellowPages, etc.)
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Location-based keywords
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Customer reviews and ratings
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NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number)
When done right, Local SEO ensures your business pops up when someone nearby is looking for what you offer.
What is National SEO?
National SEO, on the other hand, targets broader, more competitive keywords without a geographic qualifier. It’s designed for businesses that:
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Operate across multiple cities or states
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Sell products/services nationwide
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Have an eCommerce platform or SaaS
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Aren’t dependent on foot traffic
National SEO is about building domain authority, publishing high-quality content, and ranking on a national scale for keywords like “best accounting software” or “SEO services company.”
Core Components of National SEO:
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Robust content marketing strategy
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Backlink acquisition from reputable sites
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Technical SEO (site speed, mobile optimization, crawlability)
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On-page optimization at scale
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Targeting competitive, high-volume keywords
Local SEO vs. National SEO: Key Differences
| Feature | Local SEO | National SEO |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Local Customers | Nationwide Audience |
| Keyword Focus | Geo-specific (e.g., “Toronto plumber”) | Broad (e.g., “plumbing tips”) |
| Competition | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (more time and effort) |
| Time to See Results | Quicker | Takes Longer |
| Google Maps Visibility | Crucial | Not Applicable |
| Content Strategy | Focused on local news/events | Broad and informative content |
Which One is Right for You?
Go With Local SEO If You:
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Own a physical storefront or offer services in a limited region
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Rely on foot traffic or appointments
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Want to dominate Google Maps results
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Need faster, budget-friendly results
Example: A dentist in Mississauga would benefit more from showing up in local search results than ranking for general keywords like “best dentist.”
Choose National SEO If You:
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Operate an online-only business
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Target customers across Canada, the U.S., or internationally
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Want to become a thought leader in your niche
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Are ready to invest long-term in your SEO strategy
Example: An SEO services company offering digital marketing across North America would need a solid national SEO strategy to stay ahead of competitors.
Can You Do Both? Yes – And Here’s How!
Some businesses, especially those that start local and grow online, benefit from a hybrid SEO strategy.
Imagine you run a local clothing boutique but also ship across Canada through your website. You could:
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Use Local SEO to drive in-store visits
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Use National SEO to drive online sales
A smart SEO services company will build a tailored plan that aligns with your short-term goals and long-term vision.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Strategy
Choosing the right SEO strategy pays off in more ways than one:
Better Search Visibility
Your brand appears exactly where your target audience is looking—whether it’s on a map or the first page of Google.
Higher ROI
With the right targeting, you waste less money and time on efforts that won’t convert.
Increased Conversions
Localized messaging or nationwide thought leadership? Both approaches, when executed properly, lead to more clicks, calls, and customers.
Scalable Growth
Whether you start in one city or launch nationwide from day one, SEO can scale as your business grows.
How to Choose the Right SEO Services Company
No matter your business size or industry, having the right partner makes all the difference. Look for an SEO company that:
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Has experience with both local and national SEO
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Provides custom strategies, not cookie-cutter solutions
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Offers transparent reporting and measurable results
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Keeps up with Google’s algorithm updates
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Understands your industry and customer journey
A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it in today’s digital landscape.
Ready to Boost Your Visibility?
Whether you’re targeting your neighborhood or the entire country, choosing the right SEO strategy is key to your success.
Need help figuring it all out? That’s where we come in.
As a trusted SEO services company, we specialize in crafting data-driven strategies that get real results—locally and nationally.
Call us now and let’s build your custom SEO game plan!