Local SEO vs Organic SEO: Differences Explained
Key Takeaways
- Local SEO helps nearby customers find you through map and “near me” searches.
- Organic SEO boosts visibility for broader, non-location searches.
- Combining both brings faster local results and long-term growth.
Intro
You have a business, and your peers have just introduced you to the idea of SEO to further expand your reach online.
Cool. Now, you're beginning to get into SEO and have just discovered that there are actually layers to it.
"Local SEO", "Organic SEO", "International SEO", etc...
Well, okay? Now you're just left confused.
If you're here because you don't know the difference between local and organic SEO, then you're definitely in the right place.
Here, we'll tackle what these two terms mean, where they differ, and which practice would best fit your business.
That said, let's get into it.
Local SEO vs Organic SEO Overview
When someone searches for your business online, Google decides what to show them based on two major SEO types: Local SEO and Organic SEO.
Both aim to improve visibility, but they serve different purposes.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO focuses on helping your business appear in search results for location-based queries such as “dentist near me” or “plumber in Seattle.” It’s ideal for businesses with physical stores or those that serve specific areas.
Optimizing for local SEO involves:
- Setting up and managing your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Ensuring consistent Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) details across all listings
- Collecting positive customer reviews
- Using geo-targeted keywords in your content
- Getting backlinks from local websites and directories
The goal is to show up in the Local Pack (the map results that appear above organic listings) and attract nearby customers who are ready to visit, call, or book your service.
What is Organic SEO?
Organic SEO, on the other hand, aims to improve your rankings in Google’s main (non-local) search results. It’s all about content quality, website authority, and user experience.
This approach suits online businesses, blogs, eCommerce stores, and service providers targeting a national or international audience.
Organic SEO typically includes:
- Conducting keyword research and publishing relevant, high-quality content
- Optimizing meta tags, headings, and internal links
- Improving site speed, mobile usability, and technical SEO
- Building backlinks from reputable websites
Instead of targeting proximity, organic SEO focuses on relevance and authority, helping you capture audiences searching for information or products across broader regions.
What is the Difference Between Organic and Local SEO?
Local SEO helps nearby customers find you, while Organic SEO focuses on ranking your website for broader searches that aren’t necessarily tied to a location.
Understanding how they differ helps you target the right audience and allocate your efforts effectively.
Search Intent
Local SEO focuses on searches with local intent. These are users looking for products or services near them, such as “car repair shop in Dallas.”
Organic SEO targets broader, non-location-specific searches like “how to fix a car air conditioner.”
The first drives foot traffic and calls; the second drives website traffic and brand visibility.
Ranking Factors
Local SEO rankings depend heavily on:
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Proximity to the searcher
- Local citations and NAP consistency
- Customer reviews and star ratings
Organic SEO, however, relies on:
- Content quality and keyword relevance
- Website authority and backlinks
- Technical performance (speed, mobile-friendliness)
- On-page optimization and structured data
In short, local SEO relies more on business credibility in your area, while organic SEO depends on content authority and website health.
Search Results Appearance
When optimized for Local SEO, your business can appear in the Local Pack.
This is the map-based box that shows local businesses with ratings, directions, and contact information.
With Organic SEO, your site appears as a traditional blue-link result below the map pack or in other organic sections like featured snippets or “People Also Ask.”
Target Audience
Local SEO is designed for businesses that operate within a physical location or service area. Examples include restaurants, clinics, and electricians.
Organic SEO targets audiences without geographic limits. It’s ideal for eCommerce stores, SaaS companies, blogs, and digital agencies.
Conversion Path
In Local SEO, conversions often happen offline: a customer calls, visits, or books an appointment.
In Organic SEO, conversions usually happen online: filling out a form, making a purchase, or subscribing to a newsletter.
Competitive Landscape
Local SEO competition is limited to nearby businesses, making it easier for small businesses to stand out locally.
Organic SEO competition is much broader. You’re often competing with national or global brands for top positions.
How to Choose Between Local SEO and Organic SEO?
Choosing between Local SEO and Organic SEO depends on how — and where — your customers find you.
Here’s how to decide which one fits your goals best:
Do Local SEO If:
You Serve Customers in a Specific Area
If your business depends on walk-ins, appointments, or local clients such as clinics, restaurants, salons, or repair services, Local SEO is essential. It helps nearby customers find you first when they search on Google Maps or use “near me” queries.
You Have a Physical Storefront or Office
Any business with a physical location should optimize its Google Business Profile to show up in local map results. It increases visibility, builds trust, and helps potential customers get directions, read reviews, or call you directly.
You Rely on Calls, Visits, or Appointments
Local SEO converts intent into action quickly. People searching “best dentist near me” or “car repair open now” are often ready to buy or book, which makes your leads more likely to turn into actual customers.
You Compete Within a City or Region
When your competitors are other nearby businesses, it’s smarter to focus on outranking them locally than to compete against national websites with bigger budgets.
Do Organic SEO If:
You Sell or Operate Online
If your sales happen through your website, such as eCommerce stores, SaaS platforms, or online learning sites, Organic SEO helps you reach audiences globally. It expands your visibility beyond your local area.
You Want to Build Long-Term Authority
Organic SEO focuses on creating evergreen content and earning backlinks, which strengthens your overall domain authority. This means more stable rankings and consistent traffic growth over time.
Your Audience Isn’t Location-Based
If your customers can be anywhere, such as when you offer consulting, digital services, or online subscriptions, Organic SEO helps you attract them based on interests rather than location.
You’re Investing in Content Marketing
Organic SEO pairs perfectly with blogging, guides, and keyword-driven resources. By publishing helpful content, you can capture informational and commercial-intent searches that drive brand awareness and conversions.
Can I Do Both Organic and Local SEO?
Absolutely. In most cases, you should. Local SEO and Organic SEO work best when they complement each other, not compete.
While Local SEO helps you show up in map results and attract nearby customers, Organic SEO strengthens your website’s authority and expands your reach beyond your immediate area.
When done together:
- Organic SEO builds trust and credibility. High-quality content and backlinks signal to Google that your site is reliable, which can boost your local rankings too.
- Local SEO drives quick, action-based results. A fully optimized Google Business Profile and positive local reviews help customers contact or visit you right away.
- The combination multiplies visibility. You can appear in both the local pack and the organic listings for the same search — doubling your chances of being noticed.
If you’re just starting out, focus on the one that aligns with your most urgent goal.
Choose between quick local conversions or long-term organic growth, then build the other alongside it. Over time, combining both will bring stronger and more consistent results across search.
Conclusion
Choosing between local and organic SEO comes down to how your business connects with people.
If you’d like to learn more about how online reputation ties into SEO, check out our post on reputation marketing. You can also read about automotive reputation management or find out if writing fake reviews is illegal to better understand how authenticity impacts visibility.
For business owners who want to keep improving performance, we built tools that make it easy to manage reviews, referrals, insights, and repeat customers.
We also customize our approach for different industries such as law firms, dental offices, medical offices, med spas, plumbing services, and landscaping services.
If you’re planning your next move, visit our homepage or explore our blog for more ideas and strategies. You can also reach us anytime at info@thesurgepoint.com.
Good luck with your next steps in improving your visibility, growing your reach, and strengthening your reputation online.
