Local SEO vs SEO: What’s the Difference?
The difference between SEO and local SEO is the audience. Regular (organic) SEO helps a website rank for searches anywhere, while local SEO helps a business show up for searches in a specific area — especially in Google Maps and the local 3-pack. Local SEO adds your Google Business Profile, reviews, and local listings to the usual website work.
Not sure which you need? Get a free audit.
What Is the Difference Between Local and Organic SEO?
Organic SEO ranks your website in the regular list of blue links. Local SEO ranks your business in the map pack and local results, which depend heavily on your Google Business Profile, distance from the searcher, and reviews. A business can rank well in one and poorly in the other.
| Local SEO | Organic (regular) SEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you show | Map pack, Google Maps, local results | Regular search results |
| Main signals | Business profile, reviews, distance, listings | Website content, links, technical health |
| Audience | People in your service area | People anywhere |
| Best for | Plumbers, clinics, shops, local services | Online stores, national brands, publishers |
| Key asset | Google Business Profile | Website |
Why Can I Rank in Google but Not in Maps?
You can rank in Google but not in Maps because they use different signals. Organic results lean on your website and links, while Maps leans on your Google Business Profile, reviews, and distance. Strong website pages won’t fix a weak profile, and a strong profile won’t fix a weak website.
Does a Local Business Need Both?
Most local businesses need both, but local SEO comes first. The map pack sits above most regular results for “near me” and “[service] in [town]” searches, so it brings most local calls. Organic SEO supports it by ranking your service pages and giving your profile a strong website to link to.
- Local SEO first: Google Maps SEO and your profile.
- Then website SEO: local website SEO for service and area pages.
When Should a Business Choose Regular SEO Instead?
Choose regular SEO when you sell online to customers anywhere, don’t serve a local area, or want to rank for national topics. Local SEO tools like map rankings and business profiles add little if customers don’t need to be near you.
Find Out Which Kind of SEO Your Business Needs
The difference between SEO and local SEO matters because each fixes different problems. Our free audit shows whether your gap is in Maps, your website, or both.
New to this? Start with what is local SEO.
Difference Between SEO and Local SEO FAQs
Is local SEO cheaper than regular SEO?
Often, because the area and competition are smaller. An Ahrefs survey of 439 SEO providers found local SEO averaged about $1,557 per month.
Can I do local SEO without a website?
You can rank in Maps with just a Google Business Profile, but a website usually helps rankings and turns more visitors into calls.
Written by Faisal Zahoor, founder of RankAutomate Agency (Semrush Academy certified in Local SEO). This Difference Between SEO and Local SEO guide is reviewed under our editorial policy.
