Local SEO vs Organic SEO: Key Differences Explained

When you search for something like “coffee shop near me” or “best plumber in London,” the results you see at the top of Google are not random. They’re shaped by two main types of optimisation: local SEO and organic SEO. Both are designed to help businesses appear in search results, but they serve very different purposes.

In this guide, we’ll break down local SEO vs organic SEO, explain how each works, and help you decide which one your business should focus on. We’ll also answer one of the most common questions business owners ask: What is the difference between local and organic SEO?

Understanding SEO and Why It Matters

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. The goal is simple: to appear as high as possible when potential customers search for products or services like yours.

According to BrightEdge, over 53% of all website traffic comes from organic search. That means ranking well in Google can directly affect how many people find your business online.

However, not all searches are the same. Some are location-specific, while others are general and informational. This is where the difference between local SEO and organic SEO becomes important.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO focuses on helping your business appear in location-based searches. These are searches that include a geographic element such as “near me,” “in [city name],” or “closest to [location].”

Local SEO is essential for businesses with a physical presence or those that serve a specific geographic area. Think of restaurants, doctors, electricians, gyms, or hair salons.

The goal of local SEO is to make your business visible in Google’s Local Pack, the section of results that shows maps, star ratings, and contact information.

According to Moz, local SEO signals include:

• Google Business Profile (GBP) optimisation

• Local citations (directory listings such as Yelp, Bing Places, and Apple Maps)

• Customer reviews and ratings

• NAP consistency (Name, Address, and Phone number)

• Proximity to the searcher’s location

• Relevance and prominence of your business

A well-optimised Google Business Profile is the cornerstone of local SEO. It allows your business to appear in local map results and provides key details like opening hours, reviews, and directions.

For example, if you run a café in Manchester and someone nearby searches “best coffee shop near me,” your business has the chance to appear in the top map results, but only if your local SEO is properly set up.

What is Organic SEO?

Organic SEO, on the other hand, focuses on improving the visibility of your website in non-location-specific searches. These are general keyword searches that don’t include a city or geographic term.

For example, someone searching “how to make sourdough bread” or “best running shoes for beginners” is performing an organic search. These results appear below the Local Pack and are driven primarily by website content and overall authority rather than proximity.

The goal of organic SEO is to attract visitors through valuable, high-quality content that matches their search intent.

Key elements of organic SEO include:

• Keyword research to understand what people are searching for

• On-page SEO, such as optimising titles, meta descriptions, and headings

• Content creation that provides useful, relevant information

• Link building to improve site authority

• Technical SEO, including fast page loading and mobile optimisation

According to Ahrefs, websites that consistently produce valuable, search-optimised content tend to rank higher and attract more long-term traffic.

Organic SEO is best for businesses that operate online, offer nationwide services, or want to reach a wider audience.

Local SEO vs Organic SEO: The Key Differences

Both strategies share the same goal, improving visibility in search, but they differ in focus, purpose, and the way results are displayed.

Local SEO is about visibility in a specific place, while organic SEO is about authority across the web.

For example, a local florist in Leeds will benefit more from optimising for “florist in Leeds” than from ranking for “best flowers for weddings.” Meanwhile, an online florist delivering nationwide would benefit more from organic SEO targeting general search queries.

What is the Difference Between Local and Organic SEO?

The main difference between local and organic SEO lies in intent and search location.

• Local SEO targets users searching for products or services nearby. It’s about helping people find physical businesses they can visit or contact directly.

• Organic SEO targets users looking for information or products regardless of where they are. It focuses on ranking web pages for broader search queries.

Local SEO uses specific location signals such as your address, reviews, and proximity to the searcher. Organic SEO, on the other hand, relies heavily on content quality, backlinks, and overall domain authority.

Both types of SEO appear in Google’s results, but in different sections. Local results show map listings, while organic results appear as standard text listings.

In short, local SEO answers “where,” while organic SEO answers “what” or “how.”

How They Work Together

Although local and organic SEO are distinct, they are closely connected. In fact, most successful websites use both strategies simultaneously.

1. Organic SEO Strengthens Local SEO

Creating high-quality, locally relevant content, such as blog posts about your area or customer stories, helps you rank both in organic results and local searches. The stronger your website authority, the better your local rankings.

2. Local SEO Builds Trust for Organic Visibility

Positive reviews, consistent citations, and an optimised Google Business Profile enhance your brand credibility. This trust signals to search engines that your business is legitimate, which can improve your overall visibility.

3. Backlinks Benefit Both

When reputable local websites, newspapers, or directories link to your site, they not only boost your local presence but also strengthen your domain’s authority, improving organic rankings too.

According to Search Engine Journal, businesses that combine both local and organic SEO tend to achieve higher overall traffic and better conversion rates.

How Important is Local SEO?

Local SEO is critical for any business that relies on nearby customers. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphones visit a business within a day, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase.

That means if your local SEO isn’t optimised, you’re missing out on real-world sales opportunities.

For small businesses, appearing in local search results can be the difference between steady customer growth and being overlooked entirely.

Local SEO not only drives visibility but also builds trust. When potential customers see your business listed in Google Maps with positive reviews and accurate information, they are more likely to choose you over competitors.

How Important is Organic SEO?

While local SEO is vital for physical businesses, organic SEO is the foundation of long-term online growth.

Organic search builds brand authority. When your website ranks consistently for valuable keywords, users begin to trust your expertise. That trust translates into more clicks, leads, and conversions.

According to HubSpot’s 2024 SEO Report, 60% of marketers say organic SEO provides their highest-quality leads. Unlike paid ads, organic results continue to deliver traffic long after content is published.

Organic SEO also supports every stage of the customer journey, from awareness (blog articles) to consideration (comparison pages) to decision (product or service pages).

Choosing the Right Strategy

Deciding between local SEO and organic SEO depends on your business model and audience.

Choose Local SEO If:

• You run a physical store or local service business.

• You rely on foot traffic or serve customers within a set area.

• You want to appear in Google Maps or “near me” searches.

Examples: restaurants, law firms, salons, plumbers, dentists, fitness studios.

Choose Organic SEO If:

• You sell products or services nationwide or globally.

• You run an online-only business.

• You focus on long-term content strategies to attract readers and customers.

Examples: e-commerce stores, online publications, SaaS platforms, or educational sites.

Of course, many businesses benefit from a combination of both. For instance, a local fitness trainer can optimise for local searches like “personal trainer in Bristol” while also publishing organic content such as “10 Tips to Build Muscle at Home.”

How Famoso Helps You Combine Both

At Famoso, we believe the best results come from integrating both local and organic SEO. Our experts conduct in-depth keyword research, optimise your Google Business Profile, and build a content strategy that increases your visibility across all search types.

We also focus on technical SEO and user experience, ensuring your website loads fast, performs well on mobile, and converts visitors into customers. Whether you’re targeting customers around the corner or across the country, our data-driven approach helps you get discovered and stay ahead of competitors.

Local SEO vs Organic SEO: The Perfect Partnership

Understanding local SEO vs organic SEO isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about knowing how they complement each other.

Local SEO brings customers to your doorstep, while organic SEO helps you build a strong online presence that attracts visitors from anywhere. Together, they form a complete strategy for visibility, trust, and growth.

If you’re ready to improve your rankings and attract more customers – both online and in person – contact Famoso today for a free SEO consultation. Our team can help you create a tailored strategy that blends local precision with organic authority.