Local SEO and search engine marketing are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to two different things. Local SEO is optimizing your website for local search results, while search engine marketing (SEM) pays for ads that appear on search engine results pages (SERPs).
What Is Local SEO and How Does it Work?
As mentioned, local SEO is about optimizing your website for Google’s local search algorithm. This algorithm considers factors like your business’s physical location, name, and phone number when determining whether or not to show your business in the local search results.
To optimize your website for local SEO, you’ll need to ensure your name, phone number, and address are consistent across all your web properties and that you have local keyword-rich content. You should also claim and verify your Google My Business listing, as this will give you a boost in the local search results.
Local SEO optimizes your online presence to attract more business from local customers. It includes optimizing your website, social media profiles, and online directories for your city or region.
There are several benefits to optimizing your local SEO, including:
- Increased website traffic from local customers
- Improved visibility in online search results for your website and social media profiles
- Increased leads and sales from local customers
- A better understanding of your local customer base and online behavior
- Improved brand awareness and reputation in your local market
Local SEO is an integral part of any comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Now is the time to start if you’re not already incorporating local SEO into your marketing efforts.
What Makes SEM Different?
SEM is the process of paying for ads appearing in the SERPs. These ads can be in the form of text, image, or video ads displayed at the top or bottom of the SERP.
As the world increasingly turns to the internet for information, recommendation, and reviews, it’s more important than ever for local businesses to have a solid online presence. Search engine marketing (SEM) is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your business is visible to potential customers when they search for your products or services online.
It is also an important part of any effective digital marketing strategy and is crucial for businesses that rely on local customers.
Which One Should You Focus On?
If you’re a small business with a limited budget, then Local SEO is a great way to get your business in front of local customers. However, SEM may be a better option if you’re a more significant business with a bigger budget.
Conclusion
The main difference between local SEO and SEM is that local SEO is a free way to get your business to appear in the local search results. Meanwhile, SEM is a paid way to get your business to appear in the search results. Both Local SEO and SEM can be effective ways to get your business in front of potential customers. It’s just a matter of finding the right strategy for your business and your budget.
If you need help with local SEO or SEM, we have you covered. SEOfly is an award-winning SEO agency in Florida that works with 100% transparency. Contact us and improve your search rankings today!
