If you’re a small business owner trying to boost your online presence, you’ve probably come across the terms Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and local SEO. But what’s the difference — and which one should you focus on?
At GOOP Digital, we specialise in helping small businesses succeed with local SEO. In this blog, we’ll break down what each strategy means and why local SEO is a game-changer for businesses that rely on local customers, like plumbers in Hobart.
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving your website so it ranks higher in search engine results. The goal is to attract more organic (unpaid) traffic by making your content more relevant, trustworthy, and user-friendly for search engines like Google.
General SEO tactics include:
- Optimising website content with relevant keywords
- Improving page speed and mobile-friendliness
- Earning backlinks from other reputable websites
- Publishing high-quality blog content
This broader SEO approach is ideal for businesses that operate on a national or global scale, such as e-commerce stores or online services.
What is local SEO?
Local SEO is a more targeted approach. It’s about ensuring your business appears in local search results. This is essential for businesses that serve specific areas, such as a plumber in Hobart.
Let’s say someone types “blocked drain plumber Hobart” into Google. If your plumbing business has a well-optimised Google Business Profile, consistent contact details, local reviews, and content that mentions your services in Hobart, you’re far more likely to appear in those local results, especially in the “map pack” that shows up at the top.
Local SEO strategies include:
- Claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile
- Using a consistent name, address, and phone number (NAP) across the web
- Adding local keywords to your website content (like “emergency plumber Hobart”)
- Collecting customer reviews
- Creating location-based content or landing pages. See an example by searching “electrician Bruny Island” or “electrician Kingston“- Compass Electrical is a great example here.
Why local SEO matters more for small businesses
If your customers are mostly local, focusing on local SEO is essential. You don’t need to outrank big national brands — you just need to be the top result when someone nearby is searching for what you do.
This is especially important for service-based businesses like trades, healthcare providers, or professional services that rely on local traffic.
GOOP Digital is an expert in local SEO
At GOOP Digital, local SEO isn’t just something we offer — it’s what we do best. We’ve helped businesses like plumbers in Hobart show up at the top of local search results, get more enquiries, and grow faster.
We know how to get your business seen in your area — whether you’re in Hobart, Geelong, or anywhere in between.
Let’s get your business found
Want your business to stand out when people search online? Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your local strategy, GOOP Digital is ready to help.
Contact GOOP Digital today to discover how our local SEO strategies can put your business in front of the right people, right where you work.