Business owners often ask whether they need "SEO" or "local SEO." The answer depends on who your customers are and where they search for you. The two approaches share some tactics but target fundamentally different types of search queries.
What Is Traditional SEO?
Traditional SEO (sometimes called organic SEO or national SEO) focuses on ranking a website for keywords that do not have geographic intent. Examples: "best CRM software" or "how to write a business plan." The goal is to rank in the standard organic results — the ten blue links below any ads.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO targets search queries with location intent — "accountant Zurich" or "restaurant near me." The goal is to appear in the Google Map Pack (the three-business listing with a map) and in localized organic results. Local SEO involves optimizing your Google Business Profile, building local citations, earning reviews, and creating location-specific website content.
Which One Does a Swiss Business Need?
If your customers are in a specific city or region, you need local SEO. This covers most service businesses: dentists, lawyers, plumbers, restaurants, accountants, consultants, and retail shops. If you sell products or services nationally or globally without a physical location, traditional SEO is the better fit.
Many businesses benefit from both — but if you have to choose one, start with local SEO. The searchers it targets are closer to making a purchase decision. A person searching "dentist Basel" is ready to book an appointment. A person searching "what is a dental crown" is still researching.
How Does Datanalytico Approach Local SEO?
Datanalytico focuses exclusively on local SEO for Swiss businesses. We start with your Google Business Profile (it drives 60 to 70 percent of local leads), then build your website presence with service pages, area pages, and technical optimization. Every strategy is based on real search data from the Swiss market. Contact us for a free review of your local search visibility.