Local SEO vs. Traditional SEO (And How AI Search Factors In)

Local SEO vs Traditional SEO

Search has changed a lot over the years. What used to be a simple matter of keywords and backlinks has evolved into a complex ecosystem. One where location, intent, and even artificial intelligence play a role in who gets found online.

For small businesses in Los Angeles, this means one thing: understanding how Local SEO, Traditional SEO, and AI Search work together help you stay visible. Let’s take a look at all the factors.

Table of Contents:

What Is Traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO is the foundation of online visibility. It’s all about helping your website rank in search results based on relevance, authority, and quality, regardless of where the searcher is located.

Think of it like this: Traditional SEO focuses on “what” someone is searching for, not the “where.”

Examples

  • “Best hiking boots for beginners”
  • “How to replace a car battery”
  • “Email marketing tips for small businesses”

These are non-location-based searches that could come from anywhere in the world.

Core Elements of Traditional SEO

  • Keyword Research: Finding search terms your audience uses.
  • Content Optimization: Writing blog posts and web pages that match search intent.
  • Link Building: Earning backlinks to build domain authority.
  • Technical SEO: Improving site speed, structure, and indexing.
  • User Experience (UX): Ensuring your website loads fast and works well on mobile.

Who Needs Traditional SEO

If you run an eCommerce store, national brand, or online service, traditional SEO helps you reach customers no matter where they are.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO, on the other hand, is all about being visible to people near you. It’s what helps your business show up when someone searches for “coffee near me” or “plumber in Culver City.”

In other words, Local SEO focuses on “where”; optimizing your digital presence for a specific city, neighborhood, or service area.

Core Elements of Local SEO

  • Google Business Profile (GBP): The single most important factor for local visibility.
  • Local Citations: Making sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are consistent everywhere.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Customer feedback helps both visibility and trust.
  • Localized Content: Creating pages or posts about your local area.
  • Backlinks from Local Websites: Getting featured on community blogs, chambers, or directories.

Who Needs Local SEO

If you’re a restaurant in Santa Monica, a realtor in Studio City, or a salon in Pasadena, Local SEO ensures you appear when potential customers search nearby.

Key Differences Between Traditional SEO and Local SEO

Aspect Traditional SEO Local SEO
Goal Rank nationally or globally Rank in your geographic area
Keywords “best skin care products” “best skin care in Los Angeles”
Ranking Factors Backlinks, content, authority Proximity, relevance, reviews
SERP Features Organic listings, snippets Map Pack, reviews, local results
Search Intent Informational or transactional Navigational or “near me”

Traditional SEO builds broad visibility, while Local SEO helps customers find you in their neighborhood.

How AI Search Comes Into Play

Artificial intelligence is changing how people search, and how Google shows results.

What Is AI Search?

In 2024, Google rolled out AI Overviews, an AI-powered feature that gives users a summarized answer right at the top of search results. Instead of showing a list of blue links, AI Overviews summarize information, cite trusted websites, and sometimes even include maps, reviews, and product options.

For example, if someone searches: “Best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles”

They might now see an AI Overview with:

  • A list of nearby restaurants.
  • Ratings and short descriptions.
  • Snippets pulled from websites and Google Business Profiles.

How AI Impacts SEO

AI search favors trustworthy, well-structured, and contextually clear information. That means your SEO strategy needs to focus not only on keywords, but also on content clarity, structured data, and reputation signals.

How AI Affects Traditional SEO

For Traditional SEO, AI is pushing websites toward depth and authority. It’s no longer enough to write surface-level articles. Google’s AI models want complete, well-organized answers that demonstrate expertise and credibility.

Tips for Adapting

  • Write conversational, question-based content. Use natural language and anticipate related questions.
  • Add structured data (schema). It helps AI understand your content’s context.
  • Build topical authority. Create clusters of related content on a subject.
  • Include visuals. Images and video are now part of AI Overviews.

Essentially, become the best answer on the internet for your topic to get your content featured in AI summaries.

How AI Affects Local SEO

AI search doesn’t just summarize global info. It’s making local results smarter and more personalized.

For example: “Best coffee shops near me open right now”

AI might now show:

  • Real-time hours and reviews.
  • Menu highlights.
  • Driving distance and estimated price range.

To get featured in these AI-driven results, businesses need to feed Google complete, accurate, and structured data.

How to Optimize Local SEO for AI

1. Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated.

Hours, location, services, photos, and posts all feed AI results.

2. Get and Respond to Reviews.

Sentiment and engagement influence how AI ranks local businesses.

3. Use Local Schema Markup.

Structured data helps AI understand your business type, address, and services.

4. Add Photos and Videos.

AI favors listings with visual assets and recent updates.

5. Be Active in Your Community.

Local backlinks from news outlets or event sites help Google (and AI) verify legitimacy.

When to Use Traditional SEO vs. Local SEO (or Both)

Traditional SEO Works Best For:

  • eCommerce and national brands.
  • Content-driven websites like blogs or SaaS platforms.
  • Businesses selling or shipping products nationwide.

Local SEO Works Best For:

  • Restaurants, gyms, salons, and shops.
  • Home service providers (plumbers, electricians, HVAC).
  • Local professionals (realtors, attorneys, dentists).

Using Both Together

The best marketing strategies combine the two.

For instance, a Los Angeles bakery can use:

  • Local SEO to attract walk-in customers and wedding cake orders nearby.
  • Traditional SEO to rank nationally for “custom cakes delivered anywhere in the U.S.”

The balance depends on your goals—visibility across Los Angeles, or growth beyond it.

How to Get Started with AI-Optimized Local SEO

1. Audit Your SEO Presence

Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to see where your site currently ranks.

2. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Ensure your listing includes:

  • Accurate NAP (name, address, phone) info.
  • High-quality photos.
  • A keyword-rich business description.
  • Weekly posts and customer updates.

3. Create Content for Humans and AI

Write FAQs, guides, and blogs that answer real customer questions in clear, natural language.

4. Use Schema Markup

This structured code tells AI what your business is, where it’s located, and what it offers.

5. Encourage Reviews and Engagement

AI prioritizes businesses that show active, positive interaction with customers.

How AI-Optimized SEO Will Affect the Future

AI is not replacing SEO, but it is refining it. The businesses that thrive in this new era will be those that combine traditional ranking techniques with local trust signals and AI-friendly structure.

For small businesses in Los Angeles, this means:

  • Strong, accurate business listings.
  • Content that builds authority.
  • A consistent digital presence that AI can easily understand.

FAQs: Local SEO vs. Traditional SEO

What’s the main difference between Local SEO and Traditional SEO?

Local SEO helps your business appear in searches specific to your area, like “plumber in Los Angeles.” Traditional SEO focuses on ranking nationally or globally for non-location-based searches.

Why does my Los Angeles business need Local SEO?

Local SEO helps you appear in Google Maps and “near me” results, reaching nearby customers ready to buy. It’s essential for driving foot traffic and phone calls from your local audience.

How does AI Search change SEO?

AI-powered search (like Google’s AI Overviews) now summarizes answers directly on search pages. Businesses must optimize their content and data so AI tools recognize them as trusted, authoritative sources.

Can I use both Local and Traditional SEO at the same time?

Yes! Many businesses combine both. For example, a Los Angeles bakery might use Local SEO to attract nearby customers and Traditional SEO to sell products nationwide through its website.

How do I optimize my business for AI Search?

Focus on accuracy, structure, and trust. Keep your Google Business Profile updated, use schema markup, create clear FAQ-style content, and build reviews. AI rewards clarity and credibility.

Does AI mean SEO is less important?

No, AI actually depends on SEO to find accurate, well-structured data. The better your SEO, the more likely AI is to surface your business in its summaries.

How long does it take to see Local SEO results?

Typically 3–6 months. Factors like competition, number of reviews, and consistency across listings all affect how quickly you appear in Google’s local results and maps.

What’s the first step to improving my SEO right now?

Start by auditing your Google Business Profile and website. Ensure your info is correct, add location-based keywords, and publish helpful content that answers real customer questions.

Contact COLAB for Local SEO Services Today

SEO is more complicated than ever. Success today comes from combining Traditional SEO for reach, Local SEO for relevance, and AI Optimization for future visibility.

If your business depends on being found—in search, on maps, or through AI-powered tools—now’s the time to evolve your strategy.

At COLAB Los Angeles, we help small businesses merge digital marketing, local visibility, and modern AI SEO tactics into one powerful growth system. Contact us today to make your business easier to find in this new era of search.

Skip to content