Search engine optimization is a term which refers to making changes to a website in order to increase the attention the site receives from search engines such as Google or Yahoo!. Local search engine optimization refers specifically to making changes that will get the attention of those search engines when someone does a local search for a business (such as when they use Google Maps or Yahoo! Local to find a business in their area).

Many businesses don’t know if they require local search optimization. In most cases, it is a wise idea to opt to do both general and local SEO on your site. That is because you’ll improve your overall search engine results while increasing the attention that you get from customers local to your area.

To determine whether or not you need to make these kind of changes, let’s consider the case of Tampa search engine optimization. Any business that has a physical store in or around Tampa would benefit from getting attention through Tampa search optimization. Additionally, any website that provides information about Tampa (no matter where the site owner is located) could benefit from that keyword optimization. And finally, any business that sells products which would be of interest to Tampa residents (such as beachwear) should use local SEO even if they only have an online storefront for their sales.