Local SEO targets geographically qualified searches - 'dentist in Bandra', 'digital marketing agency Mumbai' - focusing on Google Map Pack rankings, Google Business Profile optimisation, and city-specific landing pages. National SEO targets broader queries without location modifiers, building topical authority and domain strength to rank across India. Businesses serving customers in specific cities need local SEO first. Businesses selling nationally or digitally need national SEO. Both approaches require a parallel content marketing programme that creates the city-specific or national-intent pages, blog posts, and resources that each strategy demands.