Building a Local Online Strategy for Multi-Location Businesses
Imagine this: you’ve got a fantastic business with locations all across town—or even all around the country. Each spot has its own charm and customers. You want to make sure folks in each area can find you easily when they search online. That’s where crafting a local strategy comes in handy. So, buckle up as we chat about how businesses with many locations can shine brightly in their neighborhoods!
Setting the Scene with Unique Content
Think of your business locations as siblings. They may share the same last name, but they’re each unique, right? Similarly, each of your business spots needs its own voice online. When you create content, don’t just copy and paste. Instead, focus on the uniqueness of each place. What’s special about the Houston branch that makes it different from Dallas?
Adding a touch of local flavor will help your online presence grow stronger. For instance, if your Chicago store sponsors a local baseball team, flaunt that on its webpage! Not only does this pump up your online strategy, but it also shows you’re a real part of the community.
Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: A Tale of Two Roads
Choosing between subdomains and subdirectories is like deciding between tea and coffee. Both have their perks, but what suits you best?
- Subdomain: A subdomain acts like a separate website. It’s helpful when each location needs a big chunk of its own content. For example, houston.yourbusiness.com could work if your Houston store offers products that are totally different from your San Antonio store.
- Subdirectory: On the flip side, a subdirectory feels more like adding chapters to a book. This works well when your stores offer similar stuff but you just need a way to keep things nice and organized, like yourbusiness.com/houston. This path is often easier and, let’s be honest, it’s less headache-inducing for most folks.
The Magic of Google My Business (GMB)
Setting up a separate Google My Business listing for each location is like handing out personalized invitations to your business. Each spot needs its own listing to help customers find you easily. Keep your GMB listing squeaky clean with correct addresses, phone numbers, and holiday hours. And don’t forget photos! People love seeing what they’re walking into.
Active GMB listings make your business pop up in map searches and “near me” queries. It’s like waving a friendly hello at your potential customers!
Customer Reviews: Social Proof with a Smile
Imagine you’re at your favorite diner. If other diners keep nodding their heads and smiling over their meals, you’re more likely to take a nibble yourself, right? That’s pretty much the magic behind customer reviews.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on each location’s page. Not only does this boost your reputation, but it also tingles the digital search fairies to show your business to more eager eyes. Take a moment to respond to reviews—both the cheers and the jeers. It shows you’re listening and ready to improve.
Mobile-Friendly Is a Must
In today’s thumb-scrolling world, your website has to look good on the go. Ensure your site is easy to navigate on phones because who sits at a computer to search for a lunch spot anyway? A smooth mobile experience can be the difference between a new customer or a lost opportunity.
Local Connections: Join the Community Band
Being involved in local events, charities, or partnerships is like adding the secret ingredient to your business recipe. Partner up with local influencers or sponsor community events to get your name buzzing in the neighborhood. These efforts bolster your online presence and build real-world connections. Share these adventures online and link back to local event websites for some extra search engine power.
Why You Need a Helping Hand
Now, if all this sounds like a giant puzzle with missing pieces, don’t worry. That’s where the friendly folks at ASAP Marketing Solutions step in. We’re pros at helping businesses like yours get found online in every nook and cranny they occupy.
From creating distinctive content for each location to managing your Google My Business listings, we’ve got you covered. So, why not sit back and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on serving your local communities? Give us a ring at (832) 737-2752 or check us out at our website to get started. Let’s make your business the talk of the town—or towns!
And remember, a great local online strategy isn’t just about getting seen—it’s about being memorable in every spot you call home.