How to do multiple location SEO? – A beginners guide

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Admin

Local search engine optimization (SEO) has become a game-changer for businesses with multiple locations. Consider this: 97% of consumers search for local businesses online before purchasing. Additionally, businesses ranking in the top three local search results receive 70% of clicks. This demonstrates the importance of mastering multiple-location SEO to attract customers from certain geographic locations organically.

From optimizing Google My Business listings to creating local backlinks, we will give you strategies and tactics to improve your business’s visibility in local search results. So, let’s begin!

What is Multiple Location SEO?

Multiple Location SEO optimizes your website for the different locations your business serves. It will help you get more traffic from different geographical areas. For instance, if you search for McDonald’s in New York, Google will display results on nearby branches in the city.

Now, if a user searches for McDonald’s in Las Vegas, Google will show the branches nearest to the user’s city or state.

In short, multiple SEO Location lets search engines differentiate between different locations. Therefore, local customers can get the required information on the products available in nearby stores and outlets.

How to Start SEO for Multiple Locations?

So, how can you optimize your store for multiple locations? Here are some strategies to get started:

1. Do thorough competitor research: If you want to effectively implement SEO for multiple locations, it’s crucial to understand the market and assess your competition. Understanding questions like what makes your company unique and how can you leverage your strengths for a particular location will help you create a local SEO strategy that will help you attract and convert your customers. You can start by analyzing your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth. Moreover, you can evaluate what your competitors are doing well and areas they might need to improve. Performing competitor research will help you better understand your target market and implement a local SEO checklist for your target audience to encourage them to buy products and services.
2. Create location-specific landing pages: The next step is to create location-specific landing pages for multiple locations to effectively target local audiences and improve SEO. You need to identify target locations and relevant local keyword research, then design a template including unique information like addresses, contact details, and special offers. Integrate location-specific keywords naturally, add engaging visuals, clear calls-to-action, and optimize meta tags. For instance, a restaurant chain can optimize a New York landing page with keywords like “restaurant in NYC” and include address, contact, and offers specific to that location. These pages enhance local visibility and drive organic traffic.
3. Sign up for Google My Business: You need to create a Google My Business Account with listings for each location of your business. According to BrightLocal, 5% of Google My Business listing impressions lead to calls, clicks, or inquiries about the direction. Make sure you furnish precise business details and relevant categories. Next, mention the store address you want to list first. The next step is to include areas of service. Here, you will enter the areas that the specific store you’re registering for is serving. Also, add your contact number and the hours your store is available, among other details. After setting up and optimizing the profile, you can repeat this process from other stores. This will help customers find business information promptly and elevate online search rankings for your business.
   
4. Ensure a consistent NAP across your listings: NAP means the name, address, and phone number you mention online. The objective here is to keep them the same across all listings and directories. You can also include your NAP on the contact page as well. This helps Google to share the right information with users on local searches. NAP citations also help Google to verify whether your business is real or not. The idea behind it is that – the more Google witnesses consistent NAP citations for your business, the more surety it gets that your business is trustworthy. So, it becomes equally important for you to get consistent citations across many trusted websites.
5. Gather more customer reviews: Customer reviews and testimonials are important to build credibility and trust. You can gather reviews from them using different ways. One way is to ask them to leave a review on Google My Business profile or other online directories. You can do this in person, through social media, via email, or post-purchase. You can also add a direct link on the location page where they can submit their reviews.
   

   You can also make a short video that shows people how easy it is to write reviews. You can send this video link in follow-up messages. Also, Google recommends replying to customer reviews as it indicates you value feedback from your customers.

   Also, make sure you don’t offer or accept money in exchange for reviews. This is against Google’s terms and policies. Moreover, you also need to be aware of how to deal with negative reviews.

6. Focus on link building: The number and quality of backlinks to your website send signals to Google about the authority of your website. To improve your position in local search rankings, prioritize acquiring authoritative backlinks from local websites. For instance, consider contacting bloggers within your vicinity to explore opportunities for content sharing or guest posting collaborations.

You can also earn links from local publications through hosting or sponsoring events. You can also let local journalists know when something noteworthy is taking place at your business.

This will help you earn more local links and send positive signals to Google. The benefit? It will boost your rankings in local search results.

Wrapping Up!

In short, performing multiple-location SEO can bring tons of benefits to your business. It will provide you with an opportunity to increase brand awareness and improve your rankings on search engines. You can take steps like optimizing your Google My Business profile, focusing on link building, encouraging customer reviews, and more. By following these steps, you will be on your way to increasing local traffic to your website. If you need such services, a top-notch digital marketing agency like AlgoSaga is here to assist you! The experts can give you tips and strategies to improve your rankings and attract more customers.