An Overview of Optimizing Local SEO for Multiple Locations
Most searches are performed with local intent in mind, and most local searches come from mobile devices. Furthermore, nearly 90 percent of online searchers use Google Maps to find business basics like address, phone number, and directions. If you have multiple physical locations, you’ll want to do everything possible to make it easy for local searchers to find the one closest to them, which can be made easier by hiring a trusted SEO company. San Diego business owners should consider the following tips on optimizing their local SEO for multiple locations.
Make Multiple Location Pages
It may seem easier to simply list all of your locations on a single page, but this isn’t such a good thing when it comes to local SEO. Instead, create individual, optimized location pages for each of your locations with:
• NAP (business name, address, phone number) info for the location being referenced
• Location-specific details (e.g., reviews, testimonials, special features, or services unique to the referenced location)
• An embedded Google Map
• Directions on how to get to the referenced location—include local landmark references (e.g., “across the street from Abe Lincoln Park on Main Street”)
• Location-specific meta descriptions and title tags
• Images unique to the referenced location (e.g., staff photos, interior/exterior shots)
Submit a Sitemap to Google
If you’ve added unique location pages, the next thing to do is submit an updated sitemap to Google. Doing so makes it easier for search engine crawlers to properly index these pages so local searchers can find the right location.
Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Listings
Google My Business can be a big asset for local SEO purposes. If you haven’t done so already, claim your business. Create new listings for each of your locations, and make sure to:
• Verify each of your locations
• List accurate hours for each location
• Actively respond to reviews and comments for each location (searchers often make decisions based on listed feedback)
• Keep your business name consistent with each location (e.g., not “ABC Company” for some locations and “The ABC Company” for others)
• Make sure the business category accurately reflects what each location offers
• Use GMB Insights to view key data about how customers are interacting with your location listings
Manage Your Citations
Any inaccurate information specific to how your locations are listed on relevant directories or review sites can hurt your local online visibility for your featured locations. SEMrush’s Listing Management Tool is an example of a resource you can use to quickly find citation issues.
Build Links Back to Your Location Pages
One of the challenges of having multiple business listings is to generate enough backlinks to each location page to boost PageRank for each one. Consider the following local SEO link-building tactics for your location pages:
• Sponsoring local/neighborhood events or participating in local charity efforts—there’s also plenty of free PR potential for the participating location here
• Distributing location-specific content via social media, your blog, personalized email campaigns, or paid ads
• Hosting events at specific locations.
It’s just as important to be diligent about making adjustments to your location pages and other local SEO efforts if your business changes. If you have one location that closes, mark it permanently closed on your GMB account so you don’t unintentionally frustrate customers. Also, update your NAP info if you either open a new location or move one or more of them to a different physical address.
If you need help boosting your local SEO, reach out to SABA SEO, a trusted, search engine marketing, social media management, and web design company in San Diego. To speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives, please call 858-277-1717 today.
