Local SEO is a minefield of different options and can be tricky at the best of times. Try SEO for multiple locations, and your chances of getting it right are even smaller. This guide will show you what you need to build successful multiple location SEO strategies.
Create Location-Based Web Pages
While it is essential to have a website for your company as a whole, having a page for each location is a massive benefit to your SEO. By including area-specific keywords in your location pages, you can boost your ranking for searches in that area. Taking an Irish restaurant chain as an example, if you have a restaurant in Dublin and Cork, you should create two pages, one for each with specifics of that location on the page. However, avoid making them too similar. Sharing too much of the same structure and layout will be punished by Google.
Google My Business
You should create separate Google my business accounts for every location. This way, you can optimise your Google maps/search results to maximise your appearances. This process can take time, so it is best started as soon as possible.
Consistency is key
You must ensure that all your business locations and any other place your firm appears to match one another. Any discrepancies will cause Google to deduct points in the SEO department. Do not make the common mistake of calling the business after its location. For example, Rodexo Dublin or Rodexo Cork would be viewed by Google as inconsistent.
You should also check popular directories such as Yelp, Bing, Google, Yahoo Local, Golden pages. Time spent correcting inconstancies will pay off long-term.
Encourage Reviews
You should aim to get reviews on a location-specific basis. Reviews are seen as a huge green flag by Google. Although you desire to get as many good reviews as possible, the number of reviews is more important than the ranking. So long as you average out at around four stars or more, it is more to do with quantity as this indicates popularity. Both Google and customers see this as a positive. All reviews, specifically bad ones, should be answered as quickly as possible. Bad reviews can also provide much-needed reassurance for customers. If you receive a bad review, reply to the reviewer and publicly come to a resolution on the issue.
You can make the most of your multiple location SEO using these steps. Do not forget to spread your focus across all locations. It is also worth deciding on a phased strategy for your location SEO. It may be beneficial to focus on one site if it reacts the quickest and leaves slower-moving locations until later.
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