If you have different types of business, or your business runs both online and offline, that is, if you have physical stores as well as online stores, then it is important that you connect both entities. Regardless of whether you have a retail chain, a multi-location enterprise, or a service-based business like a salon or consultancy, store locator software can help you immensely.
By allowing your customers to find your physical locations, you can increase foot traffic, boost conversions, build trust, and achieve business growth. The store locator is a tool that can bridge the gap between online visibility and offline visiting, and not merely a map.
Let us explore the importance of store locators for various types of business, see how exactly they work, and the store locator benefits.
What Is Store Locator Software?
Store locator software is a tool that can be embedded on your business website that helps users find the store that is closest to them. A reliable store locator will:
- Display stores, offices, outlets, clinics, etc. on a map
- Give clear directions to every location
- Allow users to filter by service or product types
- Provide details like phone number, business hours, and specific services; for example: “Open 24 hours”, Buy Online Pickup In Store or BOPIS, and so on.
With a store locator tool like LocateStore, which is powered by Mapbox for navigation, users can experience fast, flexible, and customizable map experiences. LocateStore is based completely on Google Sheets, which means that there is no requirement for any coding.
Businesses can easily update location information and other details in real time, and they are reflected instantly on the map.
Why Store Locator Is Important for Businesses
A store locator does a lot more than just show pins on a map.
- Enhances customer experience by making it easy to find nearby locations
- Improves SEO through optimized local search results
- Increases foot traffic by giving users directions to your store
- Connects online browsing and offline visits, thereby supporting omnichannel strategies
Several studies have established that about 76% of customers who search for “store/restaurant/service centre near me” on their mobile devices tend to visit that store or branch within 24 hours. 28% of such visits actually result in a purchase, stressing the importance of local discovery for business growth.
Store Locator Benefits Explained
Let’s look at the most significant benefits that businesses, regardless of size,e can unlock with the right store locator:
Better Customer Experience
- Enables customers to find stores based on nearness, stock availability, or services offered
- Brings down disappointment and frustration and enhances satisfaction
- Helps build trust and credibility among customers
Boosts Foot Traffic And Sales
- Customers with the intent to buy usually convert more quickly with information on nearby stores
- When users have clear directions and contact information, they are more likely to visit; in fact, 58% of local searches end in a purchase within 24 hours.
Improved Local SEO and Online Visibility
- Store locators significantly improve the chances of your business appearing in “near me” searches
- Search engine bots reward sites that provide location-specific content, pushing them to the top of the result pages
Flexible and Customizable Options
- Businesses can tailor search results by using filters like product categories, services, store features, and so on.
- Thanks to Mapbox integration, maps are fast-loading and support several interactive elements like routing and advanced filters
Easy Updates and Management
Store locator tools like LocateStore make it easy for non-technical staff to update location information in Google Sheets without needing any help from developers.
All these benefits make it clear why store locators are important: they eventually help you achieve business growth.
How Different Types of Business Benefit
Store locators can be used for a wide range of businesses, and not merely for retail stores. Let’s explore how different types of business structures can benefit from this software.
1. Retail Chains and Franchises
Retail businesses use store locators widely. Most retail stores have multiple branches, and having a store locator helps customers to find the branch or outlet that is closest to their location. It also helps them with information like stock availability, business hours, promotions happening in the store, and so on. Store locators help retail chains and franchises to significantly improve their local SEO and search rankings.
Let’s say Holly’s is a clothing brand with over 100 outlets across the US. Shoppers can use the store locator to filter by product availability: let’s say, sweatshirts. This helps customers to find the closest outlet that stocks the product they want.
2. Restaurants and Food Services
It is very common for people to search for dining options close to them on their mobile devices.
Restaurant store locators can be tweaked to display menus and delivery or takeaway options along with business hours. Customers can also search using filters like drive-through, dine-in, and more. Clear driving directions enable quick navigation.
As mobile search increases, more than 50% of food service searches include the near me phrase. This is where store locators like LocateStore can play a strategic role in capturing local demand and increasing business.
3. Healthcare, Clinics & Hospitals
Medical emergencies cannot wait; patients need accurate directions to healthcare facilities, and quickly. Store locators can show patients several facilities with specializations, emergency contacts, working hours, distance in kilometers and time, and also allow search using filters like labs, specialties, urgent care, and more.
Hospitals, urgent or primary care centers, and other healthcare businesses can improve patient experience substantially by providing a hassle-free search process at a time when time and clarity are of the utmost essence.
4. Service Providers (Salons, Spas, Cleaners)
Service businesses usually operate in several neighborhoods, cities, or even states. A store locator can help customers of these businesses find the service station nearest to their location, check service hours, and availability before they actually go there.
As an increasing number of customers use smartphones to plan their visits, store locators help significantly with appointment bookings and scheduled services.
5. Automotive and Dealerships
Customers searching for dealerships, service centers, or parts stores close to them usually make spot decisions based on proximity and availability.
Store locators show multiple service points and provide directions for things like consultations, maintenance appointments, and event set drives. Tools like LocateStore provide rich location details, showcasing professionalism and increasing user trust.
Also read: How To Make Your Own Map With A Store Locator?
Conclusion: Why LocateStore Is a Great Choice
No matter what kind of business you own and operate: a healthcare facility, retail chain, restaurant chain, or service centers, a store locator cannot be labeled a luxury anymore; it is a necessity. We have seen clearly what the benefits are, but here is a quick recap:
- Enhanced customer experience
- Increased foot traffic and more sales
- Improved local SEO and search ranking
- Instant, no-code updates
As store locators go, LocateStore is ideal for businesses on the growth curve, as it is built completely on Google Sheets and does not call for technical expertise. Mapbox navigation is quick, flexible, and customizable. Best of all, it is user-friendly and easy to manage and scale.
So if you’re looking for a store locator that is powerful, fast, easy, and drives business results, LocateStore is the way to go.
FAQ
Why do businesses need a store locator on their website?
Store locators help connect online users with physical stores, improve local visibility, and increase walk-ins and conversions. Using a solution like LocateStore lets businesses display accurate addresses and contact details, building customer trust and supporting growth.
How does a store locator help customers find nearby stores quickly?
A store locator displays the nearest outlets or centers to the users with the help of geolocation, offering filters that help them to refine their search according to stock, services, and offers etc. LocateStore uses Mapbox-driven navigation for quick loading, customizable, and user-friendly maps that provide real-time directions. This not only helps customers come to your physical stores quickly but also increases customer satisfaction and conversion.
Can clinics, hospitals, and healthcare businesses use store locators effectively?
Yes, clinics and healthcare providers can leverage the capabilities of store locators to display the closest facilities with specific specialties, offer search filters specific to services, and offer clear directions during emergencies that help them get medical help quickly. Being able to get proper location and operational hours information and easy directions can make the difference between a patient choosing your facility or that of a competitor.
Can a store locator increase offline store visits and sales?
Yes. The right store locator, like LocateStore, can help to increase foot-traffic to physical stores, and thereby, sales by:
- Showing nearby options to shoppers and encouraging impulse visits
- Eliminating hurdles for customers looking for physical stores of brands
- Converting local searchers into shoppers in the store
Studies tell us that location-based or near me searches are 50 times more likely to drive store visits and foot traffic than non-location searches.