As a multi-location business owner or marketing manager, you understand the importance of maintaining accurate information across all locations. However, with so many moving parts and the potential for human error, it can be a challenge to ensure that all of your location details are up-to-date and consistent. Inaccurate information can lead to frustrated customers, lost business, and damage to your reputation.
Have you experienced any of these scenarios recently?
- A customer arrives at your store during your listed hours, only to find the doors locked and lights off
- A customer tries to call your store for information, but the phone number listed online is incorrect or out of service
- A customer visits your website to find your nearest location, but the address provided is outdated or inaccurate
- Your business has recently moved, but customers are still showing up at the old location
- Customers are inquiring about outdated or inaccurate sales & promotions
In this article, the second in our series about common multi-location pain points, we’ll explore how to maintain accurate information across all locations. Click here to read the first post in the series.
Centralize your business information
One of the easiest ways to ensure that your business information is accurate and consistent across all locations is to centralize it. Create a master list of all business information for each location, including your business name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and any other important details.
By keeping this information in one place, you can easily update it as needed and ensure that all locations are using the most up-to-date information. You can also use this master list as a reference when creating new marketing materials or updating your website.
Use a location management platform
Another way to maintain accurate information across all locations is to use a location management platform like BrightLocal. These platforms allow you to manage your business information for all locations from one central dashboard.
Location management platforms can help you easily update your business information across all online directories and platforms, including Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook. They can also help you monitor and respond to customer reviews and track the performance of your business listings.
Regularly audit your business listings
Regularly auditing your business listings is another important step in maintaining accurate information across all locations. This involves reviewing all of your business listings on online directories and platforms to ensure that they are accurate, complete, and consistent.
Make sure to verify information such as your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation. Any discrepancies or errors should be corrected immediately to avoid confusion among potential customers and improve the accuracy and legitimacy of your business’s location information in the eyes of search engines.
Have a process for new locations
Create a standard operating procedure for updating or creating new location information and ensure all employees are trained on how to use it. Consider implementing a verification process for new locations to ensure all information is accurate before it is published. Finally, have a designated person or team responsible for regularly updating and verifying location information, whether that’s an in-house employee or a representative of your digital marketing agency.
Conclusion
Maintaining accurate information across all locations is critical for multi-location businesses to succeed in the digital age. By centralizing your business information, using a location management platform, regularly auditing your business listings, and training employees on accurate information, you can ensure that your business information is accurate and consistent across all online directories and platforms.
At seoplus+, we understand the unique challenges that multi-location businesses face when it comes to maintaining accurate information across all locations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your multi-location business succeed in the digital age
