A store locator app is a mobile app or web-based tool that enables users to easily find the locations of physical stores of businesses using GPS and proximity-based search results. Using these apps, customers can find stores based on location, product or service offerings, hours of operation, and amenities. Modern locators include additional features, such as the ability to showcase customer reviews, photos, and contact information.
While locator software provides a lot of benefits to organizations, many of these benefits are under the radar. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five key benefits of store locator apps that you didn’t know about.
1. Enhanced Customer Experience
Store locator apps provide convenience to customers by helping them quickly find nearby stores or locations, reducing the time and effort required on their end. However, a good locator should go beyond simply providing information about nearby stores but should also include information that helps a customer choose the “right” location.
For example, locator software having correct and up-to-date store hours prevents customers from the frustration of showing up at a location only to find out the hard way it’s closed. Additionally, it also provides accurate data about product availability, making sure the item the customer considers buying is in stock when they show up.
On top of this, leading locators display detailed information about stores, including photos, videos, and reviews, giving customers a better sense of who they are buying from, which increases trust.
Add it all up, and the right locator can go a long way toward transforming the customer experience, which can have a profound impact on the bottom line.
2. Stronger Relationships with Dealers and Stores
When it boils down to it, business is all about relationships. If your organization relies on dealers and physical storefronts to sell your goods, you need to do everything you can to optimize your relationships with these parties.
A good locator can help here by giving you a great way to promote the dealers and stores you work with, proving you’re committed to their success. In turn, they will become more loyal to you. Who knows? Instead of selling a competitor’s product, they might opt to sell yours exclusively.
3. Improved Local SEO
Implementing a store locator app on your website or mobile app can improve your local search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. In an age where—according to one survey— more than 80 percent of customers search for products online before stepping foot in a store, that’s a big deal. By providing location-based information and enhancing the user experience, store locator apps can help boost your visibility in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find your products online.
In addition, leading locators support the creation of local pages for each dealer, store, and rep. These pages can be optimized and used to rank high in search results, such as “your product near me” and “your product in (town name).” As a result, your locator can drive increased traffic to your site—and away from your competitors’ digital properties.
4. Data Insights and Analytics
Store locator apps can provide valuable data insights and analytics about customer behavior, such as where customers are searching from, which locations they are visiting most frequently, and what routes they take to get there. This data can inform strategic decision-making, such as optimizing store locations, inventory management, and marketing strategies.
On top of this, leading locators also enable you to discover where users are searching for but not finding your products. This can provide insights into new sales and potential growth opportunities.
Taking your business to the next level starts with being data-driven. By investing in the right store locator solution, you can put data at the heart of every decision you make.
5. Geotargeted Marketing Opportunities
With location data collected through store locator apps, businesses can implement geotargeted marketing strategies to deliver personalized offers, promotions, and advertisements to customers based on their proximity to specific store locations. This targeted approach can improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, driving higher engagement and conversion rates.
Additionally, data from your locator can also be pushed back to social media platforms and can be used to target ads and posts, enabling you to connect with potential customers by meeting them where they are. According to one report, 84 percent of marketers agree that location targeting increases customer engagement, this could be a great way to drive more sales.
Is Your Locator Software Doing All That It Should
If you’re not able to take advantage of these benefits, it could be a telltale sign that it’s time to modernize your store locator.
Start your free trial of Bullseye today to take advantage of these under-the-radar features and see what the fuss is all about.
