Why Your Store Locator Could Be Hurting Your Business (And How to Fix It)

Many people think creating a store locator is as simple as pinning a few locations on a map. 

While that might be true on the surface, the reality is more complex.

In today’s competitive retail environment, a great store locator can significantly enhance the customer experience, driving foot traffic and increasing sales. 

The Disconnect: Why Your Store Locator is Failing You

For the modern consumer, the shopping journey almost always starts online. As a result, marketers dedicate a lot of time to ensure their Google Search and Maps listings are flawless.

They ensure the address, contact information, and business hours are all accurate. This attention to detail is essential, forming a key part of a retailer’s online presence. 

But here’s the problem: when you compare these perfect Google listings with the store locator on the very same retailer’s website, there’s a disconnect that causes confusion.

We often encounter issues like:

• Outdated data: Store locators frequently omit stores that appear on Google Maps, or the data is a copied, separate list that is rarely updated.

• Inaccurate details: Mismatches in store hours, phone numbers, or available services between the website and the Google Maps listing.

• Poor user navigation: Many store locators make it difficult for users to navigate, especially on a mobile device.

The root cause of these issues is almost always the same: poor data management.

The Solution: A Single Source of Truth

So, how can you fix this? The solution lies in consolidating your store data.

By using a unified source of truth for both your Google business listings and on-site store locator, you can ensure your information is consistent across platforms.

The Google Business Profile API offers a streamlined solution, allowing you to access and display accurate store information directly on your website.

By integrating the Google Places UI Kit, you can also provide a familiar, trusted map experience for your customers on both desktop and mobile.

The Payoff of a Great  Store Locator

There are a number of benefits of keeping your store locator accurate, user-friendly, and updated. These include:

• Increased foot traffic and sales: When customers can easily find accurate information, they are more likely to visit your store.

• Fewer support calls: Eliminating repetitive calls asking for basic store details, like "What time do you close?", frees up your staff for more important tasks.

• A better user experience: Seamless store locator experiences build trust and loyalty, encouraging customers to spend more time on your website or app.

Don’t let an outdated, clunky store locator become a barrier for your customers. Invest in a solution that enhances their experience and drives your business forward.  

At 28East, we specialise in creating high-performance store locators that seamlessly iterate with your data, offering an unmatched user experience. 

Reach out to us today to discuss how we can help you build a store locator that works for your business!