Operating a business with multiple locations is thrilling, but it presents specific challenges. One of the main issues is ensuring that customers can easily find the nearest location’s correct address.
We’ve witnessed numerous business owners miss out on potential customers simply because search engines showed incorrect information. It’s disheartening when a loyal customer ends up at the wrong location due to inaccurate map listings.
The positive aspect is that you can resolve this by clarifying your business structure for Google. By incorporating specific code into your website, you guarantee that each branch receives the attention it deserves.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of implementing multiple locations schema for a local business using WordPress.
Why Implement Local Business Schema Markup for Multiple Locations?
Schema markup is a unique code that informs search engines about the precise meaning of your content. Consider it a translator that enhances Google’s understanding of your business information.
By adding this structured data to your WordPress site, search engines can present rich, detailed information about your business directly in search results. This includes your business hours, phone numbers, customer reviews, and directions.
For businesses with multiple locations, schema markup becomes extremely effective. This allows you to present tailored information for each location rather than generic search results, helping customers easily find what they are looking for.
Here’s an example of how this works. When someone searches for ‘McDonald’s locations near me’, Google provides more than just a standard website link. It showcases a rich snippet featuring individual locations, addresses, operating hours, and an interactive map.
The impact on business is substantial:
- Each location can achieve higher rankings for its specific geographic area and services.
- Rich snippets that include maps and business details attract more clicks compared to plain text results.
- Customers receive accurate, location-specific information before they decide to visit or call.
- When customers have the correct information readily available, they are more likely to convert into paying customers.
From our experience assisting numerous multi-location businesses, effectively implemented schema markup consistently results in significant enhancements in local search visibility and click-through rates, although outcomes may differ based on industry and competition.
Now, let’s go through the process of setting up local business schema for multiple locations on your WordPress site.
Setting Up Multiple Locations with Schema Markup
The simplest way to implement local business schema markup in WordPress is by utilizing the All in One SEO (AIOSEO) plugin. This is the top SEO tool for WordPress, trusted by over 3 million website owners and professionals.
AIOSEO eliminates the need for technical expertise or hiring a specialist to enhance your visibility on search engines.
For this tutorial, we will be using the AIOSEO Pro license, which includes the Local SEO add-on essential for excelling in local business SEO. It also offers additional powerful features such as a redirection manager, advanced sitemap, link assistant, and more.
If you’re working with a limited budget, you can start with the free version of AIOSEO for basic SEO optimization. However, please note that the Multiple Locations feature is only available in the Pro version.
The first step is to install and activate the AIOSEO plugin. For detailed instructions, please refer to our guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
Once activated, you will see the setup wizard. Click the ‘Let’s Get Started’ button to proceed.
Next, follow the on-screen instructions in the setup wizard to configure the plugin. If you require assistance, please refer to our guide on properly setting up AIOSEO in WordPress.
Next, navigate to All in One SEO » Local SEO in your WordPress dashboard and click the ‘Activate Local SEO’ button.
Once the Local SEO add-on is activated, you will see various Location Settings.
Click the ‘Multiple Locations’ toggle to enable this feature. This will create a new menu item in your WordPress admin sidebar called ‘Locations’, which functions similarly to Posts or Pages.
After that, scroll down to the ‘Advanced Settings’ section.
Here, you can view the permalink settings, which define the URL structure for your locations. For instance, by default, your main list of branches will be located at yourdomain.com/locations/.
If you prefer to use a custom link, check the ‘Use custom slug’ box and enter your desired permalink URL structure.
Additionally, you can enable the ‘Enhanced Search’ option, which will include your business locations in the search results on your WordPress site.
Once you are finished, be sure to click the ‘Save Changes’ button.
Next, go to the ‘Opening Hours’ tab to set the operating hours for your local businesses.
By default, the ‘Show Opening Hours’ option is set to Yes. If you prefer not to display opening hours, simply toggle it to No.
Next, you can scroll down to modify the labels indicating when your business is open or closed.
You can also customize the opening and closing hours for specific days or set your business to be open 24/7.
Important Note:The opening hours will apply to all locations you add in WordPress. However, you can disable them for specific locations directly in the content editor.
AIOSEO allows you to integrate Google Maps with your WordPress site, providing an interactive map of your location for visitors. For more information, refer to our guide on adding Google Maps in WordPress.
Next, you will need to add multiple business locations in WordPress.
How to Add Multiple Business Locations in WordPress
When you activate the Multiple Locations feature in AIOSEO, a new ‘Locations’ option will appear in your WordPress admin panel.
To add your local business locations, simply navigate toLocations » Add Newfrom your WordPress dashboard.
Begin by entering your location details in the WordPress content editor. Here, you can set a title for your business location, which should reflect the name of the location.
Below the title, provide additional information or descriptions about your location. You can also create specific location categories using the settings panel on the right.
Next, scroll down to find the AIOSEO Local Business metabox.
In the ‘Business Info’ section, you can input your business name, choose a business type (industry), upload an image, enter the address for your location, provide a business phone number, include payment information, specify the area served, and more.
Then, navigate to the ‘Opening Hours’ tab within the AIOSEO Local Business metabox.
AIOSEO will automatically apply the default settings. However, you can turn off the ‘Use Defaults’ option to manually set the opening and closing hours for your local business.
Next, visit the ‘Maps’ tab to customize the appearance of your map.
Important:To ensure the map displays correctly, make sure you have entered a valid Google Maps API key in the main Local SEO settings menu.
For example, you can modify the map style and upload a custom marker to pinpoint your location on the map.
Once you have completed these steps, go ahead and publish your location page.
We suggest using Google’s Rich Results Test tool to verify that your schema code is functioning properly.
You can easily repeat this procedure for any additional locations you wish to include on your WordPress site.
Once you have implemented local business schema for your various locations, consider using geotargeting to present tailored content on your website based on the geographical locations of your visitors. For more information, refer to our guide on geotargeting.
Common Questions About Local Business Schema
We frequently receive inquiries from readers looking to enhance their local SEO but find the technical jargon overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding setting up multiple locations in WordPress.
1. Is schema markup necessary if I have a Google Business Profile?
Absolutely, you should utilize both. Your Google Business Profile manages what shows up on Google Maps, while schema markup aids search engines in comprehending the content on your website. Combining both gives you the best opportunity to achieve higher rankings in local search results.
2. Is it possible to use multiple location schema for a service-area business?
Certainly! If you operate a service-based business such as plumbing or a hybrid business like a pizza delivery service, you can specify the ‘Area Served’ in your schema settings. This informs Google about the neighborhoods you serve.
3. Does adding this schema ensure my business will appear in the ‘Local Pack’?
While no SEO tool can guarantee a specific ranking, implementing the correct schema markup greatly enhances your chances. It supplies Google with verified information about your locations, increasing the likelihood that your business will be featured in the local map section.
4. Is it possible to manually add schema markup without using a plugin?
You can manually add schema using code, but it’s risky for beginners. A single mistake in the JSON-LD code can disrupt the markup for the entire page. Using a plugin like AIOSEO simplifies the process and ensures the code adheres to Google’s formatting standards.
Additional Resources
Now that you’ve set up multiple location schemas, consider exploring these additional guides to enhance your local SEO and improve your site’s performance:
- How to Properly Add Google Maps in WordPress
- How to Implement Schema Markup in WordPress and WooCommerce
- Comprehensive Guide to Geolocation Targeting in WordPress
- Enhancing Organic Click-Through Rate (CTR) in WordPress
- The Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to WordPress SEO (Step-by-Step)
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