In today’s digital landscape, franchises & chain store businesses face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to expanding their online presence. Understanding and leveraging the right mix of digital marketing strategies can propel a multi-location business to new heights.

This guide dives deep into effective strategies that can supercharge franchise growth online.

If your franchise has brick-&-mortar locations, you can’t rely on just SEO…

Your online strategy and marketing budgets need to be aligned with Google’s hierarchy of search results. In this order…

1. Sponsored Ads

Sponsored Ads in Google’s search results are the entire first page. 

People searching for your product or service are very likely to choose these before scrolling below. 

Strategy for success : Relevance

• The relevance of your ad to the search query
• The relevance of the keyword to your ad
• The relevance of your ad to its landing page

…plus you need this optimized with the next most important thing…

2. Local Business Listings

…also called the Local Pack, are the entire second page. 

For businesses that are brick-&-mortar, this is the next opportunity for growth.

Strategy for success : Relevance, Distance, & Prominence

• Relevance : brand recognition & business profile optimization.
• Distance :  how far each potential search result is from the location term used or user’s geo-location.
• Prominence : Review count & Reviews score, links, articles, many business directories…

…but Google Business isn’t the only directory your Franchise needs…

3. Organic SEO

Web or Organic Search resultsare on the third page and beyond.

Strategy for success : Keyword Research and Optimization:
Identify the most relevant and high-traffic keywords related to your local business or franchise

Localized Content Creation:

Develop high-quality, localized content that addresses the specific needs and interests of your target audience in the area you serve

Mobile-Friendly, Responsive Design:

Ensure that your website is optimized for mobile devices as a significant portion of local searches are conducted on smartphones.

In addition to Google Business, franchises should aim to be listed and regularly optimized in over 21 other business directories. This broadens your digital footprint and reinforces your online presence across multiple platforms.

The synergy of sponsored ads, business listings, organic SEO, and a partnership with a knowledgeable and experienced digital marketing partner can dramatically enhance a franchise’s online growth. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive online strategy that covers all bases from paid search to organic discovery.

For franchises looking to thrive in the digital age, understanding and implementing these strategies is key to supercharging online growth. It’s not just about having a presence online but about strategically positioning your franchise to be seen, engaged with, and chosen by potential customers across various digital channels.

With the right approach and expertise, franchises can navigate the complexities of digital marketing to achieve sustained growth and success.

Supercharge your Franchise’s growth with the right mix of…

1. Sponsored Ads
2. Business Listings
3. Organic SEO, and
4. The right platform to make it easy for you and your franchisees…