Including over 20 additional locations in the “areas served” section can have both positive and negative consequences, and whether it’s a poor decision depends on various factors.
First, consider the relevance and accuracy of the added locations. If these areas genuinely reflect the geographical scope of your business and you can provide services effectively, then adding them can enhance visibility and attract more customers. However, if these locations are not accurate or you cannot provide meaningful services there, it could mislead potential customers and negatively affect your reputation.
Second, it’s important to think about the potential impact on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Structured data helps search engines understand your content better, and having a comprehensive list of served areas may improve your chances of appearing in local search results. However, if the list is too long and filled with locations that aren’t serviced effectively, it might dilute the relevance of your business in more competitive areas. You risk being seen as less credible in the eyes of search engines.
Third, consider user experience. If users see a long list of locations, it may overwhelm them or make it harder for them to find relevant information. This could lead to higher bounce rates, which is detrimental to both user engagement and your ranking on search engines.
In summary, adding over 20 locations to your “areas served” can be beneficial if those locations are relevant, accurately represent your business capabilities, and enhance your SEO strategy. However, if the additions are inaccurate or create confusion, it could have negative implications for your credibility and user experience. Always weigh the potential benefits against these risks before making such a decision.
One response to “Is Including Multiple Locations in ‘Areas Served’ a Bad Idea?”
This is a thought-provoking post that highlights the delicate balance between maximizing visibility and maintaining credibility. I’d like to add a couple of points to the discussion that may further inform the decision-making process regarding listing multiple locations.
First, it would be valuable to conduct market research or utilize customer surveys to determine how many of the added locations truly matter to your audience. This can provide insights into where your customer base is actually located and which areas are experiencing growth or demand. By prioritizing those areas that are most relevant to your target market, you can create a more streamlined and effective “areas served” section.
Additionally, local SEO practices can be fine-tuned by developing individual landing pages for high-priority locations. Instead of lumping together a long list of locations, each page can focus on specific services offered in that area, case studies, or testimonials from local customers. This approach not only enhances user experience but also provides search engines with richer content to index, improving your chances of ranking higher for location-specific searches.
Ultimately, the key lies in presenting an authentic representation of your services while remaining user-centered in your approach. This ensures that both potential customers and search engines can recognize and appreciate the value your business brings to each service area.