Google data shows that 40 percent of mobile searches are locally-minded, meaning when we search on our phones, we usually are looking to buy a product or service nearby. What’s more, 75 percent of mobile searches result in further action, such as a purchase or extended exploration of the product. This, plus the expected addition of mobile user experience to Google’s ranking factors, makes having an informative, phone and tablet optimized location page crucial to conversions.
Designing an effective mobile store locator tool requires a couple key aspects that will quickly get users to the location they want and walking out your doors with shopping bags in hand. Econsultancy‘s David Moth recently rounded up some stellar examples of mobile store locator tools that serve as a great jumping off point for crafting your own. Here, some of the standout features we loved.
Geo-location
This should be the first task on your mobile checklist. Geo-location automatically suggests the nearest store to the mobile user based on their IP address or GPS signal. The fewer clicks and less typing a customer is forced to do, the sooner they can head on over to your business.
Relevant Store Information
Be sure to prioritize important information that will help convince the customer that they’ve chosen the right location to visit. Post store hours, phone numbers, email addresses and, of course, your street address. If you’ve made a usps address change, ensure to update the address. Adding any unique details about a specific location, such as if it includes a pharmacy or in-house expert, is important as well. Nando’s is a great example of a restaurant curating the right kind of information in-app, noting baby changing table availability and wheelchair accessibility at each location.
Interactive Map
Give users the option to scroll around and zoom in on your map. This simplifies the process of figuring out transportation and provides users with the familiarity and functionality of Google Maps, which is what most are used to. London retailer M & S does a great job of this with a roomy design filled with useful store notes.
Transportation Information
In addition to being very easy to find within the app, John Lewis’ locator feature is exemplary for its comprehensive list of transportation options to each of their stores. One click and you get the nearest subway stop, parking information and any related fees that may pop up along the way.
Link Location
If users can’t find your store locator page, they can’t find you. Spotlight your tool in your top navigation simply as “Shops,” “Locations,” or go with “Store Finder” like clothing retailer Schuh did.
