A store locator: how your customer finds the nearest branch
Your branches page has a list of addresses sorted by city, and a customer in a specific neighborhood scrolls it working out which is closest. Every second spent on that mental math is a chance they close the tab. A locator solves it with one question: where are you?
The difference between a list and a location-aware map
A list shows what you have; a locator shows what matters to the visitor. The technical difference is small: request browser location, then sort branches by distance. The commercial difference is large: the customer sees a branch three kilometers away instead of reading twenty addresses.
What to prepare before building
A table with, for each branch: name, coordinates, phone, opening hours, and any distinguishing services. Coordinates are usually the missing piece, and you get them by long-pressing the location in Google Maps. Prepare the table first; the build after it is hours, not weeks.
The details that actually matter
Three things customers notice even without saying so: a call button that works with one tap on mobile, a button that opens directions in their own maps app, and clarity on whether the branch is open now. These three turn a locator from an information display into a tool that completes the task.
Do not build what you do not need
With three branches in one city, a simple three-point map is enough and needs no distance search. Locator complexity earns its keep past ten branches or across multiple cities. Try the simple shape in Map Studio: paste your table and see the result before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Does the locator work if the customer refuses to share location?
Yes, and a correct design assumes refusal: it shows all branches grouped by city with text search, keeping the location request an optional enhancement rather than a requirement.
How do I update opening hours without a developer?
By connecting the locator to a Google Sheet you maintain yourself, which the site reads directly. We explain the method in our article on connecting sheets to a website.
Does a locator help my search visibility?
Yes when built properly: a page per branch with its own content and structured data helps Google understand your locations, an opportunity most stores neglect.