Multi- or multiple-location businesses are operated from more than one location, and its more likely to occur when a business is elevating and succeeding.
So, Congratulations! If you are thinking of expanding your business with multiple locations – that certainly means you have worked really hard and are now reaping the fruitful benefits.
Meaning of a Multiple Location Business
- When owners gain loads of customers, it raises the need to have an extra locality for the same operational task.
- Locating a business in a new place supports product demand from areas which were initially unreachable.
- It brings a diversity in clients and the brand’s services.
However, such business adaptation can be challenging and risky.
Luckily, there are ways to successfully manage and operate your multiple businesses with the help of practical strategies and some advanced tools, software and ideas that we are going to discuss later in this blog.
What type of business can operate from multiple locations?
Any kind of corporation, private and government, can have multiple localities ranging from retailers, restaurants, and service-based companies.
Some of the popular examples of businesses with multi-location are
- Starbucks, Burger King, Tim Hortans, 7-Eleven, Gold Gym, Walmart, H&M, McDonald’s etc.
Also, not every business gets the desired hype after adding to another location; it is more about the context and the management that decides the further company growth.
Practical Benefits of Business Multiple Location Strategy
Operating with multiple business growth strategies has a range of benefits:
1. Multiple location business expands accessibility
Having multi-business locations increases the market reach because more audiences can have access. It enables brands to tap into the new customers’ experience and improve the market revenue.
2. Reach out to Diverse audiences with multi-location ideas.
Operating with multiple locations, a business can get exposure to different types of customers and geographical areas. It helps brands to achieve excellence when they customize services as per the client’s insights and unique preferences.
3. Brands break the competition.
By opening a brand to another location, you came out of the cutting-edge competition over brands with a single destination. This allows them to cover on a large scale and negotiate with new dealers.
4. Develop a centralized product with this business strategy.
With multiple business locations, brands can have targeted products for certain areas. Also can have dedicated staff for each localized product location. This will certainly improve customer satisfaction.
5. Improves recognition and reputation
As the company’s presence expands with multi-business location operations – it is aware of nearby and even the distant population about how this brand is growing.
So, with the HALO effect, it automatically elevates the stores’ reputation.
Best Marketing Operations and Management Strategies for a Multi-Location Business
Operating with a new location is a challenging task; here are some of the management ways of a multi-location business to take you ahead of the ladder:
Ask Yourself if the need is pragmatic.
Before opening your business to an additional location, ask yourself if you really need it. This should be done only if the brand is rocket-like, elevating its growth.
Are you following a multi-location business technique without any particular reason or only because the existing location was not giving enough pounds?
Listen carefully; opening a new business location works best if you are already running a productive smooth business.
Introduce Tools & Software for smart management.
Technology is the key here. You can Implement centralized systems for data handling.
For instance, cloud-based software or Point of sale systems, to streamline operation and inventory management.
This allows for efficient data sharing and reduces duplication of efforts.
You can track the imported and exported products right away with software without hassle and losing sight of the important information.
Deploy New Staff for centralized products.
The important method to manage multi-location operations is deploying the service staff in a balance to both places.
You can either switch workforce hours or can completely hire the new one.
The advantage of recruiting fresh staff is the support and satisfaction they will provide through patient counselling and centralized services.
Keep a regular check and an eye on all locations for ensuring if team follows company’s culture and regulations.
Conduct Timely Staff training and knowledge seminars.
Provide ongoing skillsets and training programs.
Business upgradation does not only means expanding to locations and product; educating your staff is the crucial thing that contributes.
You can send your team leaders to another country/ state to equip the necessary talent to foster brand growth.
Build a Clear communication channel.
Another thing to consider is to fill the communication gaps between two or more business destinations.
Establish open lines of communication between the main dealing store and each location. Utilize technology tools, such as messaging platforms and video conferencing, to ensure seamless communication and consistent information flow.
Communication tools like video conferencing and instant messaging can help keep teams connected, even if they are located in different places.
Create a Google My Business Listing
Tell Google about your new business location, meaning create an appealing and well-informed GMB profile.
This will improve your visibility, and also Google will consider it an authentic business.
List every detail, including personal contact and location, with maps so that customers can simply track you when looking for the relevant services.
Besides, listing on Google accelerates online presence and earns the user’s trust & loyalty.
Read :- How Local Business SEO Can Be Proven As A Miracle For Your Business?
Create a New Service Page for New Location.
For more professional management, creating another social media page will be the icing on the cake.
Promote the company using smart ways and build a strong social presence. You can launch a YouTube channel and upload regular stories & reels as well.
Be regular on updates and newly launch products to flame the clients’ attention.
Take receive regular customer feedback.
It is important to collect prompt reviews and insights regarding customer experience.
Whenever people visit, hand over feedback forms or ask for contact, this leaves a positive impact on customers and also helps to understand their preferences deeply.
Utilize form surveys or ask people to review your GMB.
Work on improving more and bringing positive work culture.
Strive for the improvement, growth will settle down at your home.
Lastly, always reflect on a leadership personality to encourage and inspire employees to work and embody the brand’s value. It helps in executing planned techniques and growth strategies.
The leader can be hired if somebody feels they lack somewhere in building a stronger team or influencing staff to drive results.
Implement the different ways on improving your product & services, educate and gain skills.
Conclusion
Managing multiple location businesses can be challenging, but it is definitely possible.
However, it can be managed with the given methods such as developing a clear communication to timely update teams and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Standardized procedures can also be helpful in ensuring consistency across locations by guiding staff regarding work ethics.
Finally, using technology to streamline operations can help save time and reduce errors. By implementing these strategies, businesses can help ensure that they are able to manage multiple locations effectively.
