Understanding Geocoding and Its Impact on Local SEO
Geocoding is the process of converting an address into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) that can be plotted on a map. For local businesses, especially those listed in Google My Business (GBP), geocoding plays a crucial role in determining their ranking and visibility on search results.
What This Means for Service Area Businesses
For service area businesses (SABs), the stakes are even higher because they often rely on hidden addresses to maintain a broader service radius. However, if the address doesn't geocode correctly, it can lead to significant ranking issues:
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Hidden Addresses and Geocoding: When an SAB hides its physical address, Google uses the verified location to determine where the business is located. If this location isn’t properly geocoded, the map pin might drift to a different area, leading to poor rankings.
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Shared Workspaces: Businesses operating from shared workspaces like Regus locations can face additional challenges because these buildings often have multiple tenants and high address turnover. This makes it harder for Google’s geocoding engine to assign a confident location to the business.
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Fallback Locations: If an SAB transitions from a storefront to
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