Friday, 18 October 2024

7 Best WordPress Store Locator Plugins to Boost Local SEO

If your business has a physical location, then you’ll need to make it easy for customers to find you. Adding a store locator to your website provides a convenient way for people to search for nearby stores, view their locations on a map, and get directions. It also improves local SEO.

We carefully researched and tested how the best WordPress store locator plugins improve customer experience. They let you create interactive maps, customize the search experience, and display store information like addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours.

In this article, we’ll showcase some of the best WordPress store locator plugins available. We’ll explore their key features, ease of use, and pricing options to help you choose the perfect plugin that streamlines your customer’s journey from online search to in-store visit.

Best WordPress Store Locator Plugins to Boost Local SEO

If you are in a hurry, then you can use this comparison table to quickly choose the best store locator plugin for your needs:

# Store Locator Plugin Best For Pricing
🥇 All in One SEO SEO and basic location features $49.60/year
🥈 Agile Store Locator Prioritizing speed and user experience Free + $39/year
🥉 Locatoraid Store Locator Balancing of features and simplicity Free + $79/year
4 Store Locator Plus Advanced customization options $35/year
5 WP Store Locator Easy-to-use solution Free
6 GeoDirectory Comprehensive location-based directories $229/year
7 Business Directory Plugin Versatile directory with location features $99.99/year
8 WP Go Maps Versatile mapping beyond store location $39.99/year

Why Use a WordPress Store Locator Plugin?

A store locator acts as a bridge between your online presence and your physical stores, driving valuable foot traffic and boosting sales. It puts your business on the map, literally.

Whether you have an online store with a physical location or a web directory that lists local businesses, a store locator plugin can help your customers find nearby locations.

This plugin typically integrates with mapping services like Google Maps, offering familiar and user-friendly navigation. It can also display your operating hours, which can help people plan their trip.

We also discovered that a few of these WordPress ‘near me’ plugins offer advanced filtering options, enabling customers to search for locations that offer specific services or products. This level of customization ensures that your customers can quickly find exactly what they’re looking for, increasing the likelihood of conversions and improving overall customer satisfaction.

By adding a store locator, you’re not just improving user experience, you’re also boosting your local SEO efforts. This is because search engines favor websites that provide location-specific information.

We have also found that offering a convenient store locator gives small businesses an advantage over websites that don’t provide this functionality. It shows that you value your customers’ time and makes it easy for them to connect with your business.

How We Test and Review Store Locator Plugins

To provide the best recommendations to our readers, we tested the most popular store locator plugins on real websites to make sure they meet the needs of different businesses.

We included dedicated ‘near me’ plugins as well as more comprehensive plugins that include store locator functionality.

We considered the following criteria when deciding which plugins to shortlist:

  • Ease of Use: We prioritized plugins that have a friendly interface and are easy to set up.
  • Features: We chose plugins with the features your customers need to easily find your physical location, such as displaying a map with your address and providing turn-by-turn directions.
  • Use Cases: We considered different use cases, such as online stores with a physical location and business directories that help users find stores close to them.
  • User Reviews: We also checked that long-term users of the plugins have left positive reviews and ratings to confirm they are effective and reliable.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best store locator plugins for WordPress.

Why Trust WPBeginner

At WPBeginner, we have helped thousands of users improve their local SEO and rank higher on local searches over the last 16+ years.

We are committed to providing helpful content to our readers and making sure we recommend the best plugins based on thorough research and testing.

Please see our editorial process for more details.

1. All in One SEO for WordPress (Premium SEO Plugin)

All In One SEO - AIOSEO

All in One SEO for WordPress (AIOSEO) is a comprehensive search engine optimization plugin that helps you improve your website’s SEO and local SEO, including the ability to add a store locator.

We use this plugin on WPBeginner, and based on our first-hand experience, we wrote a detailed All in One SEO review to show how the plugin can help you rank better in search results.

It comes with a Local SEO module that helps you share your business’s information with Google, including location, phone number, opening hours, and more. Plus, you can use AIOSEO to show your business’s data on the front end of your website.

Activate Local SEO in AIOSEO

In our experience, the key to getting the most out of AIOSEO is setting it up correctly. Since it does much more than the other plugins on this list, this will take more time. However, you can follow our guide on how to set up All in One SEO for WordPress correctly to do this step-by-step.

The good news is that if you are already using AIOSEO for your SEO needs, then it can easily add a basic store locator to your website, though it won’t offer as many features as the dedicated ‘near me’ plugins on our list.

To learn how simply follow the second method in our guide on how to add a Google Maps store locator in WordPress.

Add an AIOSEO Local Map Block to Your Page

Pros of All in One SEO:

  • If you’re already using AIOSEO for other SEO tasks, then it is convenient to use its local SEO and store locator features.
  • AIOSEO’s local SEO features work seamlessly with other SEO optimizations.
  • Automatically generates schema markup for your locations, which can improve local search visibility.

Cons of All in One SEO:

  • AIOSEO’s store locator features are not as comprehensive as those of dedicated plugins.
  • There are fewer options to customize the appearance and functionality of your store locator.
  • Store locator functionality is not included in the free version of AIOSEO.

Why we chose All in One SEO: We chose All in One SEO because it is a beginner-friendly SEO plugin with a comprehensive local SEO module. If you already use AIOSEO, then you can add a basic store location map to your website without purchasing an additional plugin.

2. Agile Store Locator (Freemium Store Locator Plugin)

Agile Store Locator

Agile Store Locator is the best store locator plugin for speed and performance. It combines simplicity with advanced functionality to help your customers find your locations quickly and easily. When testing, we found that it has lightning-fast search capabilities and a clean interface.

We were most impressed with Agile Store Locator’s focus on customization and user engagement. For example, we discovered we could easily tailor the look and feel to match our brand.

Agile Store Locator Interface

Other features include unlimited locations and categories, custom fields for each location, and the ability to add images and videos. The plugin offers advanced features like radius search, real-time filtering, and even a store review system to boost customer interaction.

It also supports multiple map providers, including Google Maps and OpenStreetMap, giving you flexibility in your mapping options.

Pros of Agile Store Locator:

  • Optimized for speed, ensuring quick search results and smooth user experience.
  • Offers extensive customization capabilities to match your brand and specific needs.
  • Supports various map services, including Google Maps and OpenStreetMap.
  • Includes radius search and real-time filtering options.
  • Offers features like store reviews to increase customer interaction.

Cons of Agile Store Locator:

  • While user-friendly, learning all the features may take time for some users.
  • Despite extensive options, very specific customizations might require additional coding.

Why we chose Agile Store Locator: We chose Agile Store Locator due to its balance of performance, functionality, and user experience. It supports unlimited locations and categories and offers advanced features like radius search and real-time filtering.

3. Locatoraid Store Locator (Freemium Store Locator Plugin)

Locatoraid Store Locator

Locatoraid Store Locator is a dedicated store locator plugin for WordPress. We liked it because the sleek design and robust feature set lets you easily showcase your stores, offices, or service areas on your website.

We found Locatoraid’s interface intuitive and highly customizable. You can match the locator’s look and feel to your branding.

Additionally, you can add multiple locations and display maps from Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and other providers, giving you flexible mapping options.

Configure Your Map Including the Units You Wish to Use

Your customers will be able to quickly search for nearby locations using their address or zip code, filter results based on specific criteria, and even get directions right from your website. Plus, thanks to its mobile-responsive design, it works flawlessly on all devices.

Like AIOSEO, Locatoraid automatically generates schema markup for your locations, boosting your visibility in local search results.

You can learn how to set up Locatoraid on your website by following the third method in our guide on how to add Google Maps store locator in WordPress.

Pros of Locatoraid Store Locator:

  • Easy to set up and manage multiple locations.
  • Can match the locator’s appearance with your website’s design.
  • Supports various map services, including Google Maps and OpenStreetMap.
  • Allows users to search by address, zip code, or other criteria.
  • Users can filter locations based on specific attributes or services.
  • Generates schema markup for locations.
  • The free version of Locatoraid is highly rated and offers essential features.

Cons of Locatoraid Store Locator:

  • While user-friendly, new users may still need time to learn all the features.

Why we chose Locatoraid Store Locator: We chose Locatoraid Store Locator because it is an easy-to-use, budget-friendly store locator with all the essential features.

4. Store Locator Plus (Premium Store Locator Plugin)

Store Locator Plus

Store Locator Plus is a premium WordPress ‘near me’ plugin with a good reputation. We were impressed by this tool because it boasts over a decade of development and millions of downloads.

The plugin is user-friendly and yet offers advanced search capabilities, including radius search and filters, making it easy for customers to find exactly what they’re looking for.

We also loved the plugin’s speed optimizations that ensure your site remains fast even with numerous locations. The plugin includes SEO-friendly features to boost your local search visibility.

Another perk is that Store Locator Plus integrates seamlessly with other popular WordPress plugins and themes. Using add-ons, you can extend the plugin’s functionality to include custom maps, enhanced results layouts, and even create a store locator app.

Pros of Store Locator Plus:

  • Offers a wide range of features, from basic location display to advanced search and filtering options.
  • Provides numerous ways to tailor the appearance and functionality of the store locator.
  • Designed to maintain site speed even with a large number of locations.
  • Supports various map services, not just Google Maps.
  • Offers additional functionality through add-ons.

Cons of Store Locator Plus:

  • The extensive features may require time to be fully understood.
  • Some desired features require purchasing additional add-ons.
  • It may overwhelm users who only need basic functionality.

Why we chose Store Locator Plus: We chose Store Locator Plus because it offers a comprehensive store locator that helps customers find nearby locations. It has a proven track record and functionality that can be enhanced with add-ons.

5. WP Store Locator (Free Store Locator Plugin)

WP Store Locator

WP Store Locator is a good free option for businesses that need a customizable store locator with map styling options. In our experience, it offers a quick way to help customers find your store locations.

Simply input your store addresses, and the plugin does the rest, creating an interactive map that’s both visually appealing and highly functional. It’s lightweight, ensuring it won’t slow down your site, yet powerful enough to handle hundreds of locations.

While testing, the plugin’s user-friendly interface helped us set up a store locator in minutes. Customers can easily search for nearby stores by entering their address or zip code, and results are displayed on a familiar Google Maps interface.

We liked how WP Store Locator let us tailor the look and feel to match our brand and include important details like store hours and contact information. Plus, its SEO-friendly structure can boost your local search visibility.

Pros of WP Store Locator:

  • Its user-friendly interface allows quick setup, even for those with limited technical skills.
  • Integrates with Google Maps, providing a familiar and reliable mapping experience.
  • Offers address and zip code search capabilities to help users find nearby locations.
  • Allows for customization of map appearance, markers, and information windows.
  • Designed with SEO in mind, potentially improving local search visibility.
  • It can handle multiple locations, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes.
  • Free, with optional paid add-ons.

Cons of WP Store Locator:

  • Offers fewer filtering capabilities compared to some store locator plugins.
  • While customizable, very specific or advanced customizations might require coding skills.
  • Limited to using Google Maps.

Why we chose WP Store Locator: We chose WP Store Locator because it is a capable, free alternative that offers dedicated store locator features. It is easy for beginners to set up and offers a good balance between ease of use and necessary features.

6. GeoDirectory (Premium Business Directory Plugin)

GeoDirectory

GeoDirectory is a comprehensive business directory with powerful location-based features. We appreciate the fact that it’s more than just a simple store locator. It also offers advanced capabilities that make it suitable for businesses with multiple locations or those wanting to create a full directory of stores.

That means this plugin doesn’t simply pinpoint locations on a map but builds an interactive, searchable database of your stores or service areas with powerful search and filter options. This lets your customers find your stores based on location, categories, or custom fields you define.

We found the plugin’s interface user-friendly and suitable for non-technical users. Plus, its SEO-optimized structure ensures your locations get the visibility they deserve in local search results.

We like how GeoDirectory integrates with popular map services to provide visual, interactive location information. You can easily add rich details to each listing, including hours, contact info, photos, and even customer reviews, creating a comprehensive resource for your audience.

The location manager is one of GeoDirectory’s many paid add-ons that can be used to add new functionality, such as advanced ‘near me’ filtering and easy switching between locations. Other features include smart search, a powerful events manager, and other integrations.

Pros of GeoDirectory:

  • It offers more than just basic store locations, as it provides a full directory system.
  • The plugin is highly customizable.
  • It can handle a large number of locations.
  • Allows users to search by various criteria, not just location.
  • You can add custom fields for each location, providing detailed information.
  • Has support for various map providers.
  • Allows for features like user reviews, enhancing engagement.
  • Designed with SEO in mind, potentially improving local search visibility.

Cons of GeoDirectory:

  • The extensive features can take time to fully understand.
  • Offers features not needed by businesses that want a simple store locator.
  • Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming due to the many options available.
  • The premium version and add-ons are more expensive than simpler store locator solutions.

Why we chose GeoDirectory: We chose GeoDirectory because it provides an effective solution that goes beyond simple location pinpointing and offers businesses the ability to create a full directory of their locations with advanced search and filtering capabilities.

7. Business Directory Plugin (Premium Business Directory Plugin)

Business Directory Plugin

Business Directory Plugin is a freemium business directory plugin for WordPress. We know that this tool isn’t primarily designed as a store locator. But we like it because it offers a lot of features that can effectively help your customers find your business locations.

We have thoroughly tested the plugin, and you can read about our experience in our complete Business Directory Plugin review.

While there is a free Business Directory Plugin, you will need the premium version to access Google Maps support, zip code search, user ratings, and more. The plugin’s search and filter options make it easy for users to find locations based on various criteria.

This lets you create a comprehensive directory of your stores or service locations, complete with detailed information, categories, and search functionality. You can easily add addresses, contact details, and even custom fields for each location, making it simple for customers to find the information they need.

An example of a directory, created using the Business Directory Plugin

We were disappointed that some specialized store locator features are missing out of the box. However, Business Directory Plugin offers a solid foundation for businesses looking to list and organize their locations in a clear, searchable format. Plus, its expandability through add-ons means you can enhance its functionality as your needs grow.

You can learn about how to configure and use the plugin in our step-by-step guide on how to create a web directory in WordPress.

Pros of Business Directory Plugin:

  • It can be used for multiple purposes beyond just store location, offering a comprehensive business listing solution.
  • Offers robust search capabilities to help users find specific locations or services.
  • Generally easy to set up and manage, even for those with limited technical skills.
  • Offers add-ons to extend functionality, including store locator-specific features.
  • Maintains consistency with your site’s overall design.

Cons of Business Directory Plugin:

  • It lacks some specific store locator features out of the box.
  • You need the paid version to access features like Google Maps, file uploads, and more.
  • Offers more features than necessary for businesses only needing a simple store locator.
  • The wide range of features may require time to be fully understood.

Why we chose Business Directory Plugin: We chose Business Directory Plugin because it lets users search multiple locations of your business or other businesses that you list.

Bonus: WP Go Maps (Premium Google Maps Plugin)

WP Go Maps

WP Go Maps (formerly WP Google Maps) is a powerful and user-friendly mapping plugin for WordPress. We’ve included it on this list because it allows you to display locations and custom maps on your website.

The free version of WP Go Maps offers a solid foundation, while the pro version unlocks advanced features you’ll need for a store locator, like directions, filtering, import and export tools, and multiple map types.

The plugin supports multiple map types, including Google Maps, OpenLayers, and OpenStreetMap, giving you flexibility in your mapping choices.

In our testing, we found that the plugin lets you easily enter an address to create maps, get directions, set markers, and more. We also discovered that we could use its map block to add a store locator anywhere we needed, and users can switch to street view without leaving your site.

WP Go Maps can plot travel routes and create interactive area maps. It offers unlimited map creation, different marker icons, and custom overlays. You can easily categorize locations, add detailed info windows, and integrate it with WooCommerce.

Pros of WP Go Maps:

  • Easy to use for beginners while offering advanced features for experienced users.
  • Supports Google Maps, OpenLayers, and OpenStreetMap.
  • Create as many maps as you need, even in the free version.
  • Offers various marker icons, custom overlays, and styling options.
  • Helps with local SEO efforts by properly marking up location data.

Cons of WP Go Maps:

  • While user-friendly, learning all the features may take time for some users.
  • It may be too complex for websites that only need basic mapping functionality.

Why we chose WP Go Maps: We chose WP Go Maps because of its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and support for multiple map providers. It offers a powerful store locator functionality alongside its other mapping capabilities.

What Is the Best WordPress Store Locator Plugin?

No one store locator plugin is best for all small businesses and online stores. The plugin that is best for you will depend on your unique needs. Let’s take a look at a few use cases.

Improving Local SEO With AIOSEO

All businesses with a physical location need to improve their site’s local SEO, and adding a store locator is an important part of this.

However, we recommend you also improve other local SEO ranking factors, such as creating a Google Business listing, displaying positive customer reviews, and creating relevant content that matches local search queries.

The best way to rank higher in local search is to use All in One SEO (AIOSEO), and we help you through the process step by step in our ultimate guide on WordPress local SEO.

If you are already using the plugin, you might also decide to use AIOSEO to add a Google Maps store locator in WordPress.

Adding Advanced ‘Near Me’ Features With a Dedicated Plugin

Some businesses will prefer the better feature set and customizability of a dedicated store locator plugin for WordPress. The most affordable options are Agile Store Locator, Locatoraid Store Locator, and the free WP Store Locator.

For even more features, you can choose Store Locator Plus. It offers advanced search and filtering features, such as letting customers see which stores offer a specific product or service. However, this plugin costs more and is also more complicated to set up.

Listing Large Numbers of Locations by Upgrading to a Business Directory

Alternatively, businesses with many stores may prefer to create a complete searchable directory of their locations using a plugin like GeoDirectory or Business Directory Plugin.

These will also work if your website is a business directory similar to the Yellow Pages or Yelp.

Adding Comprehensive Mapping Features With a Dedicated Mapping Plugin

Finally, if you need a plugin with more comprehensive mapping features, then you may like to choose from our pick of the best Google Maps plugins for WordPress. Our favorite that offers store locator functionality is WP Go Maps.

FAQs About WordPress Store Locator Plugins

Our readers often ask us about adding store locator plugins to their eCommerce websites. Here are answers to the most common questions.

What is a store locator plugin?

A store locator plugin is a tool that allows businesses to display their physical locations on a map on their WordPress website. It typically includes features like search functionality, distance calculations, and location details.

Do I need coding skills to use a store locator plugin?

Most store locator plugins are designed to be user-friendly and don’t require coding skills. However, some advanced customizations might require basic HTML or CSS knowledge.

Will store locator plugins work with my WordPress theme?

Generally, yes. Most store locator plugins are designed to be compatible with a wide range of WordPress themes. However, it’s always a good idea to check compatibility or test the plugin before deciding to use it.

Can I use store locator plugins if I only have one location?

Yes, most store locator plugins work well for single locations, too. They can provide a professional way to display your address, contact information, and directions.

Will using a store locator plugin slow down my website?

While any plugin can potentially impact site speed, most well-coded store locator plugins have minimal impact.

Do I need a Google Maps API key to use store locator plugins?

If the plugin uses Google Maps, then you’ll likely need an API key. Some plugins offer alternative map providers that may not require an API key.

We show you how to get a Google Maps API key in our guide on how to add a Google Maps store locator in WordPress.

Are there any ongoing costs with using store locator plugins?

This varies by plugin. Some are free or have a one-time fee, while others have annual subscriptions. Additionally, if you’re using Google Maps, then you may incur costs if you exceed the free usage limits.

Can store locator plugins help with local SEO?

Yes, many store locator plugins are designed with SEO in mind and can help improve your local search visibility by properly marking up your location data.

Best WordPress Guides Related to Local SEO

We hope this tutorial helped you find the best WordPress store locator plugin. You may also want to see some other guides related to improving local SEO:

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post 7 Best WordPress Store Locator Plugins to Boost Local SEO first appeared on WPBeginner.



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