Search Engine Optimization FAQ for Franchise Owners

If “local SEO” sounds like techy alphabet soup, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. We put together this FAQ to clear up the confusion and help franchise owners feel confident about how their brand shows up in search. Whether you’re wondering what a page title is or why SEO matters in the first place, we’re breaking it down without the jargon. Because knowing what works (and what doesn’t) is the first step toward better visibility, more traffic, and happier local customers.

Getting Started: The Basics

What is SEO?

SEO (short for search engine optimization) is the process of helping your website show up when people search online, ideally at the top of the results. It involves everything from the words on your site to how fast a page loads.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO is all about getting your business in front of people searching for your services in a specific area. For franchises, it means making sure each location is visible when people nearby search for what you offer.

What is a page?

A page is any single screen of content on your website, like your homepage, contact page, or a blog post.

What is Google Business Profile (GBP)?

GBP is the free business listing that shows up on Google Maps and in local search results. It includes your address, hours, phone number, and more. Keeping it accurate and up to date helps people find you. (You may remember when it was called Google My Business.)

Why should you invest in local SEO?

Franchises especially can utilize local SEO because each location needs to stand out in its own community. National recognition is great, but people nearby still need to find their closest location quickly and easily.

Why does SEO take time?

SEO is a long game. It takes time for Google to notice web page changes and trust your site more than your competitors. But good SEO builds momentum and gets stronger over time, ensuring organic leads for years to come.

Franchise-Specific SEO Questions

Do all locations need their own pages?

Yes. Unique pages help search engines understand each location. It also gives your customers accurate local info—like hours, services, or staff bios.

What does a local SEO agency do for franchises?

We make sure every location is set up for success online. That includes optimizing GBP listings, writing and updating location and service pages, managing reviews, and making sure everything follows SEO best practices.

Can local SEO help with recruiting?

Absolutely. If your job postings are hard to find, you’re missing out on good people. Optimizing your site and listings can help attract quality applicants in each market.

Is it okay to use the same content on each location page?

No. Google prefers unique content, so we recommend tailoring each page to the local area and optimizing it for local keywords. A little customization goes a long way.

Measuring and Managing Local SEO

How will I know SEO is working?

You’ll see increases in local visibility, website traffic, and real-world results—like more phone calls or foot traffic. We use analytics and reporting to show you what’s improving and why.

How does local SEO bring in new leads?

Local SEO work helps your franchise get found by customers locally searching for your services. For example, when a potential customer searches “carpet repair near me,” we will have created content across your website and GBP to ensure your business appears near the top of the search results, ultimately driving more traffic to your website without paying for clicks.

What’s the ROI of SEO for franchises?

It depends on your goals, but SEO tends to deliver long-term value. We can help track leads, conversions, and local search visibility so you know it’s working.

How do I know if my GBP listings are correct?

For some local SEO clients, we can do a full audit and ongoing monitoring. If anything’s missing, outdated, or inconsistent, we can fix it.

Does SEO include managing reviews?

Yes, we can help with review strategy. We can help you learn how to ask for them, how to respond to them, and how to keep your reputation healthy online.

Do I need SEO if I’m running ads?

Yes! Paid ads stop working the moment you stop paying. SEO keeps bringing in traffic over time and supports your ads by improving trust and click-through rates.

Still Have Lingering Local SEO Questions?

We’re happy to talk through your goals and what makes sense for your franchise. Schedule a conversation with our team.