December 6, 2024
8
min read
Building a Proprietary Store Locator vs. Out-of-the-Box Solutions
Which store locator option is right for you? We’ll break down the ins and outs of building a store locator from the ground up!
Creating a store locator is a powerful way to guide customers directly to your locations, driving foot traffic and enhancing the shopping experience. While the idea of building a custom store locator from scratch may sound appealing for its potential flexibility and customization, it’s also a complex, time-consuming project that requires significant technical resources.
In this guide, we’ll break down the ins and outs of building a store locator from the ground up—covering essential components like geolocation, mapping integration, and user interface design. We’ll also explore why, for most businesses, a turnkey store locator solution offers a faster, more cost-effective, and reliable way to achieve the same goals without the hassle. Whether you’re an enterprise or a small business, understanding these options can help you make an informed decision that best fits your needs and budget.
What Features Should a Store Locator Have?
A well-designed store locator can significantly improve the user experience and drive more in-store visits. If you’re considering building a store locator for your e-commerce website, you need to spend time researching the features you’ll want to include. Here are some key features that an effective store locator should include.
Geolocation Detection
Geolocation detection is a no-brainer for store locators. With geolocation detection, the store locator automatically detects the user’s location and shows nearby stores without requiring a manual search.
Search Functionality
Search functionality is still important in case users are traveling or have their geolocation data turned off. Store locators should allow users to search for stores by city, zip code, or address to find specific locations easily.
Filter Options
Make sure the search functionality includes filters for product type, product availability, or store type (e.g., outlet, full-service, or flagship locations) to let users find exactly what they need.
Map Integration
Use a dynamic map with interactive pins for each store, often through Google Maps or a similar service. This lets users visualize store locations and zoom in or out on their location for more precise searching.
Detailed Store Information
Provide detailed information, including:
- Address with a link to open in map apps
- Phone number
- Operating hours
- Product availability
Store Directions
A store locator wouldn’t be effective without easy access to directions. Offer a “Get Directions” button for easy navigation with turn-by-turn directions from the user’s current location.
Responsive Design
Over half of internet users access websites via mobile devices. Make sure the store locator works seamlessly across all devices, especially mobile, so users can easily search on the go.
Analytics and Reporting
Store locators with built-in analytics can be extremely beneficial as they can reveal insights into consumer trends, opportunity areas, and more. Make sure your store locator includes analytics to track searches, clicks, and conversions, providing insights into popular store locations and user behavior.
Do You Need Coding Skills to Build a Store Locator?
Yes, basic coding skills are typically needed to build a store locator, especially if you want to customize it beyond a very basic level. However, with some no-code and low-code tools available today, it’s possible to create a simple locator without much coding knowledge. Here’s what coding skills are helpful, plus some alternatives for non-coders.
Basic Coding Skills Needed to Build a Store Locator
HTML and CSS
HTML is essential for structuring your webpage, setting up the store list, and creating input fields for search. CSS is used for styling the page, making the map and store list look organized and visually appealing.
JavaScript
JavaScript is important for:
- Interactivity, like search functionality and filtering stores based on user input.
- Integrating maps, like embedding Google Maps or adding map markers with Leaflet.
- Geolocation, if you want the locator to detect the user’s location and show nearby stores.
Basic API Knowledge
Understanding how to call APIs (like Google Maps or a Geolocation API) is essential if you want to display store locations on an interactive map. You’ll also need to know how to handle API keys, as map services like Google Maps usually require one.
Data Handling
Knowing how to work with data in formats like JSON or CSV is helpful for loading store information, especially if you’re using a local file or a backend service.
Alternative Ways to Build Store Locators for Non-Coders
If coding isn’t your strength, you can still build a store locator with these options.
No-Code Tools
- Mapbox Studio or Google My Maps: You can create a simple, interactive map with store locations marked, and then embed this on your website without any coding.
- Glide and Bubble: These no-code platforms allow you to create web apps with map and search functionality. You can connect your data and use their drag-and-drop features to create a simple locator.
Plugins and Extensions for Website Builders
- WordPress: If your website is on WordPress, there are store locator plugins like WP Store Locator or Store Locator Plus that provide a complete solution with little to no coding. Check out our list of the 8 Best WordPress Store Locator Plugins →
- Shopify and Wix: Both offer plugins and integrations for creating store locators, often with a map and search functionality built in. Check out our list of the 10 Best Shopify Store Locator Apps →
Prebuilt Code Templates
If you’re comfortable with minor tweaks to code, many code repositories (like GitHub) offer open-source store locator templates that you can customize slightly without building from scratch.
Embedded Google Maps
Use Google Maps Embed API to create a simple static map with store locations as markers. Google Maps’ interface will handle most of the functionality, so you won’t need JavaScript knowledge.
How to Build a Simple Store Locator
If you’re looking to build a very simple store locator, you can strip down the design and functionality to the essentials. Here’s how to create a basic store locator with just a few key components.
1. Basic Requirements
Compile a list of store locations and relevant information, including addresses, phone numbers, and latitude and longitude (helpful for map integration). Use a basic data source like a JSON file, Google Sheets, or a simple database (e.g., SQLite) to store the information.
2. Map Integration
Use Google Maps, Leaflet (with OpenStreetMap), or Mapbox to display store locations on a map. For simplicity, a static map with pins might be enough, so you won’t need real-time location updates or complex map interactions.
Learn more: 4 Best Google Maps API Alternatives
3. Minimal Backend Setup
For a truly simple locator, you could go server-less and host everything on the front end, pulling data directly from the file or a service like Firebase. Alternatively, use a very lightweight backend with a single endpoint to retrieve store locations.
4. Frontend Layout and Basic Features
Create a split-screen layout with a list of store names and basic details on one side and a map on the other. Allow users to search by city, zip code, or store name. A JavaScript filter can handle this locally without requiring a backend query.
5. User Location Detection
To show nearby stores, you could add a geolocation button that uses the HTML5 Geolocation API to get the user’s location. Once you have the user’s latitude and longitude, calculate the distance to each store in your list and sort accordingly. If you skip this, users can still manually search for their location.
6. Simple Directions Link
For each store, include a link to open directions in Google Maps (or another map app). You can pre-populate the URL with the store’s coordinates, which will allow users to get directions from their current location.
7. Frontend Framework
Use a simple front-end framework, like React or Vue.js, if you want reusable components or enhanced interactivity, but plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will suffice for a basic setup.
8. No-Frills Testing and Hosting
Test on multiple browsers and devices to ensure basic functionality. Host your store locator on a simple hosting service (like GitHub Pages or Netlify) if it’s a front-end-only project.
Try the Grappos locator on your website today
Should You Build a Store Locator?
An out-of-the-box store locator can be a better solution than building one from scratch for several reasons, especially if you’re looking for efficiency, cost savings, and ease of use. Here’s why a turnkey store locator solution might be preferable.
Faster Implementation
Most out-of-the-box solutions are designed to be plug-and-play, allowing you to get a functional store locator up and running in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks. Features like search, filtering, geolocation, and maps are already built into these tools, so you don’t need to spend time developing them yourself.
For example, the Grappos Store Locator can be customized and implemented within 24 hours. Installation is incredibly easy–we provide the code, all you need to do is paste it on your dedicated store locator page.
Learn more: How to Add a Store Locator to Your Website
Cost-Effective
Building a store locator from scratch requires developers, designers, and potentially a project manager, which can be costly. Many turnkey store locators have affordable, fixed pricing plans. When you build your own store locator, you’re also responsible for updates, bug fixes, and ongoing maintenance. With a third-party solution, these responsibilities are usually handled by the vendor.
Access to Advanced Features
Out-of-the-box store locators often come with powerful features that would be time-consuming and complex to develop from scratch. These solutions are continually updated to stay current with user expectations and technology, giving you access to new features without additional development.
Features you might see in turnkey store locators:
- Geolocation and proximity search
- Advanced filtering (e.g., by product availability or services offered)
- Analytics and reporting for user behavior
- BOPIS functionality
With Grappos Buy Online Plus, brands have access to all these features and more, providing their customers with immense value and convenience across the board. With Grappos SearchTracker, you have access to robust analytics that provide invaluable insights into user behavior, market opportunities, emerging trends, and more.
Easy Integration with Existing Platforms
Many out-of-the-box store locators offer seamless integration with popular website builders (WordPress, Shopify, Wix), e-commerce platforms, and CMSs, making it easy to add store locator functionality to your website without complex coding. Some solutions also integrate with other business tools, like CRM and inventory management systems, which can improve the functionality of your store locator.
Reliable and Scalable
Turnkey store locators are generally well-tested and designed to handle high traffic loads, ensuring that your locator will work smoothly even if you have thousands of users or locations. If your business grows and you add more locations, or if you need to integrate new features (like multi-language support), most out-of-the-box tools are designed to scale easily.
Reduced Need for Technical Knowledge
Out-of-the-box solutions often come with user-friendly dashboards and simple configuration settings, meaning non-technical users can manage the locator without extensive coding or development skills. With built-in support and documentation, setting up, configuring, and troubleshooting are often straightforward.
All data handled by the Grappos Store Locator is managed by our dedicated team, which means there’s no need for technical knowledge on your part at all. We manage the complicated bits so you can focus on your business.
Access to Customer Support
If you build a store locator from scratch, you’re responsible for troubleshooting and maintenance without external support. Most store locator software vendors provide customer support, which can save time and hassle if you encounter issues or need help setting up features. Grappos is proud to offer a dedicated team that provides live customer support whenever you need it.
Improved Security and Compliance
Out-of-the-box solutions often come with built-in compliance with data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA, as well as robust security protocols, which are difficult to implement from scratch. By using a third-party solution, you also avoid the need to handle user data and location information directly, which can reduce your legal and regulatory burden.
When It Makes Sense to Build a Store Locator From Scratch
While out-of-the-box solutions offer many advantages, building from scratch may still be worthwhile if…
You Need Full Customization
If your requirements are highly unique, a custom build may allow for more specific features and branding control.
Cost is Not a Barrier
For some larger companies, the investment in a custom build may be justified for proprietary functionality.
You Have an In-House Development Team
If you already have a team, it may be easier to add custom functionality without paying for an external solution.
Save Time and Money with a Turnkey Store Locator Solution
While building a store locator from scratch provides full customization, the technical demands and ongoing maintenance often make it an impractical choice for most businesses. Turnkey solutions offer a faster, more affordable way to provide customers with a seamless, feature-rich locator experience. The Grappos Store Locator stands out as the ideal choice, combining powerful functionality, ease of integration, and robust support to help you connect customers to your locations with minimal effort.
Ready to simplify store navigation for your customers? Request a Grappos Store Locator demo today →
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- The Future of E-Commerce Strategies: Omnichannel vs. Omnicommerce
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