What are the best practices for optimizing a site for multiple locations?

[Scratch_MM]

I have a client that operates in multiple states. I am trying to find a way to best optimize their website, but all of the best practices for "local SEO" seem to be for things such as restaurants, small businesses, etc. I am looking for a way to optimize for the industry keywords as well as location. Any best practices/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[CustomButtonCo.com]

This has been gone over several times. Below are some great links to help you with that.

http://moz.com/blog/40-important-local-search-questions-answered

http://www.localseoguide.com/seo-for-businesses-with-multiple-locations-in-the-same-city/

http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/2283736/local-seo-strategy-for-the-multilocation-marketer

[KeriMorgret]

Can you say what industry? Do the people meet with clients at a particular location?

[TheeDigital]

I agree with Keri, can we get some more info.  You mentioned multiple locations? Are they connected areas, for example "North Carolina & South Carolina"

[Scratch_MM]

Sorry for the delay - I couldn't log into my account yesterday to respond.

The multiple locations are in different states within the New England area (New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont). They are in the fire safety systems industry and provide products such as sprinkler systems for businesses.

Based on the first response, I am leaning towards recommending the following:

1. Create a specific page for each location
2. Optimize each location page for Meta Description, H1, Title Tag, etc.
3. Create a different user experience on every location page, ie - directions to each location.

If anyone has any other thoughts on how to go about optimizing that would be greatly appreciated.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Mandy,

The second part of Keri's question is important. To create a strategy, you must first answer these questions:

1. Does the client meet face-to-face with customers or is business done virtually?

2. Does the client have a physical office/s in cities within the states you are mentioning? Do customers come to these offices or do employees leave from these offices to serve customers at their places of business?

Your opportunities for promotion are based on the business model (physical vs. virtual). Please provide as much detail as you can so that you will receive the best possible answer from the community.