Entering into a new website franchise model, currently subdomains, client wants scalability. Best approach?

[methods]

This is my first experience with a franchise model business.  It is less than 1 year old and on page SEO is in pitiful shape with hundreds of subdomains already for specific locations.

What is the best approach to take here?  I've seen a lot of debate regarding subdomains and folders and it seems the folder structure may be the best long term course of action but I'm still a bit unclear on this.

What is the best approach to ensure that all SEO addressed on the site has the most impact and moving forward, what is the best method to scaling the SEO for franchisee owners.

What is the best practice to help each location be best positioned in search in the future, how much should the corporate franchise site typically provide in terms of SEO services to franchisees, and how does the lead SEO consultant scale those services to franchisees?

[EGOL]

I've seen a lot of debate regarding subdomains and folders and it seems the folder structure may be the best long term course of action but I'm still a bit unclear on this.

I agree with folders.  Lots of discussion on that in the Q&A.  Search to find more.

What is the best approach to ensure that all SEO addressed on the site has the most impact and moving forward, what is the best method to scaling the SEO for franchisee owners.

Do a great job researching the typcial keywords for your niche and apply cookie cutter optimization for each city where you have a franchisee.  Such as "Scranton Auto Glass".

What is the best practice to help each location be best positioned in search in the future.

Produce lots of interesting and informative content about your niche.  Don't thump your chest.  People don't want that. Write exciting content that anybody who needs your service and product would want to hear. Zero promotion.  All informative. Best on the web content that will rank and attract links that will benefit your entire site.

How much should the corporate franchise site typically provide in terms of SEO services to franchisees.

It sounds like the leadership understands SEO.  So set up a good model with templates for content production by franchisees and help them as much as you can.  Set them up to succeed.  It benefits the entire company.

How does the lead SEO consultant scale those services to franchisees?

Produce a web form that makes it easy for all franchisees to provide unique informative content that will populate their webpages.  When they press the submit button, a program on your server converts this input into drafts of their folder files.  Figure out a way to make existing franchisees compete this information.  Make it a requirement for new franchisees that must be completed before their franchise is awarded.