Example search log: planning a local territory
A checklist for recording your own searches, not a suggested radius setting or a prediction of available results.
- Keep fixed
- Use the same business category while comparing search areas.
- Record each search
- Write down the centre location, selected radius and date in your own spreadsheet.
- Review the boundary
- Check whether returned businesses fall within the area you can practically serve.
- Compare overlap
- Review names, websites and addresses before merging lists; retain distinct branches when relevant.
Work backwards from your service area
If you meet prospects in person, consider travel time and territory. If you deliver products, consider the delivery area. An agency serving clients remotely can use geography to organize research even when distance is less restrictive.
Consider the business category
A city-centre search for restaurants and a regional search for specialist suppliers can return very different kinds of lists. Begin with a focused area and inspect the results before expanding.
Change one thing at a time
Keep the category fixed while changing the radius, or keep the area fixed while refining the category. This makes it easier to understand which change produced more relevant businesses.
Review overlapping searches
Neighbouring search areas may include the same business. When combining exports, compare business names, addresses and websites. Do not remove separate branches automatically just because they share a name.
Keep a simple search log
Record the category, centre location, radius and search date with each list. Note what was useful about the results so the next research session starts with evidence.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Explore location search
