Location, Hybrid, and Service-Based Businesses

Hibu works with a wide range of business types, each of which serves customers differently. Some businesses rely on customers visiting a physical location, others travel to the customer, and many operate with a combination of both models. Because of these differences, how location, service area, and geographic information are presented across a website must be handled intentionally.

This guide outlines the three primary business models Hibu supports—location-based, hybrid, and service-based—and explains how each should approach geographic details across key site elements, including the header, footer, Contact Us page, title tags, and meta descriptions. Choosing the correct model ensures consistency, accurate expectations for users, and proper alignment with SEO and listing requirements.

Location Businesses

A location business is one that customers physically visit. You go to them.

Examples of location-based businesses include, but are not limited to (per questionnaire):

Restaurants (dine-in, carryout, curbside, bar, club)
Retail stores (gifts, carpet, shoes, clothing, jewelry, furniture)
Personal services (hair and nail salon, barber, spa)
Fitness and exercise (gym, yoga studio, martial arts)
Religious institutions (church, synagogue, mosque)
Medical practices (doctor, dentist, urgent care, chiropractor, physical therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist)
Professional services (lawyer, accountant, insurance, realtor)
Auto services (body shop, auto repair, car wash, car dealer)
Pet care (vet, pet store, pet groomer, pet boarding/kennels)

Geo Usage in Header / Footer / Contact Us

Header: Use Yext to display City, ST
Footer: Use Yext to display the physical address (with Get Directions)
Contact Us: Use Yext to display the physical address (with Get Directions)

Unless the client specifies otherwise, location-based businesses that offer virtual services (such as Zoom or telehealth) should still be approached with their physical location as the primary means of contact (e.g., Visit Us if defined as the primary CTA).

Use the City, ST exactly as entered into Yext for the location title tag.

Hybrid Businesses

A hybrid business is one that does both: it has a physical location and offers services where customers may not always visit the location. You go to them, but they may come to you, too.

Examples of hybrid businesses include, but are not limited to (per questionnaire):

Businesses with showrooms (carpet, tile, cabinets, kitchen/bath)
Dine-in restaurants that also deliver

Unless the client specifies otherwise, hybrid businesses that deliver, install, or offer in-home estimates should still be approached with their physical location as the primary means of contact.

Note: If a service area is indicated on the questionnaire, add the service area to body copy where applicable.

Geo Usage in Header / Footer / Contact Us

Header: Use Yext to display City, ST
Footer: Use Yext to display the physical address (with Get Directions)
Contact Us: Use Yext to display the physical address (with Get Directions)
Add service or delivery area to body copy where applicable

Service Businesses

A service-based business travels to the customer’s home or office within a defined geographic area. They go to you.

Examples include, but are not limited to (per questionnaire):

Contractors (roofers, asphalt, landscapers, electricians, exterminators, painters)
Towing services
Mobile services (mobile car wash, mobile physical therapist, pet groomer)
Maid or janitorial services
Food trucks
Catering services
Entertainment services (party clowns, magicians, bounce houses, party rentals)

Business Type	Do Customers Visit a Physical Location?	Does the Business Travel to the Customer?	Header / Footer / Contact Us Geo	Primary Geo Strategy
Location-Based Business	Yes	No (or not primary)	Physical Address (City, ST)	Emphasize the physical location
Hybrid Business	Yes	Yes	Physical Address (City, ST)	Location-first, service area supported in copy
Service-Based Business	No	Yes	Service Area (City, County, State)	Emphasize service area, not address

How to Apply This Guide

If customers visit the business: Treat it as a Location-Based or Hybrid business
If the business travels to the customer: Treat it as Service-Based, unless a showroom or storefront exists
When in doubt: Default to the primary customer interaction (where the customer expects to go or be served)

Correct classification ensures:

Consistent geo usage across the site
Proper header, footer, and Contact Us configuration
Accurate title tag and meta description formatting
Alignment with Google listing and service area requirements

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Location, Hybrid, and Service-Based Businesses