Automatic geolocation helps customers find stores near them without having to type their location. When enabled, your store locator can detect where customers are and show nearby results automatically.
On This Page
How Geolocation Works
Storepoint offers two types of automatic location detection. You can use either method independently or combine them for the best experience.
| IP-Based Detection | GPS/Device Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | City-level (approximate) | Street-level (precise) |
| Best for | Quick initial centering | Finding the nearest location |
IP-Based Location Detection
When enabled, the widget uses IP geolocation to estimate where the customer is located. This is just an approximation based on their internet connection, typically accurate to the city level.
How to Enable
- Go to Widget Settings → Search & Map Functionality
- Under Initial View, select Center on user location (IP-based)
- Click Save Settings
What Customers See
When a customer loads your locator page:
- The widget estimates their location from their IP address
- The map centers on that approximate area
- Nearby stores appear in the results list, sorted by distance
This happens instantly when the page loads. The customer sees a locator already focused on their general area without having to do anything.
Alternative: Show All Locations
If you prefer not to use IP detection, set the initial view to Show all locations. This displays all your locations on the map at once, zoomed out to fit them all. This works well when you have a manageable number of locations and want customers to see the full picture.
GPS Location Requests
GPS location provides precise, street-level accuracy. When enabled, the browser automatically prompts customers for location permission when the widget loads.
How to Enable
- Go to Widget Settings → Search & Map Functionality
- Under Initial View, check Request GPS Location Permission
- Click Save Settings
What Customers See
When a customer loads your locator page, their browser automatically displays a permission prompt asking to share their location. This prompt is controlled by the browser, not Storepoint.
If they allow it, the map zooms to their exact position and shows nearby stores. If they deny it or ignore the prompt, the widget falls back to your default view setting (IP-based or show all locations).
For the best experience, enable both IP-based detection AND GPS requests. Customers immediately see a locator centered on their approximate area (from IP detection), then if they grant GPS permission, the view updates to their exact location.
When GPS Is Most Useful
GPS location works best for:
- Mobile users: Customers on their phones often expect location services and are used to granting permission
- Dense location coverage: When you have many stores close together, precision helps find the absolute nearest one
If Permission Is Denied
If a customer denies location permission, the widget gracefully falls back to:
- IP-based location (if enabled)
- Showing all locations (if IP detection is disabled)
Customers can always search manually using the search bar.
Geolocation Button
The geolocation button gives customers a manual way to find nearby stores using their GPS location. Instead of prompting automatically on page load, it lets customers click when they're ready.
How to Enable
- Go to Widget Settings → Search & Map Functionality
- Under Search Options, check Show GPS Location Button
- Click Save Settings
What Customers See
A location icon button appears near the search bar. When a customer clicks it:
- The browser shows a location permission prompt (if permission hasn't already been granted)
- Once allowed, the widget gets their exact GPS coordinates
- The map centers on their location and shows nearby stores sorted by distance
The button provides visual feedback while loading and works on any subsequent clicks without re-prompting (since the browser remembers the permission).
When to Use the Button
The geolocation button is useful when:
- You don't want to prompt for location automatically on page load
- You want customers to browse the map first before finding "near me" results
- You're using IP-based detection for the initial view but want to offer GPS precision as an option
You can enable the geolocation button alongside IP-based detection. Customers get a centered view automatically (from IP), and if they want more precision, they can click the GPS button.
Related Features
- Widget Settings: Overview of all widget configuration options
- Embed Code Options: Pre-search locations when loading the widget
- Filters & Tags: Let customers filter by category alongside location