1851

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-importance-of-location-picking-the-perfect-spot-for-success-2728213#stories">Site selection</a> is one of the most important steps when launching a franchise. It’s not just about picking a busy street corner or finding the cheapest rent. It’s about understanding where your business will have the best chance to thrive.That’s why it’s essential for franchisors to play an active role in helping franchisees identify and secure the right location. By leveraging data, industry expertise and proven site criteria, franchisors can guide new owners toward high-potential areas that align with the brand’s customer profile and performance benchmarks.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGg-apnEdGw"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DlGg-apnEdGw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure><h2>Know Your Customer Before You Pick Your Site</h2>Every franchise concept has an ideal customer, and understanding who that is should guide your entire site selection process. Is your target customer a busy parent looking for convenience? A fitness-minded millennial who prefers walkable neighborhoods? A retiree seeking in-home services?“We understand our customers through studies that have resulted in our customer <a href="https://www.experian.co.uk/business/platforms/mosaic/segmentation-groups?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=launching-growing-franchise-site-selection-2730581" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mosaics</a>,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-eguia-1a5a9a230/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=launching-growing-franchise-site-selection-2730581" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joey Eguia</a>, chief operating officer at&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisefajitapetes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=launching-growing-franchise-site-selection-2730581" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fajita Pete’s</a>. “Before selling a franchise, we ensure there is a suitable location in the potential franchisee’s desired area. This is achieved by running heat maps of the area that provides a grading system. If the site does not meet the required score, it is not approved.”&nbsp;Franchisees must work closely with their franchisor to define these demographics early. This includes examining age, income, lifestyle, purchasing habits, and foot traffic preferences. The clearer the picture, the easier it is to identify locations that match. Eguia notes that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/fajita-pete-franchise-cost">Fajita Pete’s</a> considers factors such as driving patterns, visibility, accessibility, parking, and tenant mix.<h2>Use Tools That Take the Guesswork Out</h2>Most franchisors provide or recommend a suite of tools to help&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategic-real-estate-decisions-for-franchises-2725424#stories">evaluate potential sites</a>.&nbsp;“We work with an outside company called Kalibrate,” Eguia said. “This platform helps businesses make smarter real estate decisions through data-driven site selection solutions.”&nbsp;Other tools can include:<ul><li>GIS and demographic mapping tools that pinpoint where your target customers live and shop</li><li>Heatmaps and traffic data to assess visibility and accessibility</li><li>Competition analysis to find areas with demand but limited saturation</li><li>Pro forma modeling to project how a location’s attributes could translate into revenue</li></ul>The goal is to use data, not guesswork, to make the best possible site decision.<h2>Franchisor Support During Site Selection</h2>One of the key responsibilities for franchisors is providing comprehensive support from day one and that includes guiding new franchisees through the site selection process. Leading franchise brands typically offer hands-on assistance through a dedicated&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/location-location-location-five-tips-to-help-you-choose-the-right-franchise-real-estate-2725149">real estate</a> or development team to ensure each location is set up for success.“We have internal real estate brokers who assist franchisees with their site selection and lease execution,” Eguia said.&nbsp;This support can include:<ul><li>Reviewing and approving prospective sites</li><li>Recommending proven site types based on existing performance</li><li>Providing contacts for trusted local brokers</li><li>Offering checklists or scorecards to guide evaluations</li></ul>For franchisees, this level of guidance can provide the confidence to make a smart, long-term investment.<h2>Lease Negotiation and Broker Relationships</h2>Securing a great site is only half the battle; negotiating favorable lease terms is just as critical. Some franchisors offer legal support or access to real estate professionals who understand what a franchise needs in a lease.&nbsp;“The level of support provided will depend on the needs of the franchisee,” Eguia said. “While some franchisees are highly knowledgeable in this area, others may require comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process.”Many brands also work with national brokerage firms or have in-house real estate experts who can represent franchisees during negotiations. A skilled broker can not only help franchisees identify strong locations but also negotiate tenant improvements or rent concessions.Site selection sets the stage for everything that follows in a franchisee’s journey and it’s up to the franchisor to lead the way. By helping franchisees understand their target customer, providing access to powerful evaluation tools and offering expert guidance, franchisors can ensure smarter location decisions. With the right strategy and support, franchisees are better equipped to secure sites that drive long-term success for the entire system.<h2>Site Selection — Key Takeaways and Next Steps:</h2><ol><li>Set ideal site criteria tied to your customer.</li><li>Use data (heat maps/demographics/traffic).</li><li>Provide franchisor real-estate support.</li><li>Assist with favorable lease negotiations.</li><li>Tailor help to each franchisee’s experience level.</li></ol>Franchising your business is a major step, and the right guidance makes all the difference. Learn how 1851 helps brands build strong foundations and grow with confidence at <a href="www.1851growthclub.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com.</a>

Phase 4: Launching and Growing — How to Perform Site Selection

Launching and Growing a Franchise: Site Selection Strategy

1851 Franchise

Franchise success starts with the right location, and that requires knowing your customer, evaluating sites with data-driven tools and leaning on franchisor support every step of the way.

The Ultimate Guide to Franchising Your Business — Phase 4: Launching and Growing — How to Perform Site Selection

launching-growing-franchise-site-selection

Paris Baguette Canada

Photo of person handing blue Paris Baguette coffee cup to guest

How Paris Baguette’s Support System Empowers Early Franchisees in North America

franchise-support

Paris Baguette

Photo of people sharing pastries at Paris Baguette, each holding a coffee

Paris Baguette Targets High-Traffic Locations To Drive Traffic and Visibility

franchise-high-traffic-locations

SweatHouz

image of sweathouz interior seattle growth franchise cold plunge

Why SweatHouz Is Targeting Seattle for Franchise Growth

sweathouz-franchise-seattle-growth

Caring Transitions

Celebrating National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day by Honoring the Women of Caring Transitions

celebrating-national-womens-entrepreneurship-day-by-honoring-the-women-of-caring-transitions

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Shane, Carlene, and Steve Brunk, Treasure Coast, FL.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Across Florida Build Momentum

minuteman-press-franchise-owners-across-florida-build-momentum

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Benefit

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Be Poised To Benefit

jobseekers-shift-boosts-home-service-franchises

The future of recovery studios, health and wellness franchise

The Future of Recovery Studios: Why Wellness Franchises Are the Next Fitness Boom

the-wellness-boom-recovery-franchises-future-fitness

Design with government building & "Open for Business" sign against American flag backdrop

Government Reopens After 43-Day Shutdown, Bringing Relief to Small Businesses and Franchises

government-shutdown-ends-franchise-impact

As Starbucks and Dunkin’ Navigate a Changing Market, New Coffee Players Keep Gaining Ground

starbucks-dunkin-franchise-coffee-market-trends

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

CLA: Helping Businesses Navigate Growth, Compliance and Long-Term Success

cla-helping-businesses-navigate-growth-compliance-and-long-term-success

The Ultimate Guide To Franchising Your Business: How To Build a Scalable, Sustainable Franchise Brand

the-ultimate-guide-to-franchising-your-business-how-to-build-a-scalable-sustainable-franchise-brand

The Ultimate Guide to Franchising Your Business — Phase 2: Creating the Franchise System — How to Build a Training Program and Support System

the-ultimate-guide-to-franchising-your-business-phase-2-creating-the-franchise-system-how-to-build-a-training-program-and-support-system

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

image of stephen westerman and matthew westerman, owners Fort Walton Beach Two men and a junk truck

Twin Brothers Move From Managers to Owners with New TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Franchise on the Gulf Coast

The Ultimate Guide to Franchising Your Business — Phase 4: Launching and Growing — How to Perform Site Selection

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS