1 or 2 sites for local SEO?

Hi guys, my first proper thread!

I have a site that is dominating the SERPs for all my local (state/region) targeted keywords and I want to set up shop in another state/region. The niche has the same level of competition however the new state/region I want to target gets a lot more traffic.

If I now go and alter my site's SEO to accommodate 2 regions (e.g. washington and florida), I am worried it will have a negative effect on the current rankings hence, would it be better to set up another site/company specifically targeting the second state/province (like how the first one - that is doing so well)?

All advise is appreciated and welcome.

*bump* Really want to get started on this and would really appreciate advice

If I were you, I would create another page on your site for the new area that you're targeting with your main keyword in the URL.

For example: domain.com/service-in-city-state

This leaves you a lot of room to optimize that page for that area instead of stuffing both locations into the home page. That's how I go about targeting new areas for local businesses as well and it works well.

I advise clients to have multiple websites. My 2 cents, serps change often and rapidly, dont mess up a good thing.

I have ran into this same dilemma before. I add an extra landing page to my existing site. Why do the extra work?

I add a spot at the bottom of the first page that says: "locations we serve, city1, city2, surrounding cities, etc"
Create an extra landing page for city 2.

If you have more questions, PM me.

multiple websites is a good option.