Listing your club’s details on Google shows potential new members you’re open and ready to welcome them.
Making the most of Google Maps and business listings is really important and actually pretty easy to do. Watch the 'how to' video to set your clubs Google Maps listing up in under 10 minutes...
Why is it important to be listed on Google Maps and have a Google Business Profile?
You will be letting potential new members find you on Google quickly. They will be able to contact you, get directions to your club, read member reviews and get a feel for your club.
Making sure your club can be found on Google Maps can be just as important as having a club website especially when it comes to people finding you. When someone is searching online for a new club, a likely start point will be a Google search and they want to know things like:
- where your club is (get directions)
- how and who to contact
- when you meet
- what training you offer
Google Maps is a quick way for them to do this. You can show your club pool times, show pictures of your activities, contact details, and other useful information. It’s free to list and is intended for businesses (and clubs) to advertise themselves and provide a quick and easy find for the searcher. It’s a bit like the old Yellow Pages or Thompson local directories… but better.
Watch the 'how to set up Google Maps' video, follow Google's step-by-step guide to creating a Business Profile, or try their helpline you can call for more support 0800 026 0793.
When setting up your club or business in Google Maps, if you can then it is best to use the pool you train at as the location (and let the pool know to expect a postcard addressed to you from Google!)
If your club doesn't have a pool you can always use a 'local service area'. Google knows that not all local Clubs (business owners) want their addresses to be found online so they allow you to show a ‘service area’ rather than the address. This means you can use someone’s home address but hide it from view and select your desired service area in Google My Business under the “Manage Location” section. More info here on 'Add or edit your service area'.
Google Reviews ★★★★★
Why do you need Google reviews?
When potential new members see your club in Google’s local search results, they’ll see the number of Google reviews you have, and your average star rating. Google reviews are great. They help potential members feel more confident in your club and make you stand out from your competitors.
You also have a better chance of outranking your competitors on Google search results if you have more Google reviews than them. As a member, you can help your club by reviewing them online - read 'How to review your club online'.
Tip - Club (branch) officers you could also ask Try Divers to leave a review of their experience too.
Get the website your club deserves
If you are setting up a site please make sure you keep it up-to-date and add new content regularly. New content could be trip reports with lots of pictures when you’re holding your next event or even updates to your committee. See our website advice for more details and help on keeping your website fresh and up-to-date.
Need advice on growing your club? Please email BSAC marketing support or call us on 0151 350 6224.
