One of the easiest and cheapest (it’s free) ways to add exposure to your facility on Google is to sign up and use Google My Business. With a verified Google My Business account, Google will provide far more exposure for your facility and to golfers in your area. Your listing will appear more prominently in both their Search Engine and Maps. As stated by Google, “Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google…”.
Why Have a Google My Business Account
Make it easy for golfers to find you
You want golfers to find your golf course. A Google My Business account is a simple way to help maximize this exposure. Not only will providing Google an accurate picture of your business help them to better serve your customers, but it will also help to improve your local SEO search results. You will show up on the first page for both search results and maps.
Provide golfers details of your business
Your Google My Business account is also a simple way to provide pertinent information to your golfers. Things such as your location, phone number, website address, hours of operation, etc. It’s important because it provides easy access to the details of your facility.
Respond to your reviews
With a verified Google My Business account, you can engage with the customers that review your facility. If it’s a good review, take a second to thank them. If it's a bad review, acknowledge their concern and experience in your response. By responding to your reviews, you show the public you're engaged, and that the experience your customers receive matters. This not only builds trust, but can influence someone in choosing your course over another.
How to Create and Verify Your Google My Business Account
- First go to www.google.com/business and either sign in with your existing Google account or create a new one. If you don’t have an existing Google account, it helps to sign up using your facilities domain name (ex: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), as it helps with the verification process, which we’ll explain later.
- After you’re signed in click the Manage now button.
- Enter the name of your business into the search field to find and add your business. If your facility is not listed, then you’ll select the option to “Add your business to Google.”
- After you find and select your facility, you then need to verify your business. Google provides you multiple options to verify you are a valid representative. If you can verify using the call or email options, those will be the fastest options. If those options aren’t available or you don’t have access, then having a postcard mailed to you is the next best option. You’ll have to wait a few days to weeks for the postcard to arrive. When it does, sign in and click Verify location from the menu. You’ll then enter the verification code included in your postcard.
If Google states that your Google My Business business is already managed by another user you don’t recognize, then you can take ownership over the listing by following the steps they provide. If the business is already managed by a user you do recognize, ask them to add you as a user.
Tips to Complete Your Google My Business Profile
Complete your entire profile
You want to give Google as much accurate information about your facility as possible. This will improve your search ranking and expose your facility to more golfers. You want to fill out your contact details, description, categories, hours, services, etc.
If you’re a seasonal facility, be sure to keep your hours up to date throughout the year, as well as your open and closed days.
Add your logo and photos
Golfers love visuals. Upload the best photos of your course and facility. If you only have a handful, that’s fine. If you have a lot of great photos, upload them. This step is important.
Post facility events, news and offers
Google My Business allows you to create posts about your facility to keep your customers aware of what’s going on. It’s a simple and great way to promote things at the golf course.
If you have not already, be sure to sign up for our free tool, CampaignPilot, which automates posting to your Google My Business profile along with a multitude of other channels.
Ask your customers to write a review
Good reviews can separate you from the course next door. Google reviews are powerful, and asking your customers to review you online can have a meaningful impact on your business.
In summary, a verified and complete Google My Business profile should be a requirement for all golf courses, as it will provide you exposure and access to golfers in your area looking to play golf. It’s well worth the investment to take the time to sign up and verify your course. If you have any questions or need any help, let us know. We are happy to assist.
