The Cause of the Problem
Your facility's NAP consistency can be in disorder for a number of reasons. The most common are:
1. You changed your phone number or mailing address – Many golf courses change their contact information and do their best to make sure the updated info is present on top level internet directories like Google+, Trip Advisor, and Yelp. The issue is that there are thousands of instances of your NAP across the web, so it can be nearly impossible to be 100% consistent.
2. The responsibility changed hands – Maybe it was the General Manager’s duty at one point, but they passed it along to their assistant, who in turn handed it off to the maintenance guy. Next thing you know, there is total irregularity, killing local search engine rankings.
3. The facility wasn’t listed in the directories to begin with – Some golf courses struggle when it comes to technology, and that’s okay. However, maximum visibility on the web is arguably the most important asset your facility can possess. Golf courses cannot afford to be absent from search engines.
Why NAP Consistency is So Important
Search engine rankings are more important than ever. However, Google, Yahoo, and Bing have a long list of factors in their algorithms that select which sites show up on the first page of results. One of the major elements search engines use to determine these results is the consistency of your business information.
If a golf course is consistent across major online directories, search engine ranks will reflect positively. On the other hand, if the name, address, and phone number appear differently (in any way) between directories, Google is likely to not show the course prevalently.
In 2015 and beyond, search engines like Google practically rule the business world. In many cases, businesses live and die by how they rank on search engines. Golf courses are no exception.
How to Correct Inaccurate Business Information
Getting business NAP consistency back in order can be a tall order. To make things easier, we have put together a to-do list that can help you out along the way.
1. Find out what directories are inconsistent – Do a Google search for your golf course. Browse results and look for conflicts.
2. Claim and regulate listings – Once you’ve discovered irregularities, make sure each instance of your name, address, and phone number are identical. To accomplish this, you will have to claim the listings by proving you’re a legitimate representative of the golf course.
3. Save all login credentials for future use – We suggest creating an excel document with every URL, username, and password for each directory listing you claim or change. This will help streamline the process if you ever have to make changes to your business information again.
We Can Help
While this may seem like a lot of work upfront, it is well worth the benefits of more visibility (and more consistency) on the web. Not only will this help your golf course website generate more traffic, it will also keep customers from calling the wrong number, finding an old address, and seeing your old business name.
121 Marketing can help get your business information in order and boost your search engine visibility. If you need help with identifying or fixing NAP inconsistency or any other SEO best practice for your golf course, call (407) 395-4701 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today.
