The June 2013 issue of Website Magazine, a magazine geared towards website success, answered some common search engine optimization (SEO) questions. The information provided could be useful in your search to become the top result when “health club” is typed into Google or Bing, whether your club’s website is brand new, or established.
According to Website Magazine, a common SEO question is, “How much ‘content’ is required to rank well?” Website Magazine answered: “Enough to keep your readers engaged.”
Therefore, creating a blog your members can use as a resource may be beneficial in improving your site’s SEO. As Sarah Barrett, our social media blogger, discussed in her blog “Why Every Gym or Fitness Professional Needs a Blog,” update your site at least twice a month, so that members have a reason to visit. Going “green” and only posting your Group X schedule online, not printed in the club, is another way to drive traffic.
If your club or even just your website is relatively knew, you may be asking, “How long does it take for a website to get listed?” According to Website Magazine, it varies, but you can speed up the process by “submitting sitemaps to Google and Bing’s respective platforms directly.” To find out how to submit your site’s sitemap, visit Google’s Webmaster Tool page here, and Bing’s Webmaster Tool page here.
If you don’t have a specific person or company working on your site’s SEO, this type of information could be beneficial. Especially if you don’t have a Webmaster to guide you, make sure you’re continually educating yourself on SEO, new web trends and security. The first thing many prospects do is “Google” clubs in their area as they begin their search. Put your best digital footprint forward, and see your club up the ranks in terms of search engine results.
For more common questions and information about optimizing your site’s SEO, visit www.websitemagazine.com.
Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
