Think about how a curious person might go about looking for a Toastmasters club to join? Chances are they are going to Google first.
A Google Business Profile is a simple way to claim your club's meeting venue on Google.
That way, when someone searches for Toastmasters in your area, you’ll show up on the right side of a Google search like the image above.
Or better yet, when someone searches for what you promote as member benefits... your club will show up in the local pack (a section of Google's first page search results that shows the local businesses related to a query).
While almost everyone uses a search engine like Google daily, there are still a surprising number of Toastmasters clubs that are not listed on Google or are listed, but not easily discoverable by prospective members.
If that sounds like your club, you’re probably wondering, “How can I make my club show up on Google?” In a nutshell, here are the basic steps:
Google Business Profile
First, let me clear up any confusion… Google My Business became Google Business Profile. If you never heard of Google My Business, just forget I mentioned it!
Google Business Profile allows your club to manage its profile and engage with potential visitors by bringing Google Search, Google Maps, and their respective apps under one digital roof.
Get started by creating a Google Business Profile.
Once your club has a Google Business Profile, the process couldn’t be more straight forward. By simply typing your club’s name in the Google Search or Google Maps box, you get the result as usual. Now, you can edit your business profile, reply to customer messages, launch promotions, and more.
Google has made it easy for your club to enter the Google universe. Once your club’s profile is verified, you’re off and running…
Keep your listing fresh and current.
Take charge of your clubs first impression
Highlight essential info and show what makes your club unique, right on your Business Profile!
Add Essential Info
Add information like a contact phone number (Google Voice can help you maintain personal phone number anonymity while having a public club number), meeting times…
Note: In the process of profile for your club, your club’s location is already included in the listing.
Share Photos & More
Show your club’s personality with photos, cover image and more to stand out to prospective members.
Show Who You Are
If you are a specialty club or your community club has a unique aspect, let it be known!
No matter how many social media platforms your club actively uses, Google search remains the favorite go-to option for most people when they want to find something.
Google is only 24 years old, but it pervades our everyday life. The word "google” even appears in English dictionaries! That is a measure of the marketing power of Google.