Google Business

Welcome to the Google Business page for Regions! This Wiki page can offer guidance to setting up your Google Business Profile, or if a Region already has one, there are tips and settings to help utilize this platform optimally.

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a great way to increase your website traffic, brand credibility, and search visibility.

Setting Up a Region's GBP

Follow this Google guide to setting up a new GBP: click here

Claiming your GBP

If your Region already has a GBP but you don't have access to it or can't contact the individual that created the profile, create a SOCi account. SOCi is a marketing and social media platform free to Regions. The SOCi team will help recover your Google Business Profile and align the Google search results.

SOCi Wiki Page

Optimizing your GBP

Google Slides with picture examples: click here

• (1) Let your business name work in your favor
  • Google populates results for users based on keywords used in business's GBP and the title of the company. To help boost your Region's search visibility, having key words is crucial. Luckily, AYSO has keywords within its name. However, just having AYSO and the Region # doesn't allow those keywords work in your favor.
  • Users are most likely searching "Youth soccer programs near me" or a similar variation
  • Instead of AYSO 1463 Murrieta which has 0 connecting keywords...​
    • Use: American Youth Soccer Organization - Region 1463 Murrieta (AYSO)​
    • Keywords: Youth, Soccer, City/Area Name
• (2) Business Description
  • You have 750 characters to describe your region and programs that you offer.​ Only the first 244 characters will be initially shown on your profile.​ This is an opportunity to give more context to what your region provides in terms of the programs, values & mission, and history of your Region.
  • Consider these when building your description:​
    • Unique Selling Points: Highlight what sets your business apart from competitors.​
    • Keywords for SEO: Incorporate keywords that leads might use when searching for soccer programs.​
    • Relevance to audience: Consider what info they would find more valuable & ensure your description addresses their needs & interests.​
    • Call to Action (CTA): Encourage taking action- visiting website, contacting for info,..​
    • Avoid Jargon: Avoid using industry-specific jargon or acronyms that may confuse your audience.​
• (3) Setting & Profile Adjustment Suggestions
  • Business Attributes: Labels that convey certain features or qualities​. Ex. Volunteer-based, Opportunity: appeal to those googling volunteer opportunities.
  • Primary Google Business Category: This categorizes your business & labels your listing​. You can have up to 9 subcategories. Suggestion: Check your local competitor's GBP to see what they have listed​.
  • Specify yourself as a service area: You can outline your region & it will create a map outline in Google Maps​. Do not put a physical address on your GBP.
• (4) Communication Avenues
  • Q&A Feature
    • If this feature is being used, make sure it monitor it frequently.​
    • Other customers can answer the questions asked on your profile and may give false info.​
    • Opportunity: Post questions on your profile & answer them​
      • Ex. "Do you offer soccer programs for 5-10 year olds?​", "How do I register my child for Fall 2024?"
  • Activate Messaging Feature​
    • Often, users prefer to text their inquiry/questions instead of calling​.
    • Opportunity: activating this feature will present a large call to action button on your GBP.
  • Google Posts
    • Just like social media, you can post on your Google Business Profile. This can be an avenue to communicate upcoming registration periods for programs to an audience you might not reach through other platforms.
    • Types of posts on GBP:​
      • Latest Updates Post: Add an image, description, and call to action. Ex. Registration announcements​
      • Offer Post: It only displays for certain time, add an image, description, and call to action. Ex. Early bird registration, volunteer opportunities​
      • Event Post: Only displays for certain time, add image, description, and a call to action. Ex. Fundraising event
• (5) Photos
  • According to Google "businesses that add photos to the GBP receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps, and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don't." ​
  • Here are the parameters for the photos that can be included​:
    • Cover photo: first image leads will see – 1024x576 pixels in jpg format. Do not exceed 5mb file size. For the cover photo make it of children playing soccer on a grass field.​
    • Logo: 720x720 pixels (not exceeding 5mb file size)​.
    • Opportunity: Add more photos of different age groups, genders, and volunteer opportunities.