Google Maps and your bowling club

Club News

The BCGBA are making a bit of a push to get every crown green bowling club on Google Maps. Here is why they want to do that and how you can do it.

Let’s Get Every Crown Green Club on Google Maps!

Many clubs still aren’t showing up properly on Google — which means potential new members can’t find you easily. Being listed helps people see where you are, when you’re open, and what your club offers. It also boosts your local profile and gives you useful stats on how many people are finding your club online.

We’ve created a quick simple step-by-step guide to help your club get listed — including examples, images, and tips to make your profile stand out.

Let’s make sure every Crown Green Bowling Club is visible and welcoming to new bowlers across our communities!

WHY BE ON GOOGLE MAPS?

Adding your club to Google Maps will increase its visibility to potential members and guests. People will be able to quickly see where your club is, when it’s open, and what activities you offer. A Google Maps listing also strengthens your local presence and allows you to access statistics on how many people visit your club’s page each month.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Before proceeding, have the following ready:

·        A Google account that the club can access regularly.

·        A phone number that potential guests can call (club mobile or landline).

·        A profile picture for your club (logo).

·        A high-definition cover image showing members in action; avoid empty seats.

·        Additional photos of members participating in club activities.

·        Your club’s venue address including postcode (essential).

HOW TO DO IT

1.      Sign in to the Google account you want to use for the club.

2.      Go to www.google.co.uk/business.

3.      Name your club clearly, e.g., “XXXX BC – Crown Green,” to avoid confusion with flat green clubs.

4.      Choose the business category: Sports Club.

5.      Specify the areas your club covers (e.g., Salford, Lancashire).

6.      Enter your club’s contact phone number and website (if available).

7.      Add your club’s venue address.

8.      Choose your verification method:

o   Phone verification (usually takes a few days) or

o   Postcard verification (arrives within 10 working days). Provide a contact name for the postcard.

9.      Optionally, add your opening hours so visitors know when they can attend.

10.   Add a business description, for example:

“XXXX BC – Bowling, Community & Fun Since 1903! XXXX is a friendly and welcoming Crown Green club in XXXX, proudly part of the local community for over XXX years. With XX+ members, we welcome new players of all ages and abilities – whether you’re looking for relaxed social bowling or competitive league matches. Our season runs March to October, with teams in the XXXX (XXX & XXX nights) and XXXX League (XXX nights). We also host weekly Health & Wellbeing bowling sessions every Monday afternoon (1–3pm) and run the area’s only youth bowling for ages 6+ every Thursday (5–6pm). More than just bowling, we’re a community hub!”

11.   Add your profile and cover photos (smiling faces, companionship). Avoid empty seats in images.

12.   Skip the steps for showcasing products and claiming advertising credits (optional).

13.   You can update business details anytime via www.google.co.uk/business.

Once verified, your club will appear on Google Search and Maps. You’ll also be able to add extra page users, upload more photos, and create posts or promotions.