If you’re like most martial arts club owners, your focus is teaching members your craft, not figuring out how to make your website show up on Google. But as you’ll have learned in our last blog post, a well-designed website can work for you 24/7, attracting new members while you focus on running your business.
The reason why some clubs show up at the top of search results while others seem invisible, is because of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Google’s goal is to give searchers the best answers as quickly as possible. If your website is slow, confusing, or outdated, Google assumes it’s not helpful, therefore pushing it further down in the rankings.
A well-structured website makes it easy for both visitors and search engines to understand what your club offers, which improves your ranking and gets more people through your doors. Here’s how you can improve your website’s SEO with a few simple changes.
Prioritise User Experience
Google rewards websites that provide a smooth and seamless experience for visitors. If your site is difficult to navigate, slow to load, or doesn’t display properly on mobile, potential members will leave… and Google will take notice.
Your website should automatically adjust to fit any screen size, from phones to tablets to desktops. Text should be easy to read and buttons should be easy to tap. If your site takes longer than three seconds to load, visitors might leave before even seeing your content. To speed things up:
- Compress images before uploading them
- Limit the use of large video files
- Use a reliable website provider that prioritises fast loading speeds
A well-optimised website not only helps with Google rankings but also keeps visitors engaged, increasing the chances they’ll sign up for a class.
Use Clear Page Titles and Headings
Your homepage title and headings tell Google what your martial arts club is about. For example, instead of just “Welcome,” a strong title would be: “[Your Club’s Name] | Martial Arts Club in [Your Location]”.
Each page on your website should have a clear heading that describes its purpose. This helps both visitors and search engines navigate your site easily and get the information they need.
Include Local Keywords
Most people searching for a martial arts club will add their location, like “best karate club in [their town]” or “Jujitsu in [their area].” To improve your chances of appearing in these searches, mention your county and town in your website text wherever you can (as long as it makes sense in the context!) You can also make sure your club’s address and contact information are in the website footer so that they appear on every page.
If you haven’t already, spend a few minutes creating a Google Business Profile to show up in local search results. You can add pictures of the club, encourage people to leave reviews and provide joining links and other contact information.
Make It Easy for Visitors to Take Action
Once someone finds your club’s website, they should know exactly what to do next. Clear call-to-action buttons like “Claim Your Free Class” or “Join Today” help turn visitors into paying members. Make sure your contact information is easy to find, and include a simple joining form so potential members can reach out without hassle.
“Our golden rule when it comes to online joining is that it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes from clicking the button to making the first payment and becoming an official member. If you’re in doubt about your joining process, we always advise our users to test it out themselves. If you experience any friction or barriers, then you can improve those areas and make it easier for prospects to join.” – Neil Woodward, Head of Sales at ClubRight.
The Hidden Cost of a Poorly Designed Website
A slow, outdated, or hard-to-navigate website hurts your search rankings and costs you potential members. If visitors struggle to find information or can’t sign up easily, they’ll move on to a competitor. A well-optimised website works around the clock, bringing in leads and helping your martial arts club grow while you’re busy managing the business.
While these are pretty simple changes, implementing them will take time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then we have some good news….
Our affordable, done-for-you website service takes care of everything from mobile-friendly design to high-quality content, so you can focus on running your martial arts club. Pair it with ClubRight’s Club Management software and you’ll have yourself a lead-generating machine! See why we’re trusted by more than 1,000 fitness businesses across the UK.
Image Source: Canva
