First – if you and your company do not have a twitter account and Facebook fan page. STOP RIGHT HERE. Go and register for these accounts, reference the v.1 of the Social Media Playbook then read below.

If you do have these accounts set up for both yourself (personally) and your company proceed to the info below.

Search Engine Optimazation (or SEO) is “a process of optimizing a website by improving its internal and external aspects in order to increase the traffic the site receives from the search engine.” In short: marketing your website online and getting in front of as many eyeballs (and ahead of other businesses like yours) as possible.

Although this is a very in depth topic there are a few simple things you can do to make sure your business appears at the top of search rates.

It’s Not All About Google:
Many focus on just Google because that makes up 70% of the searching market. Seventy percent is a large market that still leaves 30% of the population that still may be looking for your service. Unless you only accept money from Google Searching customers make sure your website is cataloged on Google, Bing and Yahoo. Adding yourself into all three mapping systems is also important in raising your serachablity.

BLOG:
Start a blog, make sure you are putting out quality content, tagging your posts with keywords that improve your searchability (CrossFit, CrossFit in Chicago, Fitness Chicago, etc) and linking to your business’s website. Have your coaches and staff start personal blogs who also link back to your business’s website.

Embed a Google Map for Your Business:
Embed your business on google maps. Not only will this be helpful in finding your location but you can add pictures, videos, information and special offers. You can also have your clients review your business. If you are just getting send the link to 10 people (can even be friends and family to begin with) who love your business and would give your gym a stellar review. If you have been operating for several years and embedded your location long ago – it’s time to get some fresh reviews up! Send the link to 10 new people who are getting results and love your garage gym!

Keep in mind that the people doing the searching don’t always know how search engines work. They assume the top option is the best option and maps come up first whenever a searcher enters a geo locator (ex. Los Angeles CA). Having a confirmed location adds SEO points to your website.

+1’ing It:
1. Google your gym
2. +1 your gym and any other brands that are related to your business (boot camps, personal training, nutrition blogs, etc)
3. Have your coaches, staff, friends and family do the same thing
4. Do this for other brands that you are loyal to (if you want people to +1 your bis you have to actively +1 other people’s businesses you believe in)

It will begin to look like this:

Does Social Media affect Search Engine Optimization Rate?

Yes! This means the number of shares from your company’s facebook page, metrics from twitter (including how “influential” your twitter content is) Bing and frousquare DO factor into your ranking on Google.

NOTE: Gary Vaynerchuk states “if content is King, then context is God” You might hear this and think, all right I get the content part, what does context have to do with social? The point is that as a brand the way you WIN is by creating and excellent online identity and a loyal online community. The reason your clients are loyal to your brand is because you have created context with them. They don’t simply show up to your gym, lift some weights and leave. You know their family, you hang out at social functions – your business creates the ultimate context à service based and life transforming. The point to this phrase: focusing on improving your SEO if half of the equation – you have to show up at the top of a general search rate to get in front of a potential customer. But it is what you do with that higher ranking spot (the valuable content and community you provide) that keeps your client base loyal, your retention rate high and new customers coming through the door.

TAKE ACTION:

•  Index your website in Google Yahoo and Bing (make sure your website has a site map) Shoot us a message on the GRID Forum if you need help with this
• Make sure you have mapping account on all three platforms
• Have social accounts connected to your business (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google +) 
• Have all of your coaches +1 your websites, Facebook page, and anything related to your business
•  Encourage members and coaches to check-in to your business on Facebook or Yelp 
• Refresh all accounts (add new information or update) online at least once a month. 
•   Use links referring to well known sites in your niche
•  Request Recommendations on Facebook and Search Engines