Why is “Book Online” now included in my courses Google search results?
Our mission is to continually innovate, using our cutting-edge technology to connect more golfers with our golf course partners while helping to enhance the golfing experience for all. We do this through a variety of ways, focusing primarily on amplifying your tee time inventory to reach the largest network of golfers possible. This new feature on Google is available to GolfNow partners and provides just that, the ability to meet golfers where they are when they are looking to book their next round at your course. This “Book Online” button provides a quicker book-to-play experience for the golfer, allowing them to find and book your tee time inventory in fewer steps.
What exactly is the Reserve with Google program?
Through GolfNow’s collaboration with Google, the Reserve with Google process enhances the Google Search experience by providing golfers with the ability to reserve a tee time directly from the search results. Golfers now can discover golf courses and book their tee times through Google Search, Google Maps and across the Google platform. The ability to book services directly from a Google listing is a feature that most consumers have already grown accustomed to over the years, including restaurant reservations, appointments, movie tickets, etc. Tee times are the latest integration available to all users.
The ease of booking increases the likelihood of purchase, resulting in fewer missed opportunities and a more efficient booking experience. This is just another advantage of partnering with GolfNow and our expanded reach of golfers searching for tee times.
How does the Reserve with Google process work?
Speed and simplicity to discover and book tee times are the advantages of Reserve with Google, not to mention putting your course directly in front of golfers predisposed to purchase. When a golfer discovers your Golf Facility on Google or Google Maps, they see a “Book Online” button within the Google listing. Upon clicking, the golfer can instantly access your tee times and select the preferred date, time, and group size. Reserve with Google reduces the number of steps it takes for golfers searching for a tee time via Google search to complete their booking, therefore improving conversion rates and delivering more rounds and more golfers for your course.
Why is Reserve with Google good for my course?
The additional Book Online button provides increased exposure to your course’s Google listing and makes it as easy as possible for golfers to transact with your golf course. Reserve with Google offers many advantages including:
1. Increased visibility
2. Streamlined booking process
3. New customer acquisition channel
4. Increased reservations with no additional effort
5. Enhanced customer experience
How do golfers interact with the booking feature?
A golfer can interact in one of two ways:
1. By selecting the prominent “Book Online” button located within the Google results profile. From here, they are given the option to choose between the booking button for GolfNow.com or your golf course’s GolfNow booking engine, and then are immediately directed to select a tee time and complete their booking in seconds via the platform of their choice.
2. By selecting “Services” where they can choose between 9/18 holes, cart/walking, etc. Then “Book Online” will take them straight to tee time results, which are filtered based on the search criteria selected.
What about the golfers already searching for my course on Google?
This new feature doesn’t replace any current search listings displayed; it simply amplifies your presence even more with a Book Online button in the same native Google environment that users are accustomed to.
Can I edit my Golf Facility Listing on Google?
Yes, you can edit your course listing on Google. However, please note that we have no control over your listing and recommend you check Google’s FAQs or help channels.
What information does Google have access to?
The only information Google has access to is your facility address and the services offered (9/18 holes, walking/cart).
Why are there multiple listings included in my course’s Google search results?
Because our goal is to provide maximum exposure for your course, we have been working closely with Google to enhance this new program and now are able to include your course booking engine in addition to your GolfNow listing. This added listing provides golfers with even more opportunities to find and book a round at your course.
Why isn’t the name of my course included in my listing?
Google requires that all listings must match the domain in the URL. You will notice the domain was built according to the technology you were utilizing at the time of onboarding. One of the original names, Tee It Up or EZ Links, was the fundamental domain built to power your booking engine on your website. Given this requirement set by Google, this is how your direct booking engine is required by Google to be displayed. GolfNow.com is the unified name for GolfNow and thus, used for the GolfNow listing. We are anticipating that Google will integrate the official business badge like is displayed for other industries in the near future.
Can I only include the listing for my course booking engine?
At our core, the focus is on amplifying your tee time inventory to reach the largest network of golfers possible. As part of this, these remain connected. If you choose to utilize this feature, GolfNow will also display, giving your course more exposure by providing the golfer with added ways to book a tee time.
I am not interested in using Reserve with Google – can I opt out?
Of course. While we believe this service has the potential to have more golfers discover your golf course, therefore increasing rounds and revenue, your preference comes first. To opt out, simply contact us by filling out the form here and we can take this forward with your Account Manager. Your opt out will apply to all GolfNow services connected to Reserve with Google.
I previously opted out but have changed my mind, can I opt back in?
Of course, to opt in, simply contact us by filling out the form here and we can take this forward with your Account Manager. Your opt in will apply to all GolfNow services connected to Reserve with Google.