TOPIC:

Peninsula Toastmasters request you evaluate our website.
We would like to appear higher on Google searches and would like our site evaluated and any recommendations to improve.
Our club number is 1444 and website is  Peninsula Toastmasters Club (toastmastersclubs.org)
 

First of all, I enjoyed looking at all the pictures and club news on your website! It reminds me of our club in Rome, Georgia (USA). Ours was chartered in 1972. I'm not sure how to make it appear more quickly on Google, but you're welcome to look at ours if you just want to see some other club websites (romegeorgia.toastmastersclubs.org). The only thing I saw that you might want to change is a couple of typos--
*Meeting info. page--Redcliffe should be capitalized in one place; speeches is misspelled on one line
*Club News page--2nd line about Madonna Bryant should read  "...Club and Area..." 

Good luck!
--Merrill J. Davies, DTM
 

Thank you for the feedback - I have corrected the typos.
Love your website - particularly the meet the members - I will add that to ours as well.

Thanks for sharing your website.  I get a lot of great ideas from seeing other's concepts.

I have found the best way to enhance the Google standing is to use key words that the average person might be searching for on a google search in your content.  I would suggest adding a page to speak about the curricula in Pathways as the Pathways titles and projects are words that are commonly searched for.  Also adding a page to speak about leadership will give you more searchable words.  Menu options such as the Toastmasters Video doesn't benefit your guests, your members or your club.  Create your own content to feature the best parts of your club while maximizing keywords.

The most important page is HOME but you might be surprised to know that #2 is Meet Our Members - because visitors want to see if you look like normal people. Make each member's bio a Toast-a-monial to your club.  #3 is the Club Calendar because visitors want to see if your club is a happening place.  Put focus on these pages.

In looking at your website I would encourage 3 things:
1) let visitors know what's unique and special about your club.  I mean, all Toastmasters clubs are friendly and supportive.  Why would I join your club over all other clubs? Present your club's unique selling point.
2) design each page as if you were crafting a speech.  Stay focused on one message and keep your points concise. Most people don't "read" a website -  they skim it. Short sentences. Short paragraphs. Impressions and bullet points are your friend.
3) don't be bashful about letting the reader know how to join. Talk about the value vs costs or share a virtual guest packet with membership application in your public downloads area.

I love your photos of happy, smiling members.  Get a few more  - showing members holding trophies, ribbons or Pathways completion certificates.  This way you're showing the reader that at your club members are having fun while being serious about personal growth. You have great photos - sprinkle them all over your website - on every page - to reinforce this message.

And before I forget, thank you for choosing a nice size font.  If your average member is 40-something then that font needs to be a wee bit larger than those college clubs with 20-something year old members. Hate itty-bitty font.  Your size is perfect!

Good luck!
Arlynn
Midway Toastmasters #1990654   midwaytm.toastmastersclubs.org/