Where to find this: Use this guide after setting up Google My Business to maximize your online presence across all platforms parents check.
Be everywhere parents look
You’ve optimized your Google My Business profile (which drives 80% of your local visibility). Now let’s capture the remaining 20% by claiming your business on every other platform parents check when researching coaches. The best part? With your GMB profile complete, you already have everything needed to set these up in one focused afternoon.The compound effect: Each listing reinforces the others. When Google sees consistent business information across the web, it trusts you more and ranks you higher. This is called NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone), and it’s SEO gold.
Your copy-paste kit
Before starting, create a document with this information ready to copy-paste into each platform:Gather your business information
Create a master document with:Basic Information
- Business name (exactly as on GMB)
- Address (or service area)
- Phone number
- Website URL (your CoachIQ site)
- Email address
- Hours of operation
Prepare your photos
Have these ready in a folder:
- Logo/headshot (profile photo)
- Action shot coaching (cover photo)
- Facility photos (3-5 angles)
- Athletes training (3-5 with permission)
- Certifications/credentials
- Group training or camp photos
Quick wins: Major platforms (15 minutes each)
Apple Maps Connect
Why it matters: iPhone users (50% of U.S. smartphones) see Apple Maps results in Siri, Spotlight search, and Maps app.Access Apple Business Connect
- Go to register.apple.com/business
- Sign in with Apple ID (or create one)
- Click “Add a place”
Enter business details
- Search for your business first (it might exist from other data sources)
- If found, claim it. If not, add new
- Copy-paste your NAP information
- Select category: “Sports & Recreation” → “Sports Coach”
- Add your hours and website
Bing Places for Business
Why it matters: Powers results for Bing, Yahoo, Alexa, and Cortana. Popular with older demographics (many sports parents).Import from Google My Business (easiest method)
- Go to bingplaces.com
- Sign in with Microsoft account
- Click “Import” → “Google My Business”
- Authorize the connection
- Select your business to import
Yelp for Business
Why it matters: Parents trust Yelp reviews. Even if they find you on Google, many check Yelp for validation.Claim your business
- Go to biz.yelp.com
- Search for your business
- If it exists (likely), claim it
- If not, add it via “Add a Business”
Complete your profile
- Business hours and location
- Add specialties (important on Yelp)
- Upload photos (Yelp loves visual content)
- Write your “From the Business” description
- Add a “Call to Action” button linking to CoachIQ
Social proof platforms
Facebook Business Page
Why it matters: Parent groups live on Facebook. They ask for coach recommendations in local parenting groups daily.Create your page
- Go to facebook.com/pages/create
- Choose “Business or Brand”
- Enter business name and category (“Sports & Fitness Instruction”)
- Add profile and cover photos
Optimize for local discovery
Essential sections to complete:
- About: Use your long description
- Services: List all offerings with prices
- Contact Info: Phone, website, email
- Hours: Match your GMB hours
- Location: Exact address or service area
- Reviews and recommendations
- Messaging (link to CoachIQ inbox if possible)
- Book Now button → Link to CoachIQ scheduler
Nextdoor Business
Why it matters: Hyperlocal platform where neighbors recommend services. Gold mine for “looking for a coach” posts.Create business page
- First, create personal account at nextdoor.com
- Verify your address
- Go to Business section → “Claim your business”
- Add business details
Optimize for recommendations
- Choose “Professional Services” → “Sports Instruction”
- Add service area (crucial on Nextdoor)
- Upload photos showing local involvement
- Write a neighbor-friendly description emphasizing community connection
Instagram Location Setup
Why it matters: Athletes and parents tag training locations. This creates social proof and discoverability.Create location tag
- Open Instagram → Create new post
- Click “Add Location”
- Search for your business
- If not found, click “Add [Business Name]”
- Complete the post to create the location
Local and community directories
City Recreation Department
Most cities list private coaches who use public facilities or offer complementary training. How to get listed:- Contact your Parks & Recreation department
- Ask about their “instructor registry” or “approved vendors list”
- Complete any required insurance/background check documentation
- Submit your business information
- Often free or low annual fee
Being on the city’s list adds massive credibility. Parents trust city-vetted coaches.
Local Sports League Directories
Where to list:- Youth league websites (Little League, AYSO, Pop Warner)
- High school athletic department resources
- Club team partner pages
- Tournament organizer vendor lists
Chamber of Commerce
If you’re serious about business growth, join your local Chamber. Benefits:- Directory listing on Chamber website
- Networking with other businesses
- Referrals from Chamber members
- Enhanced credibility
- Often includes ribbon cutting for new businesses
Local Parenting Magazines/Websites
Every city has parenting publications with online directories. Common names to search:- “[City] Parent Magazine”
- “[City] Family Magazine”
- “[Metro Area] Kids Directory”
- “Macaroni Kid [Your Area]”
Monthly maintenance checklist
Set a recurring reminder for the first Monday of each month:10-Minute Quick Check
- Consistency audit: Open all platforms and verify NAP is identical
- Hours update: Adjust for holidays, camps, or seasonal changes
- New photos: Add 1-2 fresh photos to Facebook and Instagram
- Review check: Respond to any new reviews on Yelp or Facebook
Quarterly Deep Update
- Refresh descriptions: Update achievements, new certifications, or programs
- Service updates: Add new offerings or adjust prices
- Photo refresh: Swap out old photos for recent ones
- Link check: Ensure all links point to correct CoachIQ pages
Annual Audit
- Platform audit: Check for new platforms to join
- Remove duplicates: Search for and merge any duplicate listings
- Competitive analysis: See where competitors are listed that you’re not
Common questions
Which platforms are actually worth my time?
Which platforms are actually worth my time?
Must-haves: Google My Business (already done), Facebook Business, Apple Maps
Worth it: Yelp, Nextdoor, Instagram location
Only if time: Bing, Chamber, local directoriesFocus on where YOUR specific parent demographic spends time.
What if my business already exists on these platforms?
What if my business already exists on these platforms?
Great! Claim it immediately. Unclaimed listings often have wrong information and missed opportunities. Claiming gives you control to optimize and respond to reviews.
Should I pay for premium listings?
Should I pay for premium listings?
How do I handle different locations?
How do I handle different locations?
If you train at multiple fixed locations, create separate listings for each. If you’re mobile or use temporary spaces, use one listing with service areas. Keep it simple - parents just need to find you.
What about sports-specific platforms?
What about sports-specific platforms?
Most aren’t worth it unless you’re targeting college recruiting (then consider NCSA) or teaching pros (certification body directories). Parents don’t search these platforms for youth coaching.

