Recently we did a study that looked at websites for over 300 lacrosse clubs around the country. The ‘number’ 1 thing we were looking for (see what I did there) on these websites were phone numbers. Unfortunately, a whopping 60% of club lacrosse websites failed to put up a phone number. Of the 40% that HAD their phone number on their website, only 10% had a phone number on their HOMEPAGE. This means, 90% of the club lacrosse programs in our study either HAD NO number on their website or HAD a number, but you were forced to search for it on their website. Making people search for your club programs phone number is definitely a negative. However, not having a number on your site is a BIG negative for a variety of reasons. Below we listed 5 BIG reasons why you should have your clubs phone numbers on the front of your website:
- Lacrosse clubs that run showcase events, such as FLG, cannot find a way to contact you. These are missed opportunities for your players to attend recruiting or training events. FLG looks to connect and build relationships with club lacrosse programs, non-profit organizations, families, college coaches, and vendors by shooting out a phone call. If we can’t find your number, it makes it really difficult to build that relationship!
- College coaches who want to recruit your players cannot find a way to contact you. Coaches that cannot contact a club may choose to recruit a player from a more responsive/reliable club program. Being that the recruiting process is getting faster and faster, college coaches can’t call the player or player’s family. Therefore, they will contact the club lacrosse team they play for. If they don’t have your number, than how will they get in touch?!
- Parents interested in your club have no way of contacting you to ask questions about your program. Researching lacrosse clubs online can take a lot of time and energy. Some parents prefer being able to jump on a phone call to learn more about your club. Make it easy for new parents to give you a call and answer any questions you may have.
- Not having a phone number makes it look as though you have something to hide. Not being able to easily make a one-on-one interaction with a company is alarming and frustrating. Lacrosse clubs are in the service business. It’s our duty to answer and assist parents, coaches, and other club directors on a day-to-day basis.
- A phone number bridges the gap between online and offline engagement. Customers want to know there is someone behind what they see online. Being able to dial a number and speak with someone that represents your lacrosse club is a great way to spread your club program’s mission and help grow your business.
Continue to build relationships, help studletes, connect with parents, and be receptive to new interactions. Most importantly, help your business and those within it by adding your phone number to your website!
