If you’re looking to improve your online presence (and local SEO) so you can grow your gym and attract more gym members, then one of the most important things you can do is optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) (formerly known as Google My Business).
Why should you care about your GBP? Simple. It’s one of the most effective ways to increase your online visibility and attract new members. So, let’s dive right in and learn how to make the most of your GBP.
1. Claim and Verify Your Fitness Business
First things first, you need to claim and verify your gym’s GBP listing. If you haven’t already, head over to www.google.com/business, click the ‘Manage Now’ button and follow the steps. Once verified (which can take around 3 days but no more than 7), you can manage your profile and ensure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Fill Out Your GBP for Your Fitness Business Completely
Now that you’ve taken the first step and claimed your listing, it’s time to fill in all the details. This includes your gym’s name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Be as accurate and consistent as possible to avoid any confusion for potential members. And don’t forget to choose the right category for your gym – this helps Google understand your business better and show it to the right audience. If you’re not sure, take a look at the Google profiles of your competitors to see the categories they’ve selected.
3. Add Eye-Catching Photos and Videos of Your Fitness Business
Photos and videos are crucial when it comes to attracting new members. Upload high-quality photos and videos of your gym, showcasing your members, equipment, facility, and classes. And don’t forget to include pictures of your team – they’re a big piece of the experience too! This gives your listing life and helps potential clients get a feel for your gym’s atmosphere and community.
4. Collect and Respond to Reviews of Your Fitness Business
Online reviews are a major factor in a potential member’s decision-making process. Ask your current members to leave reviews of your fitness business on your GBP, and make sure to respond to each review. Responding to these reviews (both the positive and negative) shows that you care about your members’ experiences and helps build trust with potential clients.
5. Post Regular Updates and Offers
GBP allows you to create ‘Posts’ that appear directly on your listing. Use this feature to share updates, news, and special offers. This keeps your profile fresh and engaging while providing potential members valuable information about your gym. Any special promotions you’re offering to your current clients or to your email list, be sure to add that information to your GBP.
6. Utilize the Booking Feature
Google Business Profile offers a booking feature that can be linked to your gym’s scheduling system. You can actually post any link here that a prospect can click to find out more about you. This makes it incredibly easy for potential members to book a class or even a consultation directly from your GBP. Be sure to take advantage of this feature to make it easy for potential members to see how they can work with you.
7. Analyze and Monitor Your GBP Performance
GBP provides simple, yet valuable insights into how your listing is performing. Keep an eye on the number of views, clicks, calls, and bookings that are being generated through your profile. Then, use this data to identify trends and areas for improvement. This will help you make informed decisions about your marketing strategy and ensure your GBP profile is working effectively for your fitness business.
8. Optimize Your GBP Listing for Local SEO
To improve your gym’s online visibility in local search results, you need to focus on local SEO. This includes incorporating relevant local keywords into your GBP profile, like the city or neighborhood your gym is located in. Additionally, ALWAYS ensure your gym’s name, address, and phone number are consistent across all online platforms. (We recommend using a tool like Moz Local for this instead of trying to manage it on your own.)
9. Maintain Your GBP for Your Fitness Business
An up-to-date and accurate GBP is critical for attracting new members. Create a system to regularly review your profile so that you can ensure all information is current. Continue to engage with reviews, questions, and insights in real time. Your GBP profile should be an ongoing part of your gym’s marketing strategy.
Use the Google Business Profile app to help manage your GBP listing right from your phone. You can:
- Manage how your local business appears on Google Search and Maps
- Edit your business information (e.g. address, phone number, and hours)
- Respond to reviews, questions, and messages from customers
- Share new photos and post updates on special offers and events
- See how customers find and interact with your business on Google
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is an essential step towards growing your gym and attracting new members. By following these simple steps, you’ll not only improve your online visibility but also create a strong first impression for potential clients. It just doesn’t make sense to wait any longer – start optimizing your gym’s GBP today and let Google get to work for you!
Want more information on how to improve your Online Presence? Check out our How To Improve My Online Presence: A Gym Owner’s Guide.
