It is now a well-known reality that Google puts your business on the map, quite literally. With millions using Android phones and Google data as the baseline for other local sites and apps, your Google Business Profile (GBP) has never been more important. If your Pilates studio is not on Google, your business risks disappearing for modern consumers who search digitally before committing to local experiences.

Running a local Pilates studio, there’s a good chance that you are already on Google Maps and have a Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business/GMB). But is it providing all the SEO benefits that it could? Are you winning the competition for local searches and consistently showing up at the top of local searches for your business type?

This article will guide you through optimizing your GBP to boost your studio’s on-map visibility and local SEO results.  

What is a Google Business Profile?

Your Google Business Profile is, essentially, your Google business account. It is how Google knows who you are and how to serve your local Pilates studio best to search engine users. Google needs to know your location and service area, hours and services, and whether you’re an active proprietor who will become a source of positive Google reviews. Google will recommend businesses close to local users, offer what customers are looking for, provide informative details and photos, and be active on the platform to prove the business is still open.

Fulfilling these requirements is the best way to boost your local visibility through the most powerful and widely used local business platform, Google Maps, and all the apps that use its data.

What Happened to Google My Business

If you’re used to reading about GMB or Google My Business, that’s because Google low-key changed the name to Google Business Profile in 2021, along with a few subtle feature changes. The changes mainly allow you to use more features directly through the Maps and Search interface instead of the old GMB app.

Google Business Profile Features

Your Google Business Profile has several features and customization options. To optimize your total exposure to local customers and those planning to travel to your area, you’ll want to fill out as many data points and use as many features as possible.

  • Address and Service Area
  • Business Information
    • Category
    • Name and Description
    • Products and Services
    • Hours and Days Open
    • Questions and Answers
  • Menu or Room Listings
  • Direct Booking and Ordering
  • 3D Virtual Tours
  • Customer Reviews

Advantages of Google Business Profiles

Having a well-managed Google Business Profile is extremely beneficial for local businesses. An eye-catching set of photos and welcoming descriptions can attract new customers, while glowing reviews and positive responses to reviews assure everyone that your venue is a great place to be. GBP can even streamline orders and bookings through integrated widgets.

How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

Optimizing your Pilates studio GBP listing is easier than it sounds, but it requires constant attention to keep your profile in top form and provide your studio with the greatest local SEO benefit.

Descriptions and Categories

First, make sure your studio is well-described. Your GBP category is very important. Depending on your overall business model, categorize your business correctly as a Pilates studio, dance studio, or fitness facility. Once your category is chosen, write a detailed description of your venue, mentioning your services, classes, and keywords to help clients navigate your listing. 

Up-to-Date Contact Information

Regularly check to ensure your contact information and availability schedule are loaded for Google to share with customers. Your studio hours, phone number, and support email are all essential for your profile. When catering to local clients, it is important to be available when they are motivated to seek your services. A link to live chat support is also modern and helpful, even if backed only by a bot.

Plentiful Photos

Photos make the internet world go ’round. They draw in new customers by proving that your beautiful studio exists and offers appealing fitness experiences. Always begin with an attractive view of the front of your studio or the entryway. Then, have a photographer create a small video tour of the property that clients might enjoy.

Take pictures of your studio interior. This can include a class in session (with permission), the staff smiling naturally, and the ambiance of your studio. For optimal SEO, remember to label each photo with a category and name for the content.

From there, your clients and students may upload their own photographs, which will lend depth and social proof to your business profile.

Questions and Answers

Your Q&A section is a great opportunity to fill out your Google Business Profile with optional information. Before you get your first customer-asked question, you can seed the Q&A with a few FAQs and useful answers. This will provide more personable information to your first online customers. When customers begin to ask questions about Pilates, class hours, services, and so on —, you, as the proprietor, should seek to answer them quickly.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are essential for your Pilates studio’s Google Business Profile. While you can’t force them, you can do things to encourage reviews and reward those who leave positive reviews on your page. Respond to all or most reviews with a warm ‘thank you’ and handle negative reviews with diplomacy, reflecting well on your brand as an even-tempered team willing to seek solutions when a customer has a bad time.

Conversion Tools

Lastly, look for opportunities to use Google’s built-in conversion tools and widgets. These are usually available based on your chosen category. Restaurants can link a menu and use Google’s online ordering platform with a selection from all the delivery services that include your restaurant. Hotels can be found by room price and book rooms directly through Google search. 

As a Pilates studio, you can link customers directly to book a class time or schedule a call.

Get Discovered Through Google with Brillity Digital

Your local Pilates studio deserves the attention of local students. The best way to achieve that today is by optimizing your SEO results with a stellar Google Business Profile listing. Detailing and interacting with your GBP increases your chances of being featured in local customer searches. Questions? Contact us!