Your potential customer picks up their phone, types "yoga near me" — and finds three studios on Google Maps. Yours isn't one of them. Not because you're worse. But because you've never properly filled out your Google Business Profile.
That's the new reality: people no longer search in phone books or on Facebook. They search on Google. And Google shows them the three most relevant local results — the so-called "map pack" — at the top of the page. Above every other result. Above your website. Above your ads.
The good news? It takes less than an hour to optimise your profile. And it doesn't cost a penny.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the information card that appears when someone searches for your business — or for a type of business in your area. It shows your name, address, phone number, opening hours, photos, reviews and a link to your website.
The profile is free. You create it at business.google.com and verify that you own the business — usually by postcard, SMS or phone call.
46% of all Google searches have local intent. And 88% of people who search locally on mobile visit or call a business within 24 hours.
So it's not a "nice to have." It's where your customers start.
Why does it matter so much for your studio or clinic?
When someone searches "yoga classes Manchester" or "physiotherapist Bristol", Google first shows a map with three results. That's the map pack. It captures more than half of all clicks.
Which means even the best website in the world won't help you if you're not visible in the map pack. Your Google Business Profile is the entry ticket.
Numbers that speak for themselves
86% of all profile views come from "discovery searches" — people searching "yoga near me", not your studio name.
Fully completed profiles appear in search results 80% more often and generate 4x more website visits.
Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to the website.
In other words: your profile isn't about being found by people who already know you. It's about being found by people looking for what you offer.
Step 1: Create and verify your profile
Go to business.google.com and search for your studio name. If it already exists — for example because Google created it automatically from a register — you can "claim" the profile. Otherwise, create a new one.
Google will verify that you're the rightful owner. This usually happens via:
- Postcard. Google sends a card with a code to your address. Takes 5-14 days.
- Phone or SMS. Faster, but not always available.
- Email. Some business types can verify via email.
Verification is a one-off. Once you're verified, you have full control over the profile.
Step 2: Pick the right category
The category is the single most important factor in whether you appear in local search. Choose the most precise category as your primary one — not a broad, generic one.
- Yoga studio? Pick "Yoga studio" — not "Fitness centre"
- Physiotherapist? Pick "Physiotherapist" — not "Health clinic"
- Dog trainer? Pick "Dog trainer" — not "Pet service"
- Dance school? Pick "Dance school" — not "Leisure activity"
You can add up to nine secondary categories. If you offer both yoga and meditation, for example, add "Meditation centre" as a secondary category.
Step 3: Fill in every field — no exceptions
Google rewards complete profiles. It sounds obvious, but most small studios and clinics have half-empty profiles. This is where you can overtake competitors without spending a penny.
Name, address, phone (NAP)
Make sure your name, address and phone number are 100% identical everywhere — on your website, on Facebook, in directories, everywhere. Google cross-checks and rewards consistency.
Opening hours
Even if your studio is class-based and doesn't have "opening hours" in the traditional sense. Set the hours when people can contact you or drop in. Always update for bank holidays and seasonal closures.
Description
Write a natural 2-4 sentence text describing what you offer and where. Think about what your customers would search for.
Example of a good description
"Sunrise Yoga offers welcoming, accessible classes in hatha, vinyasa and yin yoga in the heart of Brighton. We have classes for every level — from complete beginners to experienced yogis. Book online and try your first class free."
Don't stuff the description with keywords. Google penalises it. Write for humans, not robots.
Website and booking link
Add your website and — where possible — a direct link to your booking. The fewer clicks between search and sign-up, the better.
Step 4: Upload real photos
Photos are the first thing people look at. And Google rewards profiles with photos with markedly more views.
Upload at least:
- Logo and cover image. Your logo and an inviting photo of your studio.
- Studio shots. Show the room, the equipment, the atmosphere. People want to know what they're walking into.
- Class photos. Real people in action. Not stock images.
- Instructor or practitioner portraits. People book with people.
Refresh the photos a few times a year. It signals to Google that your business is active and current.
Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to the website.
Step 5: Collect reviews — systematically
Reviews are the second most important factor for your visibility in local search. And they're decisive in whether people actually click your result.
A studio with 80 reviews and 4.7 stars will almost always rank higher than one with 10 reviews — no matter how good the website is.
How to get more reviews
- Ask directly. After a good class, a successful treatment, a positive moment. Most people say yes if you ask.
- Make it easy. Google offers a direct review link you can share via SMS, email or a QR code in the studio.
- QR code at reception. Print a QR code that goes straight to your review page. Put it by the exit.
- Timing. Send a link 1-2 hours after the class, while the experience is still fresh.
A steady flow of new reviews counts for more than a large pile of old ones. Google prioritises recency.
Reply to every review
Yes, every one. Including the negative ones. A polite, professional reply to a negative review shows potential customers you take feedback seriously. And Google rewards active profiles.
77% of consumers read reviews before choosing a local business. Your response rate matters as much as the review itself.
Step 6: Use Google posts actively
Google Business Profile has a posts feature that works like mini-updates directly in search results. Think of it as a social media channel that appears exactly where people are looking for you.
Use posts to share:
- New class times or seasonal changes. "We're adding a morning class every Wednesday from April."
- Workshops and events. "Breathwork workshop Saturday the 22nd — only 12 spots."
- Offers. "Try your first class free in March."
- Tips and knowledge. "3 breathing exercises for stress — try them today."
Posts signal to Google that your profile is active. A weekly post is ideal. It takes five minutes.
Step 7: Add questions and answers
Your Google profile has a Q&A section. Most people ignore it. That's a mistake.
Add the most common questions yourself and answer them straight away:
- "Can I come as a beginner?" — "Yes, we have classes for every level. No experience needed."
- "Is there parking?" — "Yes, free parking behind the building."
- "What does a class cost?" — "A single class is £15. We also offer class packs and memberships."
- "Do I need to bring my own mat?" — "No, we have mats and equipment for everyone."
It removes barriers for new customers and gives Google more content to work with.
Bonus: Get ready for AI search
Google, ChatGPT and other AI search engines increasingly draw on data from Google Business Profiles when answering local questions. If someone asks an AI "What yoga studios are in Leeds?", it's your profile data that decides whether you get mentioned.
An incomplete profile simply gets skipped. A well-filled profile with photos, reviews and posts has a far greater chance of being recommended — by both Google and AI assistants.
Yet another reason to take 30 minutes now and get your profile in shape.
Checklist: 30 minutes to an optimised profile
Here's everything you need to do — gathered in one list. Set aside half an hour and run through it:
- Create or claim your profile at business.google.com
- Verify your business (postcard, phone or email)
- Pick a precise primary category and add relevant secondary categories
- Fill in name, address, phone — identical to your website
- Add opening hours and update for holidays
- Write a natural description with local search terms
- Add website and booking link
- Upload 5-10 photos — logo, studio, classes, instructors
- Create a direct review link and share it with your customers
- Print a QR code for reception
- Write 3-5 questions and answers in the Q&A section
- Publish your first post
That's it. No technical knowledge required. No payment. Just 30 minutes that can give you a stream of new customers — every single month.
Class Booking turns visibility into bookings
An optimised Google profile brings people to you. But what happens when they click through? With Class Booking you get a booking system that makes it easy for new customers to sign up — directly from your website, without phone calls or email back-and-forth.
- Online booking. Customers sign up for classes around the clock.
- Class packs and memberships. Flexible payment models that fit your studio.
- Automatic reminders. Fewer no-shows, more attendance.
- Waitlist. Full classes are used better, and customers don't miss out.
- Stripe payments. Card and Apple Pay that just work.
Try Class Booking free for 14 days →
This article was last updated on 8 March 2026.