The role of yoga teachers is constantly evolving and changing. Unfortunately it’s not only about being a wonderful and empathic yoga teacher, you also need to know how to market your business so customers can find you.  Whether you're a seasoned yoga teacher or the proud owner of a studio, reaching potential students is crucial to your success. One often overlooked but incredibly important tool at your disposal is the Google Business Profile. I’m sure you’ve seen these, and you’re probably already familiar with it, but many small businesses don’t use their GBP as effectively as they could.

Let’s think about why it’s so crucial when you sell a local service. When someone types “yoga near me” into Google (which is probably most searches in our industry!), the first results they see are often not individual websites but Google Business Profiles. That means even if you’re an SEO master and you have the most beautiful website in the business, your customers could be going to someone else’s site who has a swish Google Business Profile.

Why Google Business Profile Is Essential for Yoga Teachers and Studios

Let’s dive into the reasons why having a Google Business Profile is not just beneficial, but essential for anyone offering local yoga, pilates or Sound services.

1. Increase Your Visibility

First impressions matter, and when it comes to local searches, being visible is key. A well-maintained Google Business Profile ensures that your studio is one of the first results potential students see when they search for yoga classes in your area. Imagine someone new to the neighbourhood searching for “yoga near me” – without a Google Business Profile, your studio/classes might not even show up. But with one, you’re suddenly in the spotlight, making it easier for students to find and choose you over your competitors.

2. Build Trust with Potential Students

Trust is everything in the yoga world. Students want to know they’re choosing a studio or teacher they can rely on. A well-crafted Google Business Profile enhances your credibility. By showcasing essential information like your location, hours, services, and most importantly, reviews, you make it easier for potential students to trust and choose you. A profile filled with positive reviews and up-to-date information signals that you’re a reputable and reliable yoga provider.

3. Simplify the Booking Process

In today’s always-on busy busy world, convenience is key. Students appreciate it when they can quickly find the information they need and take action without any hassle. Your Google Business Profile can link directly to your website, class schedule, or booking platform, allowing students to book a class with just a click. By making the booking process as straightforward as possible, you reduce barriers and make it more likely that potential students will follow through and attend your classes.

4. Showcase Reviews and Build Your Reputation

Reviews are gold in a world where thee’s more yoga teachers than ever before. They not only influence decisions but also enhance your online reputation. Encourage your students to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. These reviews serve as testimonials, showcasing the experiences of others and reassuring potential students that they’re making a good choice by coming to your studio. Moreover, you can repurpose these reviews on your website or social media platforms, further amplifying your positive reputation.

5. Stay Connected with Your Community

Your Google Business Profile is not just a static listing; it’s a tool that can be a hub of news. Regularly updating your profile with what’s going on, special offers, or upcoming events keeps your audience informed and connected. These updates show that your studio is active, thriving, and always offering something new to its students. It’s a simple way to maintain a relationship with both current and potential students, ensuring they always know what’s happening at your studio.

6. Gain Valuable Insights

Understanding how students find and interact with your business is invaluable. Google Business Profile provides insightful analytics that can help you track how people are discovering your studio, how many are visiting your website from the profile, and even what actions they are taking. This data is crucial for refining your marketing strategies and ensuring you’re reaching the right audience. The ability to see how effective your profile is gives you the power to make informed decisions and optimise your online presence.

Setting Up Your Google Business Profile: A Few Tips

The best part about Google Business Profile? It’s completely free! 🎉 This makes it an accessible tool for all yoga teachers and studios, regardless of size or budget.

Setting up your profile is relatively straightforward. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of it:

• Use a Fixed Location if Possible: Google Business Profiles are most effective when linked to a physical location. If you operate from a studio, this is ideal. If you’re a mobile yoga teacher or offer classes in various locations, you can set a service area radius. However, this may be less effective than a fixed address, so if you can, use a permanent location.

• Getting Verified: Sometimes, the process of verifying your business can be a bit tricky. Using a professional email associated with your website can make this process smoother. Google might require you to verify your address by making you video your location or by other methods, so be prepared for this step.It’s annoying but worth it.

• Keep Your Profile Updated: Regular updates are crucial. Adding weekly posts or updates takes just a few seconds but can significantly boost your profile’s performance. Whether it’s a special offer, a new class, or a simple inspirational quote, these updates keep your profile fresh and engaging. These updates don’t need to be complicated, they could be “Summer is in full swing. We’ve loved exploring the theme of tapas in classes recently through dynamic movement, and our pranayama techniques. We have a new class starting at 10am on Saturdays, you can expect creative vinyasa sequences which will be accessible for everyone, why not take a look at our website for more information.” Add a nice image. Add a link to your website in the Add Action option.

Additional Resources

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of setting up your Google Business Profile, don’t worry. There are plenty of free resources available to guide you through the process. My website offers a free guide to help you get started, and a quick Google search will yield tons of tutorials and advice on making the most of this powerful tool.

Conclusion

Sadly yoga can be a competitive space, consumers have so many options and making a living as a yoga teacher or studio is not without its challenges. In my opinion a Google Business Profile is a really good tool to help you attract more students and build your business through a strong, local presence. It’s an easy, free way to increase your visibility, build trust, and connect with your community. So, if you haven’t already, take the time to set up your profile today – it’s a small step that could make a big difference to your business.