How to Use Your Google Business Profile for Local Marketing Success

by Maddie on July 11, 2025

When it comes to local marketing, few tools are more powerful than Google My Business (GMB), now known as Google Business Profile (GBP). If you’re trying to dominate search results for terms like “best gym near me” or “martial arts classes in [your city],” optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective steps you can take.

In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to use Google Business to increase visibility, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately convert more leads. Whether you’re a fitness studio, martial arts school, or service-based business, these local SEO strategies are essential.

1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

Before anything else, claim and verify your profile. It sounds basic, but over one-third of businesses haven’t done it, leaving their profiles incomplete and their visibility limited.

Verified profiles are:

70% more likely to attract in-person visits
50% more likely to convert into purchases
7× more likely to get clicks than incomplete profiles

If you haven’t yet verified your listing, stop here and do it now. This is foundational.

2. Add Show-Stopping Photos

Visual content matters. Google Business Profiles with photos get:

42% more requests for directions
35% more clicks to the website

Want to go big? Profiles with 100+ photos earn over 1,000% more clicks than the average business. Top-ranking listings now include around 250 images, so aim high.

Upload:

High-res interior & exterior shots
Class or service photos
360-degree images (bonus SEO points!)

3. Collect and Respond to GBP Reviews

98% of consumers read reviews before choosing a local business, and search engines factor reviews heavily into rankings. That means every star counts.

A one-star increase on review platforms can lead to a 5–9% increase in revenue, and 71% of users say they check reviews during their research process.

Pro Tip: Encourage satisfied customers to leave detailed reviews with keywords related to your services and location.

4. Post Offers and Updates Frequently

Many businesses leave this feature untouched, yet posting regularly can boost engagement by up to 50%. Posts act like mini-ads, showcasing your latest classes, promotions, or announcements.

Post ideas:

New class schedules
Seasonal offers
Event announcements
Customer success stories

Just one Google Post can drive dozens of new users to your site.

5. Keep Hours, Services & Details Up to Date

Your hours, categories, and service list aren’t just helpful to customers, they’re also important for Google’s algorithm.

70% of customers are more likely to visit when listings are accurate
54% of Gen Z users say “hours of operation” is the #1 field they check
Even unverified edits can overwrite your listing, so audit often!

Check regularly:

Open/close hours
Holidays
Service areas and offerings

6. Optimize for “Near Me” Searches and Mobile Users

Mobile-first behavior dominates. In fact:

76% of mobile users visit a business within 24 hours of a “near me” search
28% of them make a purchase
“Near me” queries have doubled year over year

To win these searches:

Use keywords like “gym near [city]” or “martial arts school near [town]”
Include local landmarks or neighborhoods in your profile

Final Thoughts: Turn Google Business Into a Growth Engine

Google Business Profile isn’t just a directory listing, it’s one of the most powerful free marketing tools available to local businesses. When optimized correctly, it can bring in a steady flow of traffic, leads, and conversions.

At 97Display, we help fitness studios, martial arts schools, and service-based businesses turn online traffic into real-world results. From local SEO strategies to custom website design, we make sure your digital presence works for you.

Want help optimizing your Google Business Profile as part of a complete marketing strategy? Contact 97Display today and let’s take your local marketing to the next level.