How AI Is Changing Google Search – and What Yoga Teachers Can Do About It
I have the utmost sympathy for yoga and wellness teachers. You qualified in a craft you feel passionate about because you want to help people feel better in their bodies and minds. What you didn’t realise is that a huge percentage of your job would involve becoming a marketing genius, suddenly you’d be expected to be a graphic designer, web developer, accountant, and the never-ending list of tasks grows. Perhaps you’re just now starting to grapple with the idea of a website and SEO, and now I’m about to tell you you need to write for Artificial Intelligence… I really do get it! It’s a minefield. But the thing is…. lots of this is about thoughtful, helpful, common sense content.
If you expect students find your yoga classes by searching on Google (which I am always telling you is really important), you may have noticed that Google search is starting to look a little different.
Instead of just a list of links, Google now often shows an AI-generated answer at the top of the page.
You’ll find this more for specific search queries, eg Is yoga good for pregnancy? Can pilates help a bad back? — Rather than Yoga for Beginners in Manchester. HOWEVER… this is the case at the moment. This absolutely can change.
So what does this mean for yoga teachers? Will AI take away clicks from your website? And what can you do to make sure your yoga website still shows up in search results?
Here’s what you need to know about how AI is changing Google search — and what steps you can take today to keep your site visible.
What’s happening to Google search?
Google is rolling out a feature called AI Overviews, also known as the Search Generative Experience (SGE).
When someone searches for a question — such as “Is yoga good for back pain?” — they might now see a large AI-generated summary at the top of the results page.
For example:
“Yes, yoga can help with back pain by improving flexibility, strengthening core muscles, and reducing stress. Poses such as cat-cow, child’s pose, and gentle twists may be beneficial.”
Underneath that summary, Google typically lists links to the websites it used to generate the answer, followed by the usual search results.
This change means some users may get the information they need without clicking on any one website.
But it does not mean no one clicks anymore — particularly when they are looking for local services, like a yoga teacher in their area.
Why does AI in search matter for yoga teachers?
The way people find information online is changing (er…. again), but local businesses like yoga teachers still rely on Google to attract students.
Here’s what this shift means for your yoga business:
People searching for local services, such as “yoga classes near me”, still need to find a teacher close to them. Your website and Google Business Profile remain crucial for these searches.
People searching for information, such as “benefits of restorative yoga”, may see an AI-generated answer — but that answer still comes from real websites like yours.
Your content can still appear in the links under the AI summary, and in the standard search results, if it is helpful and well-written.
The key is to ensure your site is clear, useful, and easy for both humans and Google to understand.
How yoga teachers can optimise their websites for AI search
Here are five practical ways to make sure your yoga website stays relevant and visible, even as AI plays a bigger role in search results.
1. Write helpful, specific content
Google’s AI pulls its answers from clear, trustworthy websites.
One of the best things you can do is write blog posts or pages that answer specific questions your students ask you regularly.
Examples include:
What should I wear to my first yoga class?
Is yoga safe during pregnancy?
Five gentle yoga poses for stiff shoulders
These kinds of posts help position you as a helpful, knowledgeable teacher — and give your site a chance to appear in AI summaries or search results. I am always saying to you, Google likes words. It likes content. It doesn’t like pages with 5 words on it or a page called “Classes” (classes of what? for who? Tell me more!)
2. Structure your pages clearly
A clear structure makes your content more readable for both people and search engines.
Use short paragraphs, headings (H1, H2, H3), and bullet points where appropriate.
Here is an example of a clear page structure:
H1: Yoga Classes in [Your Town]
H2: What to Expect in Your First Class
H2: What to Bring
H2: Weekly Class Timetable
H2: How to Book Your Place
Organising your pages this way also makes it easier for AI tools to understand and cite your content. Think about answering key questions people would have. Remember people come through to a page on your website, they don’t always come via your homepage.
3. Optimise for local search
When people look for a yoga teacher near them, the AI still points them to local options — it cannot provide a class itself.
To improve your chances of being found locally, make sure your website and Google Business Profile include:
Your name and business name
The areas you serve (e.g., Muswell Hill, Highgate, Crouch End)
Clear contact details and a map or directions >> a good tip here is to embed your Google Map in your actual website here is how to do that
Up-to-date opening hours and class schedule
4. Show your personality
AI-generated summaries can feel impersonal and generic — but your students are looking for a teacher they connect with.
Make sure your website reflects who you are, what it feels like to be in your classes, and what makes your teaching special.
You can do this by:
Including nice photos of you and your classes
Sharing short stories or testimonials from students
Writing in a warm, approachable tone
This helps build trust and makes your site memorable. We really don’t want AI writing to be all we ever see. Bring your you-ness!
5. Check that your site performs well
Even if AI means fewer people click through to your website, the ones who do visit expect it to load quickly and work well on their phone.
Review your site to ensure it:
Loads quickly
Works on mobile devices
Has clear navigation and easy-to-find booking options
The good news for yoga teachers
Google’s AI still depends on real websites like yours to create its answers.
By keeping your website clear, helpful, and locally relevant, you can continue to attract new students — and even feature in the AI-generated answers themselves.
And remember: yoga is a personal, human service. People may read an AI summary about yoga, but when they are ready to join a class, they still want to find and connect with a real teacher.
Next steps for your yoga website
Here are some actions you can take today:
Review your website to make sure it clearly explains who you help and where you are based.
Write a blog post answering a common student question.
Update your Google Business Profile with fresh information and photos.
Check your site on your phone to make sure it is easy to use.
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