How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile as a Yoga or Pilates Teacher
If you want your classes to be found by local students, optimising your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most effective things you can do. Whether you teach in a studio, run classes in community halls, or travel between venues, having a well-optimised profile helps you show up when people search things like “yoga near me” or “Pilates in [your town]”.
But just setting up a profile isn’t enough, you need to fully optimise it to get the most from it. Here's how to do that, along with tips for teachers who don’t have a permanent business address.
Firstly, let’s just reiterate again, the relationship between Google, Google Business Profile & Your Website as I see confusion here.
Google and Google Business Profile (GBP) are related but distinct.
Google is the massive search engine where people look for information online. It includes Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube, and more.
Google Business Profile is a specific tool within Google that allows businesses (like yoga teachers and studios) to manage how they appear in Google Search and Google Maps.
Think of it like this:
Google is like a giant library.
Google Business Profile is your personal sign in that library, helping people find your yoga business.
Even though GBP is part of Google, managing your Google Business Profile doesn’t mean you control all of Google. It just means you can influence how your business appears when people search for yoga in your area. Google Business Profiles are what show up first when someone does a local search, they appear on a map ahead of organic websites.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Listing
Before you can do anything, you need to make sure you’ve claimed your listing and completed the verification process. This gives you full control over the profile, so you can update information, respond to reviews, and post updates.
Step 2: Check All Your Contact Details
Ensure your:
Phone number (if you feel comfortable with this, you absolutely don’t need to include)
Email address
Website URL
Business address
are accurate and up to date. Mistakes here can mean missed enquiries or students going to the wrong place.
Step 3: Set Your Opening Hours
Google rewards businesses that keep their information current. Be sure to:
Add your regular teaching hours (or hours you’re available for contact)
Update for holidays, special events or seasonal changes
Even if your hours vary, having something listed is better than leaving it blank.
Step 4: Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description
Use this space to clearly explain what you offer, who you help, and where you’re based. Use natural language but try to include key phrases that people might search for….like:
“I teach friendly, accessible Hatha Yoga classes in and around Stockport, with a focus on stress relief and gentle movement.”
Don’t keyword stuff (Hatha Yoga, Yoga Classes, Hatha Yoga for Beginners - ie sentences that don’t make sense) but do help Google (and potential students) understand what you do.
Step 5: Choose the Right Categories
Make sure you’ve chosen the most accurate primary category, such as:
Yoga Studio
Pilates Studio
Meditation Centre
Wellness Centre
You can also add subcategories to reflect the variety of services you offer, like Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or Private Pilates Sessions.
Step 6: Add a 'Book Now' Button
Connect your profile to your booking system if possible (e.g., Momence, Acuity, TeamUp, etc.) - this isn’t always possible so explore it but don’t worry if the link is to your website.
Step 7: Fill Out the Services Section
Use the Services tab to list what you offer. Add each class type, retreat, or 1:1 session with a short description and price (if applicable). This helps your profile show up in more relevant searches. Remember to keep this up to date.
Step 8: Upload Quality Photos
Photos massively boost the performance of your profile. Aim to include:
A clear photo of yourself
Interior/exterior of your studio or venue
Class setups (with permission)
Branded images or flyers
Avoid blurry, dark, or outdated pictures, Google loves fresh content.
Step 9: Build Your Reviews
Reviews help build trust and can significantly influence people’s decision to attend your class. Ask regular students to leave a review, and reply to every one, even just with a simple “Thank you!”
Top tip: Set up a short link to make it easier for people to leave reviews.
Step 10: Post Updates Regularly
Treat your Google profile a bit like social media. You can post:
Class updates or time changes
Seasonal offers
Retreat announcements
Events or workshops
Special promotions for new students
This shows Google your business is active and keeps your profile fresh and engaging. Don’t overthink these posts they don’t need to be complex. Simple updates.
What If You Don’t Teach From a Fixed Address?
If you travel between venues, hire space in different halls, or teach outdoors, you might be wondering: “Can I still have a Google Business Profile?”
Yes, you absolutely can.
Instead of listing a physical address, you can set a service area (e.g. “within 15 miles of Brighton”). This tells Google the area where you operate, without needing a public-facing location. Just make sure to:
Leave the address field blank or hide your address (Google will guide you)
Accurately set your service area by radius or postcode
Ensure your venue addresses are clearly shown on your website and in class descriptions
This setup is common for mobile therapists, tutors, and yoga teachers who operate in multiple locations.
Final Thoughts
A well-optimised Google Business Profile is one of the best free marketing tools available for yoga and Pilates teachers. It helps you show up in local search results, builds trust with new students, and makes it easier for people to take that first step and book a class.
If tech isn’t your thing or you’re not sure where to start, Santosha Marketing offers friendly, jargon-free support to help you get your local marketing sorted, including setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile.
