--- title: How to Use Your Google Business Profile for Local Marketing Success - 97 Display description: Optimize your Google Business Profile to boost visibility, rank higher in local search, and drive more leads. See why 97Display makes it easy. image: https://blog.97display.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/google-search-console-idle-1652271579-2-1.webp --- July 11, 2025 # How to Use Your Google Business Profile for Local Marketing Success By 97display ![](https://blog.97display.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/google-search-console-idle-1652271579-2-1.webp) 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**](https://searchendurance.com/google-business-profile-statistics/)** of businesses haven�t done it**, leaving their profiles incomplete and their visibility limited. Verified profiles are: - [70% more likely](https://support.google.com/business/thread/255252036/customers-can%E2%80%99t-see-your-business-information-get-verified-to-let-them-find-you-on-google?hl=en) to attract in-person visits - 50% more likely to convert into purchases - [7_ more likely](https://support.google.com/business/thread/13428841/how-google-my-business-impacts-ranking?hl=en) 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](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/local-seo/optimize-google-my-business/) for directions - 35% more clicks to the website Want to go big? Profiles with **100+ photos** earn **over **[**1,000% more clicks**](https://searchengineland.com/new-research-shows-strong-link-between-google-my-business-photo-quantity-and-search-performance-320199) 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**](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/online-review-stats)** 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**](https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=41233)** in revenue**, and [**71% of users**](https://backlinko.com/online-review-stats) 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%**](https://kamillo68.medium.com/why-your-small-business-should-post-frequently-on-google-my-business-gmb-271058c60188). 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](https://support.google.com/business/thread/298203073/profile-says-incomplete?hl=en) are more likely to visit when listings are accurate - [54% of Gen Z users](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media-gen-z/485152/) 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](https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/mobile-location-searches-to-store-visit-data/) 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*](https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/search/being-there-micromoments-especially-mobile/) To win these searches: - Use keywords like �gym near [city]� or �martial arts school near [town]� - Include local landmarks or neighborhoods in your profile Related Reading: [Leveraging Your Local SEO Strategy: Why �Near Me� Searches Matter](https://97display.com/blog/leveraging-local-seo-strategy/) ## **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**](https://97display.com/), we help fitness studios, martial arts schools, and service-based businesses turn online traffic into real-world results. From [**local SEO strategies**](https://97display.com/services/seo/) to [**custom website design**](https://97display.com/services/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. [![logo97DWhite](https://blog.97display.com/hubfs/logo97DWhite.png "logo97DWhite") ](https://97display.com/?utm_campaign=Facebook%20%7C%2097Display%20In-house%20-%20Conversion%20%7C%20REpOrtIdentifier&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&hsa_acc=252252635988079&hsa_cam=120212636858560277&hsa_grp=120233530984810277&hsa_ad=120233530984820277&hsa_src=%5BSITE_SOURCE_NAME%5D&hsa_net=facebook&hsa_ver=3) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. 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