Why GMB Matters
When someone searches "gym near me" or "best gym in [area]", Google shows:
- Google Ads (paid)
- Google Maps pack (GMB listings)
- Organic results (websites)
Position 1-3 in Maps pack gets 90% of clicks. That's GMB.
Setting Up Your GMB
Step 1: Claim Your Listing
- Go to google.com/business
- Search for your gym
- Claim or create listing
- Verify (postcard/phone/email)
Step 2: Complete Every Field
Business Name:
- Exact legal name
- Don't stuff keywords
- "WTF Gym Jayanagar" ✓
- "Best Gym Jayanagar Fitness Center Weight Loss" ✗
Category:
- Primary: Gym (or Fitness Center)
- Secondary: Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Service
Address:
- Exact pin location
- Verify on map
- Add service area if relevant
Hours:
- Accurate opening/closing
- Update for holidays
- Add "More hours" for classes
Phone:
- Main reception number
- Click-to-call enabled
- Track calls from GMB
Website:
- Your website URL
- Or landing page for GMB traffic
Description (750 characters):
WTF Gym is Jayanagar's premier fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, expert trainers, and AC workout space. We offer personal training, group classes, nutrition guidance, and more. Open 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Join 500+ members who've transformed with us. Free trial available!
Photos & Videos
Photo Types to Add:
- Exterior (3-5): Building, signage, entrance
- Interior (10-15): Equipment, workout areas, studios
- Staff (5-10): Trainers, reception, team
- Members (with consent): Working out, transformations
- Logo and cover photo
Photo Tips:
- High quality (minimum 720px)
- Good lighting
- Real, not stock
- Regular updates (weekly)
Videos:
- 30-second gym tour
- Trainer introductions
- Class highlights
- Member testimonials
Posts on GMB
Post Types:
- Updates (general news)
- Offers (promotions)
- Events (classes, workshops)
- Products (memberships)
Post Frequency:
- Minimum 1 per week
- Ideal: 2-3 per week
- Posts expire after 7 days
Post Examples:
Offer Post: "🔥 January Special! Join now and get 20% OFF on annual membership. Free fitness assessment included. Valid till Jan 31. Call now!"
Event Post: "💪 Free Zumba Class this Saturday 5 PM! Open to all. Bring your friends. Limited spots - call to reserve."
Update Post: "New batch of treadmills installed! Now featuring 10 cardio machines with personal screens. Come check them out!"
Reviews Strategy
Why Reviews Matter:
- 4.5+ rating improves ranking
- Reviews with keywords help SEO
- Social proof converts visitors
- Negative reviews handled well impress
Getting More Reviews:
Ask at Peak Moments:
- After great workout
- After transformation achievement
- After successful PT session
- After resolving an issue
How to Ask: "[Name], we loved having you! Would you mind leaving us a review on Google? It really helps other people find us. I'll send you a link."
Make It Easy:
- Create short link (search "Google review link generator")
- Share via WhatsApp
- QR code at reception
- Email with direct link
Responding to Reviews
Positive Reviews: "Thank you [Name]! We're thrilled you're enjoying your fitness journey with us. Keep crushing those workouts! 💪"
Negative Reviews: "Hi [Name], we're sorry to hear about your experience. This isn't the standard we aim for. Please contact our manager [Name] at [number] so we can make this right. Thank you for the feedback."
Never:
- Ignore negative reviews
- Get defensive
- Argue publicly
- Fake reviews (Google detects)
Q&A Section
Pre-populate Common Questions:
- What are your timings?
- Do you offer personal training?
- Is there parking available?
- Do you have women-only batches?
- What's included in membership?
Answer your own questions before others do (with incorrect info).
Services & Products
List Your Services:
- Gym Membership
- Personal Training
- Group Fitness Classes
- Nutrition Consultation
- Steam & Sauna
- Locker Rental
Add Products:
- Monthly Membership - ₹2,500
- Annual Membership - ₹25,000
- PT Package (12 sessions) - ₹15,000
Insights & Analytics
Track Monthly:
- Views (listing appearances)
- Searches (queries used)
- Actions (calls, website, directions)
- Photo views
- Post engagement
Use Insights To:
- Know peak search times
- Understand what queries bring you
- Compare with competitors
- Track month-over-month growth
GMB Ranking Factors
Relevance:
- Complete profile
- Right categories
- Keywords in description
- Services listed
Distance:
- Proximity to searcher
- Accurate location pin
Prominence:
- Review quantity and quality
- Website authority
- Citations (other sites mentioning you)
- Social signals
Advanced Tips
1. Attributes:
- Add all relevant attributes
- Women-led, wheelchair accessible, etc.
2. Booking Button:
- Connect with booking system
- Direct appointment scheduling
3. Messaging:
- Enable business messages
- Respond within 24 hours
4. UTM Tracking:
- Add UTM parameters to website link
- Track GMB traffic in Analytics
Conclusion
GMB is free advertising that drives foot traffic. Invest 30 minutes weekly to maintain it, and watch enquiries grow.
WTF Powered helps you manage GMB alongside all your digital presence.