Google Business Profile typically influences about ~25% to ~35% of your overall local SEO performance.
This means GBP plays a major role — often more than your website — in determining how well your gym or academy shows up in the local map pack and nearby searches. Reviews, categories, photos, posts, and your service list all contribute to that impact, and updates made inside GBP often improve visibility faster than website changes.
1. Get 5–10 New Reviews That Mention Your Key Services
Google analyzes review text for relevance. When members naturally mention things like:
“strength training”
“CrossFit programming”
“BJJ classes”
“open mat”
“beginners welcome”
“great coaches”
…it helps Google understand what you offer and improves ranking for those terms.
Tip: Ask gym members personally, even help them write it ;)
Or even better, let GymHappy do it automatically for you.
Speed: 24–72 hours
Impact: Very high
2. Upload New Photos Consistently for 7–10 Days
Active profiles get more visibility. Add photos that show:
Group classes
Coaches leading a session
BJJ classes in action
Equipment and facility layout
Member PR boards / progress walls
Events, competitions, or promotions
Tip: Use Grow to schedule your posts
Tip: Ask gym members personally, even help them write it ;)
Speed: 3–7 days
Impact: High
3. Ensure the Correct Primary Category
Your primary category has a major influence on map pack rankings. Examples:
For a strength/CrossFit gym:
Primary: Gym
Secondary: Fitness Center, Personal Trainer, CrossFit Gym
For a BJJ academy:
Primary: Martial Arts School
Secondary: Jiu-Jitsu School, Self Defense School, Fitness Center
Speed: Immediate to 72 hours
Impact: Very high (especially if the wrong category was selected)
4. Add a Clear, Keyword-Focused Business Description
Google uses your description to understand your services. Keep it natural, but include your core offerings such as:
Strength training
CrossFit classes
Olympic lifting
BJJ fundamentals
Kids martial arts
Conditioning classes
Competition team training
Speed: 24–48 hours
Impact: Moderate to high
5. Add All Services Individually (With Short Descriptions)
Each service added gives Google more confidence in what you offer.
Examples:
CrossFit Classes
Strength & Conditioning
BJJ Fundamentals
No-Gi BJJ
Kids BJJ
Open Gym
Personal Training
Mobility Classes
For each one, include a simple description of what’s included and who it’s for.
Speed: 1–3 days
Impact: High
6. Post on GBP 2–3 Times Per Week
Posts don’t directly “rank,” but they boost:
Engagement
Recency
Click-through
Overall visibility
Recommended post ideas:
Class spotlights
Member success stories
Technique tips
Schedule announcements
Event highlights
Limited-time promos
Tip: Lost for ideas? ask ChatGPT to make you a schedule of post ideas and write them for you - then schedule through Grow.
Speed: 2–7 days
Impact: Moderate to high
7. Add to the Q&A Section
FAQ entries help Google associate your business with common search terms.
Example questions:
“Do you offer beginner-friendly classes?”
“Is BJJ good for kids?”
“What equipment do I need for CrossFit?”
“How do I trial a class?”
“Do you offer open mat?”
Provide short, clear answers.
Speed: 24–72 hours
Impact: Moderate
🥇 Top 3 Fastest Wins
If you want to focus on the three highest-impact actions, they are:
Get 5–10 high-quality, service-relevant reviews
Optimize your categories + service list
Post consistently to show activity and relevance
These three alone often produce noticeable ranking increases within 1–2 weeks.