Why Google Business Profile Matters More Than Social Media for Your Studio

If you own an Iyengar Yoga studio, you’ve probably felt the pressure to post more on social media. But here’s the truth: when someone is looking for a yoga class, they don’t start with Instagram. They start with Google. That’s why your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools you have—it’s simple, free, and far more effective at bringing in new students than any social post.d.

1. The First Place People Look

When someone is deciding where to take their first class, they don’t scroll through Instagram reels or TikToks. They open Google. Students want quick answers: Is this close to me? Do the hours work for my schedule? What do reviews say?

New students aren’t just browsing—they’re making decisions. And if your Business Profile is complete and enticing, they’ll often click straight from your profile to your website, skipping social media entirely.

One studio I worked with saw this firsthand. After we updated their Google Business Profile—correcting hours, adding fresh images, and featuring their most popular offer (“1 week of free yoga”)—new students began finding them directly through search.

And here’s the best part: updating your profile takes minutes, not hours. You only need to adjust hours for holidays or special schedules, and snapping an iPhone photo once or twice a month is enough to show Google that your studio is active.

2. Visibility and Rankings

Here’s the big difference: Google search is local, social media is global. If you own a studio, you want to connect with the community around you—not random followers around the world.

Google favors businesses with active profiles and positive reviews. The more reviews you have—and the more you respond to them—the more likely you are to show up higher than other studios. Reviews also reassure potential students that your community is real and supportive.

Without an active profile, you may not even show up on the first page of search results. Google needs to know where you are, when you’re open, and how to connect with you. A complete profile gives you that visibility instantly, while websites often require heavier SEO work to compete.

And here’s the kicker: the impact can be almost immediate. Google crawlers are constantly scanning for new reviews and updates. Add a new photo or get a new review, and you’ll often see a boost within days. Just remember—spread those reviews out over time. A sudden spike can look suspicious to Google’s system.

One myth worth busting? That SEO on your website is all that matters. For a local business, Google checks its own platform first. Your website is still important, but your Business Profile is where most students will discover you.

3. The Information Students Care About

Every studio should make sure the basics are accurate: address, hours, phone number, website, and photos (both inside and outside of the space). These details seem small, but they’re the first thing students check.

Why does it matter? Because attention spans are short. Students don’t want to dig through a website or scroll endlessly on social media to find out if you’re open. Having the essentials—plus a new student offer—on your Business Profile reduces decision fatigue and makes it easy for them to act.

If your information is outdated, you pay the price. Google will drop your ranking, and students may choose another studio that looks more reliable.

And don’t overlook features like Posts, booking buttons, and Products & Services. These tools aren’t extras—they’re direct pathways to action. The more information you provide up front, the easier it is for students to say yes.

When your information is clear and reliable, it builds trust. Students know who you are, what they’ll get, and how to connect with you. That confidence starts before they ever step through the door.

4. Why It Beats Social Media for Conversion

At the end of the day, what do you want a new student to do? Visit your new student page. That’s where they learn about pricing, schedules, teachers, and what to expect. It’s the page that turns curiosity into action.

Google makes this simple. Business Profiles rank before social media pages, and the photos don’t need to be perfect. In fact, authentic iPhone shots often perform better than polished, staged photos. Why not leverage the tool that Google itself prioritizes?

And here’s the key difference: leads from Google are often more ready to convert. People use Google when they’re already comparing options. At that point, the deciding factor might be price, distance, reviews, or even the vibe of your photos. Social media is about awareness; Google is about decision-making.

One of my clients proved this point. After we refreshed their profile, their classes filled because new students were finding them on Google. No ad spend, no complicated content calendar—just a complete, active profile.

If you only had 15 minutes a week for marketing, where should you spend it? Not on Instagram reels. On Google. Updating your profile is fast, provides metrics right inside the tool, makes it easy to ask for reviews, and feels less like self-promotion. It’s about your studio, your students, and your community.

Google Business Profiles aren’t optional for yoga studios—they’re essential. They make you searchable, keep you visible, and help you convert new students faster than any social platform. Social media has its place, especially for building awareness, but if you want your community to find you, trust you, and take that first class? Start with Google.

✨ Want support setting up or optimizing your Google Business Profile? Book a consult call and I’ll help you create a profile that’s clear, complete, and designed to attract new students.