Week 9 Part B: Using Google for Business

 (written in reference to my fictional online personal trainer business ambitions...)

In today’s digital age, establishing a strong online presence is critical for just about any business, and this also includes businesses for personal trainers who operate virtually. One way to further legitimize and grow an online fitness business is by setting up a Google Business Profile. When someone searches for a name or business, having a verified profile also helps the business to appear in local searches and on Google Maps, all of which helps to build credibility. Building a Google Business Profile could also help to showcase services, share client reviews, post updates, and make it easy for potential clients to contact business owners.

Beyond just visibility, a Google Business Profile makes the business brand look more professional and trustworthy. For example, a potential client searching for an online personal trainer who finds a profile, complete with high-quality photos, glowing reviews, direct booking links, and a professional website is more than likely to pick that trainer over another one who doesn’t have the professional online presence. As most people can probably recognize, a first impression can be the deciding factor between a potential client reaching out or moving on. Plus, by collecting and displaying client reviews, business owners can further leverage other social media to advertise those positive reviews.

Pairing a business profile with Google Workspace then takes that level of professionalism to the next level. Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) also provides business owners a custom email address (such as manager@myfitnessrevival.com), which looks far more professional than a generic Gmail account. Additionally, Google Workspace allows for up to 30 email aliases, so a business owner could use different emails for different types of purposes or activities.  Google Workspace also provides access to essential tools like Google Calendar for scheduling sessions, Google Meet for live hosting (virtual workouts for example), and Google Drive for organizing files (such as client programs, progress charts, and nutrition guides).

Google Workspace also streamlines collaboration and communication. Online personal trainers could share documents securely with their clients, set up reminders and notifications, and even automate follow-ups or intake forms using Google Forms. Everything is in a one-stop shop, saving time and helping small businesses stay organized, so in turn online personal trainers could focus more on training sessions with clients and less on admin work.

Ultimately, investing in a Google Business Profile and Google Workspace could help to make an online fitness business more visible, professional, and efficient… especially when starting out with limited resources. However, whether a small online business is just getting started or looking to scale up their virtual services, Google’s tools and resources provide some useful assets that could help to attract clients, deliver great experiences, and ultimately to grow the business.

 

EXAMPLE:  While not necessarily an online fitness trainer, I did a quick searh on google for  "personal trainers near me", and immediately came across this personal trainer in Carlsbad at https://exercisecoach.com/carlsbad/ .  The information that popped up on my screen looked very professional, shared positive reviews, provided a map and directions to the physical location, included hours open, and had links to their social media.  If I was a potential client looking for a personal trainer near me, this business gives off the appearance and presence of being a professionally ran business that I would be very interested in exploring more…they did a great job on this!