How to Get GBP Approved (the legit way)

✅ Google Business Profile Essentials Checklist (For Legit Business Owners)

If you’re a real gym or fitness business owner but keep running into issues verifying your Google Business Profile (GBP), this checklist will walk you through everything you need to have in place

🏢 Physical Location Requirements

• ☐ You have a real, physical address (not a PO box or virtual mailbox)
• ☐ The address matches your legal business documents
• ☐ You can receive mail at this address (important for postcard verification if needed)

🔖 Signage (Visible and Legit)

• ☐ You have a permanent-looking sign that includes:
  • Business Name
  • Phone Number
  • Full Address (with suite # if applicable)
• ☐ The sign is clearly visible from outside the building (door, window, wall)
• ☐ If needed, print a $50 plastic/metal sign (12x6”) from FastSigns, Staples, or Office Depot

📸 Required Photos to Take

Take clear, well-lit photos of:

• ☐ Exterior of your building showing the sign
• ☐ Sign on your office/gym door (painter’s tape is fine)
• ☐ Interior showing gym equipment, desk, or setup
• ☐ Any branded items: flyers, shirts, business cards, signage
• ☐ Lobby or hallway with suite number (for multi-tenant buildings)

🧾 Documents to Prepare (For Verification or Appeal)

Have these ready in case Google requests proof:

• ☐ Local business license or registration
• ☐ EIN confirmation or UBI number
• ☐ Lease agreement or utility bill showing your name and business address
• ☐ All photos listed above

🌐 Online Consistency (NAP = Name, Address, Phone)

Google wants to see consistent information across the web:

• ☐ Your NAP matches on:
  • Website
  • Yelp
  • Apple Maps
  • Bing Places
  • Industry/local directories (manual or via BrightLocal, Whitespark, etc.)
• ☐ You’ve submitted to 20+ citation sites to strengthen legitimacy

🧠 Setup Best Practices

• ☐ Use an older Gmail account (not brand new)
• ☐ Use your real business name — no keywords like “Best Personal Trainer Dallas”
• ☐ Choose the correct Primary Business Category (e.g., “Gym,” “Personal Trainer”)
• ☐ Avoid making tons of edits right after creating the profile

🚨 If You’re Still Suspended

This happens often — especially in health, fitness, and service industries.

To appeal:

• Go to your Google Business dashboard and click Request Review

  Upload:

  • All the photos listed
  • Your legal documents

  • A short message like:

    “We are a locally owned gym operating at this physical address. We have a lease, signage, and operate in compliance with all local regulations. Happy to provide any additional verification if needed.”

Final Notes

This checklist is built from experience helping real business owners through the GBP approval process ; without bending the rules.