Going Live on Google Maps: 10-Branch Fitness Chain GMB Rollout

A fitness chain with 10 branches across Saudi Arabia had zero Google Maps presence. Walk-in traffic was entirely word-of-mouth. We structured, verified, and activated all 10 Google My Business profiles — navigating Saudi verification requirements, Arabic content, and multi-location management — giving each branch a live, searchable identity on Google Maps.

Challenges we faced

• Saudi Arabia GMB verification requires physical postcard delivery or video verification — standard phone/email verification not accepted
• Branch addresses inconsistent across lease agreements, internal records, and what staff knew — NAP mismatches would hurt rankings
• Arabic and English content needed to be accurate and culturally appropriate for each branch's neighbourhood and demographic
• Male and female branches operate as separate legal entities with different phone numbers — required separate GMB accounts with shared management
• No existing review strategy — branches had zero Google reviews despite hundreds of satisfied members
• Staff had no GMB training — previous attempts resulted in duplicate listings and suspended accounts

Our solution

1. Data Unification & Address Verification

   Conducted physical site visits (or remote video calls with branch managers) to lock down exact GPS coordinates, correct Arabic address transliterations, and consistent phone numbers. Built a master data sheet before touching a single GMB account.

2. Account Structure & Ownership

   Created a Business Group under one Google Workspace account to manage all 10 locations centrally. Set up 2 account tiers: owner account (head office) and manager accounts (branch supervisors). Removed all duplicate and suspended listings through the GMB support escalation process.

3. Verification — Saudi Arabia Process

   Used video verification for 7 branches (recorded walkthroughs showing storefront, signage, and interiors). Postcard verification used for 3 branches where video wasn't feasible. Turnaround: 3–12 days per branch depending on method.

4. Bilingual Profile Optimisation

   Built out each profile fully: Arabic + English business name, descriptions, services (class types, membership plans), 40–60 photos per branch, opening hours with Ramadan schedule variations, and Q&A seeded with common enquiries.

5. Review Automation & Ongoing Management

   Integrated WhatsApp review request automation — members receive a review link 24 hours after their first class via bplead360 CRM. Set up monthly GMB post schedule and response templates for reviews in both Arabic and English.

Tech & tools used

• Google My Business
• Google Business Profile API
• bplead360 CRM
• WhatsApp Business API
• Google Workspace
• Arabic Localisation