Google Business Profile for Doctors: Steps to Setting Up Your Profile
The most effective way to attract new patients as a healthcare practice is to rank high in search engine results. A Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business) for doctors is exactly how you spread the word about your healthcare providers.
Weave’s Communication Platform integrates easily with GBP. Below, we outline the 10 easy steps to create your GBP.
Claim your business listing
First, visit Google Business Profile and sign in with your professional Google account. Search your practice’s name to see if a listing already exists:
- If your practice already has a listing, claim it by following the prompts to request access.
- If it doesn’t, create one and enter the required details.
You can then verify your business profile by following Google’s prompts. This helps build trust and can boost your local search rankings.
Complete your profile information
Now, fill in your profile with relevant information about your business. This helps patients find your listing in search engines. You’ll need to include your NAP (business name, address, and phone number) as well as your hours, website, relevant business categories, and services you offer.
Adding high-quality images of your practice, staff, or facilities can make your profile stand out.
Optimize for local SEO
To help your site appear in front of the right audience, you’ll want to incorporate keywords specific to your practice or the treatments you offer. For example, if you specialize in braces, you might add terms like “orthodontics.”
Make sure your information is consistent across all online listings. Keep your contact details and hours updated to preserve local SEO rankings.
Activate and use Google Posts
You can create Google Posts to keep patients engaged. We recommend posting updates, special offers, or health tips on your profile.
Track performance of your posts through GBP Insights to see how patients engage with them.
Start collecting and managing reviews
Gathering reviews through convenient platforms like Weave helps your profile rank higher in the Google Search Console among other local businesses. You can ask for feedback in person or send a follow-up message with a review request software.
You should always respond to reviews professionally, whether positive or negative.
Enable direct messaging and appointment booking
By activating messaging, your patients can contact you directly through your profile. If you receive a message, be sure to respond quickly.
You can also set up online booking or integrate your profile with a third-party scheduling tool. Weave links with Google Business Profile for doctors to make online scheduling easy.
Utilize the Q&A feature
Keep an eye on your Q&A section to see if potential customers are asking questions about your practice, and be sure to provide clear, helpful answers. You can also proactively add questions and answers that might help potential patients.
Track your performance with Google Business Profile Insights
Review GBP Insights to track how patients are finding your profile. Consider the following:
- How many people found your practice via search versus Google Maps
- The actions patients take
- Your profile’s performance versus other practices in your area
Avoid common mistakes and maintain your profile
As you maintain your profile, avoid these common errors:
- Failing to update hours for holidays
- Not responding to feedback
- Becoming inactive
Evaluate and refine your GBP strategy
We recommend reviewing analytics regularly to see which parts of your profile attract the most engagement. You can refine your strategy based on post success, conversion rates, and similar metrics.
Optimizing a Google Business Profile for doctors is key to boosting your practice’s online visibility. If you have questions or are ready to integrate Weave’s scheduling and reviews, schedule a time to meet with a Weave representative. Request a demo today.
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