Google Business Profile (GBP) is a powerful digital marketing tool that your dental practice should be using. It enhances your online presence and visibility, and also helps you gain new patients and an edge over competitors. Most people use Google Search and Maps to find the nearest dental services, so clients within your locality can easily find your office by activating and optimizing your GBP.
Here are five easy optimizations you can make to your Google Business Profile to improve visibility and attract more patients.
1. Complete & Optimize Your Business Information
This may seem obvious, but not all dental practices have updated or correct information listed in Google. To make it easier for potential clients to find your practice online and contact your office, make sure that your GBP has complete and optimized business information, including the following:
Business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
Ensure that the business name is accurate and matches your website and office signage. If your office is located in an office building or shopping complex, make sure to mention them as well. Include the direct phone number to your office and avoid third-party lines.
Primary Category
Avoid making the mistake of selecting many categories because it will have a negative impact on your online visibility and ranking. Instead, choose the best primary category for your practice (e.g., Dentist) and one or two relevant secondary categories (e.g., Cosmetic Dentist and/or Family Dentist). This will help Google understand your business better and make your GBP relevant to specific searches.
Business Hours
Add detailed business hours, including special hours for weekends and holidays. Doing so will attract the right patients who fit your schedule and prevent countless phone calls inquiring about your practice’s availability.
Website
Lastly, make sure to include your website address and that it goes through correctly when clicked. Copy and paste the URL exactly as it appears on your website to avoid broken links should any patient decide to visit the site.
2. Upload High-Quality Photos & Videos
Adding high-quality photos and videos of your office, dental team, and services will help boost your Google Business Profile’s engagement. Google tends to favor GBPs with relevant images and get more clicks from potential patients, so it’s best to take advantage of this.
Upload at least 10+ high-quality images of your practice, including the exterior, interior, team members, and equipment. As much as possible, only add professionally taken photos to give more credibility to your GBP.
Avoid uploading stack photos, especially those showing patients receiving dental services. To gain the trust of potential clients, it’s best to show the interaction between your own patients and dentist.
You can also upload a 30-second video showcasing your practice and services to familiarize new patients with your business.
3. Encourage & Respond to Reviews
GBP allows you to build an excellent online reputation, which will help attract new patients to your practice. You can do so by encouraging past and current patients to leave positive feedback on your profile. Send follow-up messages and ask happy patients to leave detailed 5-star reviews mentioning specific services. Make sure to provide detailed instructions on how to leave a review.
It is also best to respond to every review, thanking those who wrote positive reviews and professionally addressing negative ones. Negative reviews can happen whether you like it, but your response may help turn things around. So, ensure you respond quickly and with compassion to show that you care about your patients. Also, mention that your dental practice is working hard to improve its services and overall patient experience.
4. Use Google Posts Weekly
Google allows you to post on your profile, and you should take advantage of this. Posting relevant information about your practice regularly will keep your GBP active, boost your engagement, and boost your Google ranking.
So, what should you post about in your GBP? You should share weekly updates about promotions, new services, or dental tips. You can also create blog posts or detailed descriptions of your treatments and procedures.
At the end of each post, make sure to include a call-to-action (CTA) like “Book Now” or “Learn More” with a link to your website. This will help convert potential customers into actual patients, boost your website traffic, and allow you to determine how effective your GBP is in attracting new patients.
5. Enable Messaging & Update Q&A
One great feature of GBP is Google Messaging. It allows potential patients to contact you directly. Turn it on so clients can book appointments or send inquiries right away while browsing your profile.
Another feature that you should not overlook is the Q&A section. It allows you to answer frequently asked questions from patients and provide helpful dental information upfront. The Q&A section also lets you build your online reputation and enhance your Google search ranking.
Google Business Profile Marketing Services
Building a fully-optimized Google Business Profile will enhance your Google search results ranking, convert potential customers into new patients, and help scale your dental business. It also builds a strong online reputation and trust that can help retain existing clients. However, GBP marketing needs time and expertise to achieve the best results. Working with a digital marketing expert like OMNI Premier Marketing may help you save a lot of time and get the most out of your Google Business profile.
Contact OMNI Premier today for a free audit of your GBP. Our team of experts can help you build and manage a great profile for your dental practice.