Thinking twice if you’ll consider Google My Business to be your practice? Why think twice? Google My Business can help you scale up more than you can imagine. Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that helps local companies, such as your dental practice.
You can add essential information to your GMB page so potential patients can learn more about your clinic. These contain a website link, business hours, address, phone number, photographs, and more.
Together with our team, Growth99, we’ll help you discover more about Google My Business importance. Read this post and check out more information here.
Understanding Google My Business
Google My Business is your practice’s online, quick-scan profile, similar to the print newspaper business listings and adverts of the past (and sometimes today). It includes your practice’s name, contact information, business hours, and more.
It also adds an interactive aspect allowing patients to get directions via Google Maps. They can also provide reviews, ask questions, and even schedule an appointment directly from their mobile device.
In addition to being a Google-verified business, your online business listing offers several key advantages. Ensure to put info about patients understanding who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.
Optimizing Your Listing Profile on GMB
You should take the time to ensure that each component of your Google My Business Listing is optimized for your dental practice. That includes the About Section, Appointment Link, Ratings & Reviews, Categories, Questions & Answers, Photos & Videos, Services, Posts, and Insights.
It’s also worth noting that since most dentists offer multiple services, it’s advantageous to be listed in various categories on Google My Business.
Including your practice in many categories increases your visibility in local searches for all of these terms.
Using the improvements to your advantage – enhancing your dental practice’s digital marketing
Google has added several useful new features to Google My Business in 2018 and 2019.
For instance, you may now include brief blog articles in relevant search results. This part is helpful if you want to share a success story or explain how dental implants may be a choice for some patients. Additionally, your customers can actively subscribe to these updates.
Now that you know the basics, what could be the benefits of using GMB for your practice? Here’s what we know:
Staying in the streamline
Google dislikes businesses that are not verified, particularly if they have a website. If you haven’t previously done so, you should create an account with GMB and claim your practice listing to become Google-verified.
Once claimed and verified, your practice will appear more credible to patients and Google. You will have a higher chance of being discovered when people search for your services.
You should also ensure your practice’s name, address, and phone number(s). But don’t forget the business hours and other information are consistent across your GMB listing.
That includes the website, and social media profiles, as Google does not trust inconsistent information.
Prioritize Customized Images
It may be tempting to forego a professional photoshoot in favor of stock images for your offering. Before scheduling an appointment, most people prefer to see actual photos of you, your employees, and your practice.
Showcasing your practice’s amenities, technology, and other tempting features can increase patients’ confidence in selecting you over a rival. You will not have control over which photographs appear first, as patients can contribute their own.
But you can tell Google which image you wish to be displayed by uploading a specific cover photo. Remember that although you desire professional, high-quality photographs, they should not be unduly formal and instead portray your practice’s genuine, approachable nature.
Selecting The Categories
While best practices advocate selecting fewer, GMB categories are pretty detailed, so you should have no issue narrowing down your options.
You may choose “cosmetic dentist” or “pediatric dentist” instead of “dentist” if those terms more truly describe your profession. Selecting fewer, more specific categories increases the likelihood that your clinic will rank well when a patient searches for these terms.
As you may expect, having accurate contact and location information and specific categories ticked is a significant advantage for generating excellent leads for your clinic.
Encourage Evaluations
Unsurprisingly, patient reviews may make or break the internet reputation of your practice. Positive reviews have two benefits: they increase your likelihood of being selected by a new patient and increase your visibility and credibility with Google.
Naturally, the greater the number of favorable evaluations, the greater the likelihood of expanding your internet profile and the number of new patients who plan visits. Do not feel afraid if you have few or no reviews at present.
If you mention it, most patients who have had a good experience at your practice would readily agree to write you a positive review. Since you have already claimed your practice’s business listing, you may reply professionally to both positive and negative reviews to protect your online reputation as it grows.
Be on the Lookout
Doing all of these preparatory procedures may be tempting, and then abandoning your GMB profile. As with your website and social media profiles, it is advisable to constantly update your listing.
You will be able to get back quickly to patient feedback, especially considering that over 90% of customers will read a response to reviews before making a purchase. As anyone can suggest changes to your listing, it is also essential that you watch out for your profile.
Regularly tuning to your GMB account is also the ideal moment to interact with potential patients via Google Posts. This function, similar to a Facebook update, allows you to promote new services or promotions via a post that will be accessible to patients who browse your company listing.
Partner with Growth99
With long-lasting results, Google My Business is one of the simplest marketing methods you can implement. If you’re having trouble setting up your listing or understanding all the benefits of GMB, we’re here to help.
Our SEO specialist team assists clients daily with creating and maintaining their GMB accounts and can also optimize your listing. Contact us today to see how we can assist you in the industry.
