How to Improve Your Dental Practice's Local SEO with Google My Business Profile
SEO isn’t just about optimizing your website; it’s also about optimizing your online presence, which includes your Google My Business (GMB) and Google Business Profile (GBP) accounts. A well-optimized GMB or GBP can significantly enhance your dental practice’s visibility in local search results, leading to more potential patients.
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Why Should Dentists Use Google Business Profile and Google My Business?
Before we delve into the ways to improve your dental practice’s local SEO, let’s understand why GBP and GMB are so crucial for your dental practice. They allow you to manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. This includes your business name, location, hours, reviews, photos, and more. An optimized GMB and GBP can lead to:
✅ Improved Local Search Rankings
✅ Better Engagement With Potential Patients
✅ Increased Trust And Credibility
✅ Enhanced Online Presence
Now, let’s look at some effective strategies to boost your dental practice’s local SEO with a killer GBP and GMB.
Claim and Verify Your Listings
How to Claim Your GBP/GMB Listings
Before you can optimize, you need to claim your GMB and GBP listings. Here’s how:
- Go to Google My Business and Google Business Profile pages.
- Click on “Start Now” or “Manage Now.”
- Fill in the requested information about your dental practice.
- Submit your information and wait for Google to verify your business.
How to Verify Your Google My Business Listings
Google will typically send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This process may take up to two weeks. Once you receive the code, enter it in your GMB and GBP dashboard to complete the verification process.
Complete and Optimize Your Profiles
Key Information to Include
Provide comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information about your dental practice. Key information includes:
Business Name:
Use your official business name and aim to be as consistent as possible throughout your website, social media, and other profiles.
Your Business Address:
Make sure your address matches that on your website and local directories.
Phone Number:
Provide your main business phone number or a local phone number for better local SEO results.
Google Business Categories:
Google Business Profile categories can typically be traced back to common keywords for dentists. The most popular primary categories are: “Dentist” or “Dental Clinic.” as your primary category.
Business Hours:
Include your operating hours, and update them for holidays or special events.
Website:
Link to your website.
Services:
Detail and list any additional dental services that your dentist’s office offer. [Focusing on existing Google Business Profile categories].
Business Description:
Write a compelling description of your dental practice, including keywords related to your services and location.
List of Google Business Profile Categories for Dentists
Dentist
Dental Clinic
Cosmetic Dentist
Pediatric Dentist
Dental Hygienist
Emergency Dental Service
Teeth Whitening Service
Orthodontist
Pediatric Dentistry
General Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
Add High-Quality Photos
Images can significantly influence a potential patient’s decision to choose your practice. Include photos of:
Your Exterior:
Helps people recognize your practice.
Your Interior:
Showcases your office’s atmosphere and cleanliness.
Your Team:
Helps to humanize your practice and build trust with potential customers.
Before and After Treatment Shots:
Demonstrates your dental work.
Collect and Respond to Reviews
Encourage Reviews
Online reviews are a significant factor in local SEO. Encourage your patients to leave reviews on your GMB and GBP profiles. You can do this by:
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- Asking them directly after their appointment.
- Sending a follow-up email or text with a direct link to your review page.
- Offering incentives, like a discount on their next visit.
Respond to Reviews
Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value your patients’ feedback. It also gives you an opportunity to showcase your customer service skills and improve patient satisfaction.
Utilize GMB and GBP Features
Post Regularly
Regular posts on your GMB and GBP can improve your local SEO significantly. You can post about a range of things (just as if it were a social media profile):
1. Special Offers Or Promotions
2. Events
3. Blog Posts
4. Patient Testimonials
5. Updates About Your Practice
Utilize the Q&A Feature
Potential patients may have questions about your dental practice. Monitor and answer these queries promptly to show that you’re attentive and knowledgeable.
Use the ‘Booking’ Button and Direct Appointments from Profile
If your practice uses a supported scheduling provider, you can add a booking/appointment button to your GMB and GBP profiles. This makes it easier for potential patients to schedule appointments directly from your Google Business Profile.
Regularly Monitor and Update Your Profiles
Keep your GBP and GMB profiles up-to-date. Regularly check for any changes in your business information, respond to reviews, answer questions, and post updates.Â
Would You Like Us to Take Care of Your GBP/GMB Profile For You?
Managing and optimizing a Google My Business and Google Business Profile can be time-consuming, yet it’s vital for enhancing your dental practice’s local SEO. These profiles can boost your online visibility, engage potential patients, and establish credibility, ultimately contributing to an increase in your patient base.
If you’re unsure where to start or simply don’t have the time, we’re here to help. Allow our experts to implement these strategies for you, ensuring your profiles are well-optimized and your dental practice thrives in local search results. Reach out to us today and focus on what you do best – providing outstanding dental care.
