How to claim your practice in Google and use Google My Business effectively
Google My Business is a free tool that can help you build engagement and credibility using your online presence. With it, you can edit your search listing information, upload photos, add relevant information to your map listing, and more.
How to Sign up for Google My Business
When you’re ready to get started on Google My Business log into your google account and then start here, by typing in your business name.
You’ll be able to enter your business address and select if you want it to appear on Google maps (recommended).
You will be prompted to enter more information about your business like, category, phone number and website URL. We recommend filling in every relevant field to be sure your listing in Google is as complete as possible.
Lastly, you’ll be given the option to verify your business and a couple of options with instructions on how to do this.
What to Do with Your Google My Business Listing
Google My Business is a powerful, but often overlooked tool. To make sure that you take full advantage of it, you’ll need to make sure that you fully update your business profile.
This includes:
Using Keywords
Updating your business hours
Adding photos
Sharing information about parking
Adding calendar information
Responding to Reviews
Using Keywords on Google My Business
When using this tool, you will have the opportunity to share updates directly in your business listing. When you do, be sure to naturally include a few keywords that people might use if they are looking for a practice like yours. This could be search terms specific to your city or county or even terms like “friendly staff” and “positive experience”!
Updating Business Hours
Google My Business allows you to update your business hours as often as needed. You can share your regular business hours and mark if there are changes for holidays or unexpected closures.
Right now, it can be helpful to post an update sharing that your business is open and any other information someone may need to know before visiting your practice as local safety guidelines change during the pandemic.
Adding Photos to Your Business Listing
Both you and your clients will be able to upload photos to your business listing. This should include an outside shot of your building so no one gets lost, and some photos inside so people can know what to expect when they arrive.
Consider getting a photo of your waiting room, your receptionist, and other rooms your patients may see on their visit. This will create trust with your practice as patients will know what to expect when they walk through the front door.
Parking Information in Google My Business
If your parking lot is not directly in front of your building, Google My Business is the perfect spot to share tips on where to park, and parking prices if all of the parking lots are not free.
This will create a positive experience for your patients when they come in for their appointments because they can plan the right amount of time to park and get to the waiting area.
You can also use the photo feature to share images of the parking area, so that patients understand where to park and how any parking fees will be managed.
Calendar and Special Events
If you have an upcoming special event such as a blood drive, vaccine information seminar or other special functions that are open to the public, you can share about them in Google My Business as well. This is a great way to get the word out about your next event, by submitting it straight to the search engine.
Respond to Reviews
Lastly, and possibly most importantly your Google My Business account will allow you to manage and reply to reviews on your business. This gives you direct interaction with people who have already been to your practice and shows everyone who searches your business that you provide an extra level of care and attention to your patients.
If this sounds like a lot to manage, Moxy can help! Get in touch with our team today to speak with one of our SEO and marketing experts about managing Google My Business for your healthcare practice.