If you're a dentist looking to improve your online visibility, you need to be on Google My Business. Creating and optimizing your Google My Business listing is essential for showing up in local search results and attracting new patients.
In this guide, we'll show you everything you need to know about setting up and optimizing your Google My Business listing to get the most out of it.
What Is Google My Business (Google My Business)?
Google My Business is a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. When you create a Google My Business listing, you provide Google with important information about your business, such as your hours of operation, location, and contact details.
In addition to creating your listing, you can also use Google My Business to post updates and special offers, respond to reviews, and track insights about how customers find and interact with your business online.
What's the Difference Between Google My Business, Google Place, and Google+?
Google My Business (Google My Business) is a free listing that businesses can create on Google. This listing includes information such as the business name, address, phone number, website, and more. Google My Business listings also allow businesses to post photos, videos, and other content.
Google Place was a similar listing that businesses could create on Google. However, Google has since merged Google Place with Google My Business. As a result, all companies now use Google My Business to create their listings.
Google+ is a social network that allows businesses to connect with customers and promote their brands. Although it's not required, companies can choose to link their Google My Business listing to their Google+ page. Doing so can help increase your visibility in the search results.
Why Is Google My Business Important for Dentists?
Google My Business is especially important for dentists because it provides an easy way for potential patients to find your practice in local search results. According to Google, four out of five consumers use search engines to find local businesses, and Google My Business is one of the best ways to ensure that your business appears in these results.
How Do I Create a Google My Business Listing for My Dental Practice?
Creating a Google My Business listing for your dentist's practice is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Go to google.com/business and sign in with your Google account.
- If you don't have a Google account, you can create one by clicking on the "Create Account" link at the top of the page.
- Click on the "Start Now" button and enter your business information into the form provided. Provide accurate information, including your business name, address, phone number, website, and category.
- Once you've entered all of your information, click on the "Finish" button, and your Google My Business listing will be complete.
- You can now optimize your listing by adding photos, posts, and more. We'll discuss how to do this in more detail below.
How to Manage Your Product & Service Listing on Google My Business
Your Google My Business listing allows you to showcase your dental practice's products and services.
To add or edit your product and service listing, simply log in to your Google My Business account and click "Products." Then, click "Add product" or "Edit product" to change your listing.
To add a new product or service, you'll need to provide a name, description, price, and photo. You can also specify whether the product is available online or in-store.
To edit an existing product or service, simply click the "Edit" button next to the listing. This will allow you to change the product name, description, price, and photo.
How to Add or Edit Your Business Hours on Google My Business
If you want to add or edit your business hours on Google My Business, simply login to your account and click "Hours." Then, click "Add hour" or "Edit hour" to change your listing.
To add a new business hour, you'll need to provide the date, start time, end time, and description. You can also specify whether the business hour is for a holiday or special event.
Why Should You List Your Products on Google My Business?
There are several reasons why you should list your products and services on Google My Business:
Increase Your Visibility
Listing your products and services on Google My Business can help increase your visibility in the search results. This is because people who search for dental services will see your listing and be able to learn more about what you offer.
Attract New Customers
Listing your products and services on Google My Business can also help attract new customers. This is because potential customers will be able to see your listing and learn more about your dental practice.
Boost Your SEO
In addition to attracting new customers, listing your products and services on Google My Business can also boost your SEO. This is because Google favors websites with a complete and accurate Google My Business listing.
Stand Out from the Competition
By listing your products and services on Google My Business, you'll be able to stand out from the competition. This is because other dental practices may not have taken the time to create a complete and accurate listing.
How Do I Optimize My Google My Business Listing for My Dental Practice?
Now that you've created your Google My Business listing, it's time to start optimizing it so that it appears in local search results and attracts new patients. Here are a few tips:
Add Photos
People love seeing photos of businesses before they visit them, so be sure to add some high-quality images of your dental practice to your Google My Business listing. You can add pictures of your exterior, interior, staff, products, and services.
Add Posts
Google My Business allows you to post updates and special offers to your listing, which can help promote your business to potential patients. You can post about new services, upcoming events, or just let customers know what's happening at your practice.
Respond to Reviews
When customers leave reviews on your Google My Business listing, be sure to respond to them. Thank them for their feedback, address any concerns, and offer a solution if possible. This helps show potential patients that you're attentive to your customers' needs and care about their satisfaction.
Track Insights
Google provides some great insights into how customers find and interact with your Google My Business listing. Be sure to check these regularly to see what's working and what isn't. Then, you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
Keep Your Information Up-To-Date
It's essential to keep your Google My Business listing information up-to-date, so review it regularly and make any necessary changes. This includes changes to your hours of operation, contact information, website, and more.
Keyword Use in Google My Business Posts
As you write posts for your Google My Business listing, use keywords relevant to your dental practice. This will help Google understand your business and ensure that your posts appear in relevant search results. Some good keywords include "dentist," "dental care," "teeth whitening," and "oral health."
How to Do Keyword Research
Not sure which keywords to use in your Google My Business posts? No problem! There are a few different ways to do keyword research:
Use Google's Keyword Planner
Google's Keyword Planner is a free tool that allows you to find keywords related to your business. Just enter a few seed keywords into the tool, and it will generate a list of related keywords that you can use in your Google My Business posts.
Look at Your Competitors' Google My Business Listings
Take a look at your competitor's Google My Business listings and see which keywords they're using. You can then use these exact keywords in your own listing.
Use Keyword Research Tools
There are also some great paid keyword research tools, such as Moz Keyword Explorer and Ahrefs Keywords Explorer. These tools will help you find high-traffic, low-competition keywords that you can use in your Google My Business posts.
Think Like Your Customers
Put yourself in your customers' shoes and think about the keywords they would use when searching for a dental practice. Then, use these same keywords in your Google My Business posts.
Ask Your Patients
You can also ask your patients what keywords they would use when searching for a dental practice. This is a great way to get some insight into the most important keywords to your target audience.
How Google My Business Affects Local Searches
Now that you know how to optimize your Google My Business listing, it's time to learn how Google My Business affects local searches. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Google My Business Listings Appear in Local Search Results
When people search for a business on Google, they may see a list of Google My Business listings at the top of the results page. This can help increase your visibility and attract new patients.
Your Google My Business Listing May Show Up in Google Maps
In addition to appearing in the normal search results, your Google My Business listing may also show up in Google Maps. This can help customers find your dental practice quickly and easily.
Your Google My Business Listing May Show Up in Google's Knowledge Panel
Google also sometimes displays a Knowledge Panel for businesses. This panel includes information about the company, such as an address, phone number, website, and more. Your Google My Business listing may appear in this panel if it's complete and accurate.
Google My Business Listings Rank Higher than Traditional Websites
In general, Google My Business listings rank higher than traditional websites in the search results. This is because Google considers Google My Business listings more trustworthy and authoritative than regular websites.
You Can Track Your Google My Business Ranking
Google provides a tool called "Google My Business Insights" that allows you to track your Google My Business ranking over time. This tool can help you see how your ranking changes over time and determine the most effective tactics for improving your ranking.
Using the Google My Business App
In addition to the Google My Business website, there's also a Google My Business app that you can use to manage your listing. The app allows you to post updates, respond to reviews, and track your listing's performance.
To get started with the Google My Business app, simply download it from the App Store or Google Play. Then, log in with your Google account and select the business you want to manage.
Why Should You Use the Google My Business App?
There are several reasons why you might want to use the Google My Business app:
Post Updates on the Go
The Google My Business app makes it easy to post updates and photos while you're on the go. This can be helpful if you want to share timely information about your dental practice, such as special offers or appointment availability.
Respond to Reviews Quickly
The Google My Business app also allows you to respond to reviews quickly and easily. This is a great way to show your customers that you care about their experience and are always happy to help.
Get Real-Time Insights About Your Listing
The Google My Business app provides real-time insights into your listing's performance. This can help you track your progress and see which tactics are most effective for improving your ranking.
Stay Organized
The Google My Business app also helps you stay organized by viewing your business information in one place. This can be helpful if you need to quickly reference your address or phone number.
What Tools Are Available to Help Set Up Your Google My Business Profile?
Several tools are available to help you set up your Google My Business listing. In addition to the Google My Business website and app, there's also a Google My Business Chrome extension that you can use. The extension allows you to add or edit your business information within Chrome quickly.
To install it, simply visit the Chrome Web Store and click "Add to Chrome." Then, open the extension and sign in with your Google account.
Can The Dental SEO Experts Help Me Manage My Google My Business Listing?
Yes, The Dental SEO Experts can help you manage your Google My Business listing. In addition to helping you set up your listing, we provide local seo services for dentists which helps you optimize your listing for better visibility and ranking.
If you'd like to learn more about our Google My Business management services, schedule a free consultation with us today.
