How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile to Convert More Patients

83% of patients report starting their search for a new provider on Google. Since most patients are using Google as their first destination, not having a polished profile to catch their attention means you are missing opportunities for new patients.

Why Google Business matters

Google Business is, functionally, your practice’s storefront on Google. This is what patients stumble upon when they search ‘dentist near me’ or even look for your practice by name.

Why you should optimize your Google Business Profile:

1. Increased visibility: Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile increases your chances of appearing in local search results when potential patients are looking for practices in your area. This can significantly enhance your online visibility and drive more traffic to your practice's website.

   Expert tip: Rather than paying $110 per patient booking on Zocdoc, Dr. Jason Bastida from Bastida Dental Group focuses on enhancing his Google presence. 
   
   Discover how Dr. Bastida saved $2,000 in Zocdoc fees and attracted new patients directly through Google profiles.

2. Better conversion: Enhancing your Google Business Profile helps capture and convert patients into new appointments. With a tool like NexHealth's integration with Reserve with Google, you can embed a convenient online booking button directly on your profile, allowing patients to book their appointments without clicking through to your website.
3. Enhanced online reputation: 80% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. When patients see others sharing their positive experiences, they're more likely to trust your practice and book an appointment. Typically, patients consider a star rating of over 4 as an indication of excellence.

Google Business accounts are free and easy to use, they just take a few moments to set up. However, creating an account is only the first step. To truly harness the power of Google for your practice, you need to optimize your profile.

Optimizing your Google Business Profile to attract patients

Make your profile look attractive

Humans are visual creatures, and this includes your patients. Be sure to upload your logo and a few attractive photos from your practice. Ensure your photos capture the real essence of your practice with a few specific photos:

1. Your waiting room – Tidy up and get a photo (preferably in natural light) of your waiting room in its best shape. Show patients what they will be greeted by when they first walk through the door.
2. A treatment room – Lots of patients are intimidated before their first visit. Ease their nerves a bit by showing what they can expect–preferably without any tools in the frame.
3. The team – We all respond best to seeing other people. Upload a friendly photo of your team!
4. The practice from the outside – How will the patient know when they’ve arrived at the right place? Show your front door and any landmarks clearly–try to take it on a sunny or overcast day.

Ensure accuracy

Reduce patient confusion and make sure that the information on your Google Business listing is accurate–especially your address, hours, phone number, and website link.

Update your attributes

Make sure to leverage the Attributes section to showcase the specific amenities your practice provides, such as wheelchair accessibility, new patient acceptance, online appointment scheduling, language options, and more.

(Photo credit: Google Help)

Reviews matter

81% of consumers check reviews before making a purchasing decision. Ensure yours is in tip-top shape by asking your patients to leave you a review. Stars are nice, but thoughtfully written reviews about the experience will lend legitimacy to your practice and help patients feel confident in the care they’re about to receive.

In addition to making patients feel more comfortable, having a high volume of recent, positive reviews can increase your local SEO ranking on Google. This means your practice will show higher in the results when local patients are searching for providers–increasing the likelihood that they see your practice. You can learn more about local SEO here.

Don’t forget to monitor your reviews

Monitor feedback on your Google Business listing and respond promptly to any questions or concerns. This can help build trust and credibility with potential patients, as well as drive return visits from the patients who left the reviews in the first place.

Give patients a way to book an appointment

Your Google Business Profile is more than just a platform to display good reviews and practice information; it's a powerful tool to connect with potential patients where they are.  Consider utilizing a digital tool that integrates with Reserve with Google to offer a seamless booking experience, allowing patients to schedule appointments with just a click of a button.

Expert tip: Tim Dang, Owner & Operator of Perfect Smile Dental Care, emphasizes the importance of adding a scheduling option to your practice’s Google profile. ”We make a point to have a very complete and up-to-date Google page because that's where most patients find us,” says Tim Dang, “they only spend a few seconds on there, so we have to make it convenient for them to book.” 

Read more to see how Perfect Smile Dental Care gains 35+ monthly Google bookings and 40% more positive reviews.

How to convert patients from your Google Business page

Okay, so now you have the patient’s attention. How do you turn that into an actual visit though?

By making it very easy for patients to book an appointment from your Google page! Services like NexHealth’s Online Booking that integrates with Reserve with Google allow patients to access your real-time availability and book an appointment with you – without even leaving the page they’re browsing. Book a demo to learn more: https://www.nexhealth.com/get-a-demo