Purrfect Your Online Presence – Your Clinic’s Guide to Google Business Profile

When clients look for a nearby veterinarian, there’s a good chance they’ll turn to Google to aid their search. Give them the fastest, most reliable way to find you first with a Google Business Profiles. Previously known as Google My Business, this unparalleled feature puts you in the driving seat, allowing you to dictate how your clinic is portrayed across Google Maps and Search. It provides both potential and existing clients with instant access to your clinic’s details -without ever leaving the first search page.

What is Google Business Profiles?

First, let’s discuss what Google Business Profiles (GBP) is, and how it helps your clinic. Formerly known as Google My Business, GBP is a free tool from Google that allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping. Using GBP for your clinic enables you to connect with customers, provide business updates, list products or services, and more. GBP confirms the legitimacy of your business to those searching and quickly provides them all the necessary information to connect with you. You can directly manage and optimize your Google Business Profile, one of the top online business directories, via Google.

Why Your Clinic Needs Google Business Profiles

So, why does your clinic need a Google Business Profile? It’s crucial for veterinary clinics to create, claim, and maintain one because it boosts their online visibility, accessibility, and legitimacy.

A well-maintained profile allows potential clients to easily find the clinic through Google Search and Maps. It also provides important information such as location, hours of operation, and contact details. Plus, potential clients can read reviews from other pet owners.

This increased visibility attracts new clients and establishes your clinic’s reputation. It also delivers essential information quickly, improving overall client engagement and trust. Google Business Profiles are free and an effective way to organically reach potential clients on the search engine results page. Here’s a few benefits of Google Business Profiles to further explain why they’re so important:

• Enhanced Visibility: Appearing in local search results and on Google Maps increases your clinic’s visibility to potential clients searching for veterinary services in your area.
• Credibility and Interaction: GBP allows you to engage directly with clients through reviews and Q&A, showcasing your responsiveness and commitment to client care. Posting updates through Google Posts further engages your audience, acting almost like mini-blog entries.
• Insights and Optimization: By analyzing client interactions and behavior on your GBP, you gain valuable insights that can inform your marketing strategies and improve your clinic’s SEO performance.

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Setting up your clinic’s Google Business Profile is straightforward:

1. Sign In or Create a Google Account: Visit Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it to manage your clinic’s profile effectively.
2. Enter Your Clinic’s Information: Provide details such as your clinic’s name, business type (e.g., veterinary services), physical location, and contact information.
3. Verify Your Clinic: Google requires verification to ensure the accuracy of your business information. This typically involves receiving a verification code by mail or phone call.
4. Optimize Your Profile: Once verified, optimize your profile by adding photos, updating business hours, and regularly posting updates or promotions to engage your audience.

Claiming an Existing Google Business Profile

If your clinic already has a listing on Google that you haven’t claimed, follow these steps:

1. Search for Your Business on Google Maps: Look for your clinic’s name on Google Maps to see if a listing already exists.
2. Claim Your Business: If the listing is unclaimed, click on “Claim this business” to start the verification process. If it’s already claimed, you’ll need to request access or contact the current manager for ownership.
3. Manage and Optimize: After verification, you can manage your clinic’s profile through the Google Business Profile Manager, ensuring all information is accurate and up to date.

Tips for Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

To make the most of your Google Business Profile:

• Maintain NAP Consistency: Ensure your clinic’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms for better visibility and credibility.
• Use Detailed Business Descriptions: Provide concise yet informative descriptions of your clinic’s services and unique offerings.
• Utilize Images and Posts: Upload high-quality photos that showcase your clinic and regularly post updates or promotions to keep clients engaged.
• Engage with Reviews and Q&A: Respond promptly to client reviews and questions to demonstrate your commitment to customer service and build trust.
• Highlight Unique Attributes: Use attributes to highlight special features of your clinic, such as LGBTQ+ friendly or emergency services available.

Google Business Profiles take your clinic’s digital game to the next level, and ensure you are found and known by pet owners in your community. If you’d like assistance getting yours started, or have questions regarding Google Business Profiles, VHA is happy to help and provide the answers you need. Connect with use by emailing lhumensky@veterinary.org, and we’ll be in touch! Happy Googling!

Additional VHA Resources for Google Business Profile & Reputation Management:

• Building Trust, Fostering Loyalty: Reputation Management for Veterinary Clinics –https://youtu.be/JuN3pOGdS0U
• A Vet Clinic’s Guide to Handling Negative Online Reviews in 5 Simple Steps- https://veterinaryha.org/a-vet-clinics-guide-to-handling-negative-online-reviews-in-5-simple-steps/
• Unleash Your Practice’s Potential: The Power of Optimizing Your Google Business Profile- https://veterinaryha.org/unleash-your-practices-potential-the-power-of-optimizing-your-google-business-profile/