10 Ways to Keep Your Dental GBP Profile Updated in 2024

Did you know that, according to Google, customers are 2.7 times more likely to consider your dental practice reputable if they find a complete Google Business Profile?

That’s a big statistic – and an even bigger opportunity. Keeping your profile up-to-date and comprehensive couldn’t be more important than it is right now.

In a competitive industry like dentistry, your Google Business Profile isn’t just a digital business card. Instead, think of it as a tool for attracting new patients.

Google also says that 70% of customers are more likely to visit and 50% more likely to consider purchasing from businesses with a complete profile. Those are high stakes, and you must consider a methodical approach to GBP maintenance. Otherwise, you risk turning potential patient leads away.

Here are 10 tips to keep your profile fresh, relevant, and a magnet for new patients.

Tip 1: Regularly Update Business Hours

Accurate business hours provide patients with vital information. They know exactly when they can reach out to your dental practice, which reduces the chances of missed opportunities or patient frustration.

Let’s face it: outdated or incorrect business hours can lead to negative patient experiences. Imagine a patient showing up at your clinic only to find the doors closed because the hours listed on your GBP are incorrect. This causes inconvenience and can harm your practice’s reputation.

Google also prioritizes accurate information in search results, so having the correct business hours can improve your visibility.

• Set Reminders:Regularly review and update your business hours, especially before holidays or special events.
• Use Google’s Special Hours Feature:For holidays or one-off changes, utilize Google’s special hours feature to specify different timings without altering your regular hours.
• Check for Accuracy: Make it a routine to double-check that the hours displayed on your GBP match those on your website and other listings.

Regularly updating your business hours is a small task that, combined with other targeted marketing efforts, can significantly impact patient satisfaction and your practice’s online presence.

Tip 2: Post Regular Updates and Announcements

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) serves as a primary source for contact details such as phone numbers, email addresses, and the physical location of your clinic. Confirming this information is correct across all platforms is key to maintaining trust and accessibility.

Inconsistent or incorrect contact details can lead to missed appointments, patient frustration, and lost business. If a patient tries to contact you using outdated information and is unable to reach you, it may cause them to look elsewhere for dental care.

Moreover, Google values consistency in your contact information across all online platforms (your website, social media, and GBP). Inconsistent details can negatively impact your local search rankings.

• Audit Regularly: Periodically audit your GBP and other online profiles. This includes your address, phone number, email, and any other contact methods you provide.
• Sync with Your Website: Confirm that the contact information on your GBP matches exactly with what’s listed on your website.
• Update After Changes: Immediately update your GBP if there are any changes to your contact information.

Keeping your contact information accurate and consistent means that your patients can easily reach you. Beyond that, it also supports your overall online presence and local SEO efforts

Tip 3: Optimize Photos and Videos

Visual content is a powerful tool for engaging with potential patients and showcasing the quality and atmosphere of your dental practice. Regularly updating photos and videos on your GBP can help you stand out in search results and provide a more personal connection with those considering your services.

The reason? Photos and videos give potential patients a glimpse of your practice, your team, and the services you offer. High-quality visuals can build trust and make your practice more approachable.

Additionally, fresh content signals to Google that your business is active and engaged, which can positively impact your search rankings. Updated photos and videos can also show off new equipment, office renovations, or special events. This keeps your profile dynamic and interesting.

• Showcase Your Team and Office: Include photos and videos that highlight your team members, the interior and exterior of your practice, and any unique features that set your practice apart.
• Use Professional Photography: Whenever possible, invest in professional photography for high-quality. However, candid shots taken with a good smartphone camera can also be effective if done correctly.
• Update Seasonally or for Special Events: Refresh your photo gallery with seasonal decorations, community events, or any changes in your practice’s appearance.

Regularly updating your visual content on your GBP helps keep your practice in the minds of potential patients while also reinforcing your brand’s image and professionalism.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget About Holidays

Patients searching for a dental service need to know when you’re open, especially during the busy holiday season. It might seem small, but you’d be surprised how often business owners forget this small thing.

Plus, updating your holiday hours in advance prevents any confusion. Anyone searching for your practice will be fully informed.

Regularly checking and adjusting your hours for upcoming holidays also signals to Google that your profile is actively maintained, which can improve your local search rankings.

• Set Up Holiday Hours in Advance: Use the Google Business Profile dashboard to schedule your holiday hours ahead of time. Google allows you to set special hours for public holidays, which will automatically update on your profile on the specified dates.
• Communicate with Patients: Besides updating your hours, consider posting a Google update or announcement to inform your patients of any holiday closures or special services you might offer during the holidays.
• Review and Adjust Annually: Make it a yearly task to review and adjust your holiday hours as needed. This ensures that your profile remains accurate and helpful for both new and returning patients.

Holidays can be a tricky time for patients trying to find available dental services. Updating your GBP with your holiday hours prevents any confusion or frustration..

Tip 5: Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Patient reviews are a powerful aspect of your online presence. They influence how potential patients perceive your practice and can significantly impact your local search rankings. Responding to reviews promptly shows that you value patient feedback and are engaged with your community.

Frankly, patients anticipate it: 53% of customers expect businesses to respond to negative reviews within a week, but 87% of businesses don’t respond at all.

Engaging with reviews – both positive and negative – demonstrates that you care about your patients’ experiences. It’s an effective form of dental marketing that helps build trust and can even turn a negative review into a positive opportunity by showing your willingness to address concerns.

• Acknowledge Positive Reviews: Thank patients for their kind words and briefly mention any specific compliments they gave. This personal touch reinforces their positive experience and encourages others to leave reviews.
• Address Negative Reviews Professionally: Respond to negative reviews calmly and professionally. Acknowledge the patient’s concerns, apologize if necessary, and offer a solution or invite them to contact your office directly to resolve the issue.
• Encourage Reviews After Appointments: Politely ask satisfied patients to leave a review on your Google Business Profile. A steady stream of new reviews will keep your profile active and relevant.

Responding to reviews promptly and thoughtfully will enhance your practice’s reputation, build stronger relationships with your patients, and improve your visibility in local search results.

Tip 6: Utilize the Q&A Section

The Q&A section on your GBP is an often-overlooked feature that can significantly improve patient engagement and trust. This section allows potential patients to ask questions directly on your profile, and it gives you the opportunity to answer them publicly. It’s a powerful tool to address common inquiries and demonstrate your expertise in real-time.

Actively managing the Q&A section means you can proactively answer questions that potential patients might have. This can reduce any hesitation they may feel about choosing your practice. It also provides a platform for you to highlight important aspects of your services, such as insurance acceptance, specific dental procedures, or office hours, without waiting for someone to ask.

• Pre-Populate Questions: Consider adding common questions and answers yourself. This way, you control the narrative and ensure accurate information is presented.
• Monitor Regularly: Set up alerts or regularly check the Q&A section so you can respond promptly to new questions.
• Encourage Patients to Ask Questions: During patient interactions, encourage them to ask questions through your GBP.

Keeping the Q&A section active and well-maintained enhances your online presence and reassures potential patients that your practice is attentive, transparent, and accessible.

Tip 7: Leverage Google Posts for Promotions

Keeping your GBP fresh and engaging requires more than just static information. Regularly posting updates and announcements helps maintain your practice’s visibility and relevance. These posts can include a variety of content types, such as special offers, new services, or even health tips related to dental care.

Google favors active profiles that consistently post updates, which can improve your rankings in local search results. Regular posts also keep your audience informed and engaged, encouraging them to interact with your profile and visit your practice.

• Share News and Events: Post about any upcoming events, new services, or special promotions.
• Highlight Patient Reviews: Feature positive reviews and testimonials in your posts to build trust and encourage new patients to book appointments.
• Use Images and Videos: Visual content tends to attract more attention. Include images or short videos to make your posts more engaging.

Regular updates not only keep your audience informed but also signal to Google that your business is active and reliable, boosting your profile’s performance in search results.

Tip 8: Ensure Category and Services Are Accurate

Accurate categorization helps Google understand what your business offers and ensures that your practice appears in relevant local searches. Correctly setting your primary and secondary categories increases the likelihood of your profile being shown to users searching for the specific dental services you provide.

These service listings should further clarify your expertise and offerings. They help potential patients make informed decisions.

• Review and Update Categories Regularly: Confirm that your primary category (e.g., “Dentist”) reflects the core of your practice. If you offer specialized services like orthodontics or pediatric dentistry, include these as secondary categories.
• Detail Your Services: Under the services section, list out all the dental services you provide. Be specific – mention procedures like “teeth whitening,” “root canal treatment,” or “dental implants.”
• Avoid Overloading Categories: While it’s important to cover your services, avoid selecting too many categories, as it can dilute your profile’s relevance in search results.

Detailed and accurate category and service listings improve your practice’s visibility in local searches. Thisit easier for prospective patients to find the exact services they need.

Tip 9: Monitor and Update Attributes

Attributes in your Google Business Profile provide detailed information about your practice, such as accessibility options, payment methods, and services offered. Regularly monitoring and updating these attributes means that potential patients have the most accurate and helpful information.

• Regularly Review Attributes: Periodically check your profile’s attributes to ensure they accurately reflect your current offerings. This includes options like wheelchair accessibility, types of payment accepted, and other relevant patient conveniences.
• Add New Relevant Attributes: As your practice evolves, consider adding new attributes that reflect any additional services or features you offer, such as “Accepts New Patients” or “Virtual Consultations Available.”
• Respond to Attribute Updates: Google sometimes adds new attributes based on trends or user feedback. Stay informed about these updates and incorporate them into your profile as applicable to enhance patient satisfaction and search visibility.

These steps will help keep your business profile comprehensive and up-to-date. It’s about improving patient experience and potentially boosting your local search rankings.

Tip 10: Use Analytics to Track Performance

How effective is your profile? Regularly reviewing your GBP insights gives you valuable data on how people are interacting with your profile. This helps you refine your approach for better results.

Analytics provide insights into the number of views your profile gets, how often people are clicking to call your office, request directions, or visit your website.

• Regularly Review GBP Insights: Access your GBP dashboard to monitor key metrics such as profile views, search queries, and actions taken by users (e.g., website visits, phone calls, direction requests).
• Identify Trends and Patterns: Look for trends in user behavior over time. For example, if you notice a spike in calls or direction requests after updating your services, you can attribute that to your recent changes.
• Adjust Strategies Based on Data: Use the insights to inform your ongoing GBP management strategy. If certain services or posts are driving more engagement, focus on promoting those areas further. Conversely, if certain elements aren’t performing, consider making adjustments or improvements.

Using analytics to track the performance of your GBP leads to data-driven decisions. The result is an improved profile’s effectiveness that continues to attract and convert potential patients.

Stay Ahead in Dental with a Regularly Updated GBP Profile

Like so many parts of the internet, approaching a GBP profile isn’t just about setting it up once and forgetting about it. Regular updates and active management of your profile help your practice remain visible, attractive, and credible to potential patients.

Make updating your GBP profile a routine part of your practice management. By keeping your profile current, responding to reviews, and regularly posting fresh content, you’ll be better positioned to attract and retain patients.

A well-managed GBP profile is a digital asset – a strategic tool for growing your practice.

Contact Denta Marketing – Your Partner in Google Business Profiles

At Denta Marketing, we understand the importance of maintaining an optimized and up-to-date Google Business Profile. Our team specializes in helping dental practices like yours stay ahead in the competitive online landscape.

From managing your GBP updates to ensuring your digital presence aligns with your growth goals, we offer tailored solutions that deliver real results.

With a deep understanding of the dental industry and the latest digital marketing trends, Denta Marketing is your go-to partner for boosting your online visibility and patient engagement. Our experts are dedicated to providing you with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the digital age.

Contact us today!