Gone are the days when all a dental practice needed to do to be found by searching patients was to register in the White Pages or put out an ad in the local newspaper (yes, that used to be a thing). Today’s marketplace is primarily digital and Google is the Wall Street of the digital marketplace. If Google knows who you are and where you are, then you are in a much better position to be found when someone uses Google or Google Maps to find a dentist in your area.
Successful digital marketing for dentists requires a sophisticated, yet attainable, strategy, as well as time, and effort. A simple place to start improving your online presence is with a Google Business Profile. A Google Business Profile (GBP) contains pivotal information about your business, such as your address, business hours, phone number, and website. The GBP also allows patients to leave reviews so others can see you are a reliable and preferred dental provider. Having a Google Business Profile is helpful, but having a good one - a thoughtful, up-to-date, and engaging one, is even better.
Three key benefits of having a well-managed Google Business Profile:
1. Rank Higher on Google Maps
Having a Google Business Profile is essential for allowing potential patients to find you using Google Maps.
Having key business information easily available through Google Maps makes it simple and easy for a potential patient searching for a dentist to see your office and decide to call for an appointment. The more relevant and up-to-date your GBP is the more likely you will be found by patients in Google Maps.
2. Build Brand Awareness and Trust
In addition to simply being found in Google Maps, having an optimized and engaging Google Business Profile allows potential patients to get to know you a little while they are still in the research phase of choosing a dentist. This will help your practice stand out compared to other practices ranked in your area. Here are some ways your GBP can help you stand out as a top choice:
Visibility: Patients often turn to Google Maps to find nearby dental offices. An optimized GBP ensures you appear in these local searches.
Trust: Reviews, ratings, and accurate information build trust. New patients are more likely to choose a dentist with positive reviews and transparent details.
Engagement: GBP allows you to post updates, photos, products, offers, or events, enabling you to engage with potential and existing patients effectively.
Insights: Understand how patients find your practice and where they come from with GBP’s built-in analytics.
3. Make New Connections by Linking Social Media Accounts
GBP also allows you to link external social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. Adding social media links to your Google Business Profile helps patients quickly get a look into what’s going on at your practice and gain a better understanding of what to expect before their first visit. Coupled with an active and strategic social media management strategy this can be a powerful tool in your marketing toolbox.
Google is the most popular search engine in the world. Capturing nearly 92% of the search market so having a Google Business Profile should be a fundamental part of any dental marketing strategy. If you’re just getting started or need a little extra help making your Google Business Profile work for you, consider hiring a dental marketing team to manage and maximize your return on this important marketing tool. Paid ads are key to standing out in a competitive market, but require continual management to be most effective.
Jared Allen, co-founder of Edify Dental Marketing, offers clients years of experience in practice consulting and business growth. He is dedicated to assisting dental practices in improving their efficiency, achieving greater success, and drawing in new patients.