Everything You Need To Know About Google Business Profile

You’ve probably heard of Google My Business (GMB), right?

Hopefully, you’ve been using it for your practice for some time now. It’s been an important way to get noticed in the biggest search engine rankings. But this listing section — the one that sits at the top of the search page — has had a makeover. Google recently rebranded GMB into the newer, Google Business Profile.

For a long while, Google has allowed businesses to manage, edit, and update their details from the search results or Google maps. According to the leading marketing website, Search Engine Land, Google wants this approach to become the norm.

The aim? For small businesses — like most therapy practices — to manage their Google biz listings solely through search or maps rather than the old (and soon to be retired) Google My Business console. The entire process is “doable” through the web interface or mobile app.

Along with the name change, Google is enhancing existing (and adding new) features. But before we share how, let’s talk about why we should care.

Online search is a popular way for people to find a therapist. Word of mouth has morphed from a personal recommendation to a digital commendation. Reviews, a persuasive presence, posts, and images matter. So much so that the term Dr. Google has become synonymous with discovering health information via the net. Like it or not, people turn to search engines to seek answers and experts.

But people are also time-poor. And they do judge a book but its cover. (Your profile, then, needs to wow!)

When a search is conducted, the listings presented at the top of the results page garner the most attention. This is where your Google Business Profile is presented.

Rather than click away from the results, people can tap on each listed name to find out more. When completed well, this profile is compelling!

The first snippets of information include name, profession, location, phone number, opening time, and rating, plus a link to the business’s website and Google map location.

But it gets better!

When a name is clicked, information is presented without the searcher being redirected. Yes, right on the page! Where the information is ordered, decisive, and all-in-one place.

The extended profile view includes the above information, plus additional details. This may include:

• A link to schedule appointments
• The option to save or call a biz
• Product listings
• Questions & answers section
• Images
• A ‘send to phone’ option
• Review rating and summary (including comments)
• A short profile
• Links to social media
• Web results section

This single listing acts like a mini-website hosted by Google, a company people trust. One that helps turn searchers into new clients. To put it bluntly: if you overlook your Google Business Profile, you’re leaving money on the table and harming practice impact and growth.

Okay, hopefully you’re now convinced that setting up a Google Business Profile for your practice is essential! What additional benefits come from Google’s shift from GMB to the Business Profile?

The Google Business Profile enables businesses to easily claim and verify their listing

As the saying goes, first impressions matter.

Claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile allows you to set up and own this “mini-site.” The change to the Business Profile means you can now — still easily and for free — do this from within Google Search and Google Maps.

To set up your practice profile, follow the simple steps: Request ownership of a Business Profile.

The Google Business Profile allows you to access your call history in America and Canada

When someone finds you through Google Search and Maps, they can call directly. Your Google Business Profile allows you to track and respond to these calls. This helps you reply to missed calls, remain connected with current and potential clients, and keep your call history in one place.

To take advantage of this capacity, read Google’s instructions: Call history in Google Business Profile.

The Google Business Profile enables businesses to message people directly and quickly from their desktop

Responding in a timely fashion is important for the success of your practice. You should, as they say, strike while the iron is hot.

In terms of business, responding quickly to an interested party — a potential or current client — increases your success. Incredible client service elevates your practice and helps to wow people.

Nowadays, waiting for a response to an email can be deemed frustrating and put potential clients off. I know, it hardly seems fair. But there it is. With this in mind, your Business Profile allows you to implement real-time chat as part of your client service offering.

For local businesses, it’s as easy as turning on the chat, messages feature within your Google Business Profile.

To set this up and harness the power of chat, follow the instruction: How to read & reply to messages from your Business Profile.

Want more information about what the shift to Google Business Profile means? Search Engine Land’s article, Google My Business now known as Google Business Profile as Google migrates features to Maps and Search, is worth the read.

Frequently asked questions about your Google Business Profile

At Brighter Vision, we know how important it is to keep pace with change and information that affects your practice. We also know that getting the right information can be tough. So we’ve answered some of them here: Google Business Profile FAQs.

Okay, are you ready to take the plunge?

How to set up a Google Business Profile for your practice

Google offers explicit instructions in their article, Sign up for Business Profile, covering:

• How to create a business profile on Google
• Best practices to set up your service business
• How to manage account access
• And even how to transfer ownership of a business when you sell

Tip: Once your Business Profile is live, personalize it with photos, offers, posts, and more.

The Google Business Profile takeaway

Having key practice snippets — like your name, profession, location, phone number, opening time, rating, reviews, Google map location, photos, offers, and posts — right there within the results at the top of the page is powerful. Remember, first impressions matter.

Claiming and maintaining your Google Business Profile is an important step for your practice. It’ll help you get found, persuade potential clients, grow your practice, and make a positive impact.

So, if you haven’t set up your profile, bookmark this page and make it a priority. Better yet, jump in now. (Yes, now!)

Want the beautiful therapist website you deserve? Then you’re in the perfect place.

Brighter Vision is the ultimate marketing package for therapists, centered around the best therapist website you’ve ever had. Fill out the form below to learn more about our team of professionals who can’t wait to help your practice grow like never before 🙂

About Jocelyn Van Saun

Jocelyn is a Marketing Manager at Brighter Vision. When she's not creating and sharing content for our network of therapists, she loves spending time outdoors - rock climbing, trail running, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skiing!