5 Healthcare Marketing Ways to Engage Patients Using Google My Business
As a doctor, if you’re not on Google My Business, you’re probably missing out. We mean, everyone Googles stuff these days, right? Whether they're looking for a new dentist, a chiropractor, or a pediatrician, Google is the first place they check. So, if your clinic isn’t showing up, that’s a problem.
But here’s the thing: Google My Business is actually super easy to use, and it’s one of the best ways to get noticed by people in your area who are actively searching for your services. Best part? It’s free.
Here are five smart, simple ways to engage with potential patients and increase your clinic’s visibility.
1. Fill Out Your Profile—Completely! (No Shortcuts!)
Imagine you walk into a store and the shelves are empty, with no signs, no staff, and nothing. Boring, right? That’s exactly what your GMB profile looks like if it’s incomplete.
So, tip number one: Complete your profile! And we mean everything: name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation—get it all in there. The more info you provide, the better your chances of showing up in local searches. And when patients are searching “dentist near me” or “best pediatricians in [your city],” you want to make sure your clinic pops up!
Pro tip: Use keywords like “best chiropractor in [city]” or “affordable dental care in [neighborhood]” in your description to attract patients and boost your local SEO. The more relevant the info, the better Google will rank you.
2. Post Updates Like a Pro—Engage, Engage, Engage!
Okay, now here’s where it gets fun. Google My Business isn’t just for static info—it’s a live platform! You can post updates just like social media.
Got a special promotion? Announce it!
New service? Let everyone know!
Is flu season coming up and you’ve got tips? Share away!
The beauty of posting updates is that it shows potential patients you're active, current, and ready to engage. You can even share seasonal health tips or updates about your clinic (e.g., new staff, special hours). Regular posts will help you stay top of mind, so when patients need healthcare, they remember you.
Plus, those updates might even get featured in search results, giving you more visibility. That's what we call a win-win!
3. Patient Reviews: Your Secret Weapon for Trust
Now, let’s talk about reviews. Let’s be real—today’s patients are like professional reviewers. They’ll Google you, check out your reviews, and judge your clinic based on what others say.
Here’s the kicker: Google My Business lets you gather reviews right there on your profile. So, ask for them! After a great visit, just shoot your happy patients a message or email with a link to leave a review. It’s that simple.
But don’t just collect them—engage with your reviewers! Reply to their feedback, thank them for their kind words, and even address any concerns. This shows you're listening and that you care about your patients. The more positive reviews you have, the higher you rank in search results, and the more likely patients are to trust you.
4. Show Off Your Clinic with Photos
Here’s a little secret: people love visuals. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or shorts (who hasn’t?), you know that photos and videos are key. The same goes for your GMB profile.
Add clear, professional photos of your clinic, staff, and services. Potential patients want to know what they’re walking into. Show them off! The more photos you add, the better your chances of engaging potential patients. Bonus: It also helps your SEO.
So get your camera ready—upload those shots of your clinic, your team, and any special equipment or treatments you offer. Make people feel comfortable before they even walk in the door!
5. Answer Questions with the Q&A Feature
People have questions, and they’re not shy about asking. Google My Business has a handy Q&A section where potential patients can ask about your services. Instead of waiting for random questions to pop up, you can proactively add FAQs that potential patients might have.
For example, if you run a pediatric practice, you could answer questions about vaccine schedules, or if you're a dental clinic, you can explain how teeth whitening works. By filling this section with helpful information, you educate your patients and build trust. Plus, answering questions increases your chances of appearing in search results for specific queries.
Why Praxis360 Can Help You Rock Your GMB
Alright, you’ve got the tips—now what? If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but I don’t have the time to do all this,” then you’re in the right place. That’s where Praxis360, the healthcare marketing experts, come in.
We specialize in all things digital marketing, from SEO to Google My Business optimization, and we can help your clinic shine online. Whether you want to increase your online reviews, create engaging posts, or ensure your GMB profile is firing on all cylinders. Let us help you attract more patients, get noticed locally, and take your practice to the next level!
Ready to rock your Google My Business profile? Let’s connect!
Book a consultation call today!DR PRANAV AGALE
FOUNDER & CEO
Pranav is a practice marketing consultant on a mission to help doctors streamline their practices and grow ethically. In 2013, he bootstrapped and founded Praxis360 to fuel his mission.