Optimize Google My Business for your dental practice

When patients google dentist in your area, the search results show a map of local dentists. The information from these listings are pulled in from Google My Business profiles – which you can control! Here’s how you can start or optimize your Google My Business account to help get your practice on the map.

Step 1: Verify your listing

Claiming your listing is the best way of showing Google that your business is active and that Google’s information about you is accurate. Every reliable citation site requires you to claim your listing either by phone, email or post, and Google is no different.

Start by searching for your business name or phone number on the map search option of Google. Once you find your business, click “Claim this business” and follow the steps to claim the business, choosing the verification method that's best for you. Google will send you a verification number to enter to complete the verification. There you go: your listing has been verified!

If your business listing is already claimed the process is slightly more complicated. First you have to get Google to release the listing, then about a week later you’ll be able to claim it. Whatever you do – don’t create a new listing – unless your office is brand new! Duplicate listings can be difficult to clean up.

For more information on how to claim your listing visit Google support.

Step 2: Optimize your profile

Fill out your profile with as much detail as you can. Include your full address, phone number, website, email address, business hours, and categories (Dentist, Teeth Whitening, etc.).

Add photos to make your practice stand out. Besides your logo, custom photos of your building and the office interior helps your practice pop when people look for a dentist using the map search.

Step 3: Update your pin marker

Unless your building is very new, you should be able to get your pin marker very close to your actual building. This makes it easier for patients to find you. First, make sure that your address is correct on your Google My Business account. Then drill down to street level on Google Maps to see if your pin marker is in the right place. If it isn’t, click on “Suggest an edit”. You’ll then be able to move around the marker by clicking and dragging it to the right spot. Hit submit to save your changes. Google will notify you in a few days if your suggestion has been approved.

If Google doesn’t accept your changes, give us a call and we’ll let you know why.

Step 4: Get reviews

Getting that star rating can really help you stand out against your competition. Not only does a star rating show potential patients that others trust you, but the stars really draw attention – especially if your competition doesn’t have many reviews yet.

The easiest way to get reviews is to ask patients for them on a regular basis. Learn more about online reviews with our blog post. Grow your business with online reviews

Originally posted Jan 22, 2015, updated Jan 17, 2018.