Google Business Profile for clinics: a practical checklist

For most patients, finding a clinic starts with a search like "dermatologist near me". The results they see first, with the map, ratings, hours and a call button, come from Google Business Profiles. A complete, well-managed profile is one of the most effective things a clinic can do for local visibility.

Why your profile matters

Patients use your profile to answer three questions in seconds: Are you nearby? Are you open? Can I trust you? An incomplete profile, with missing hours, wrong phone numbers or no photos, creates doubt at exactly the wrong moment.

The essentials checklist

• Accurate name, address and phone number, identical to your website
• The right primary category (for example, "Dermatologist" or "Dental clinic") plus relevant secondary categories
• Opening hours, including holiday hours
• Services listed clearly, using the words patients search for
• Real photos of your entrance, reception, consultation rooms and team
• Website and appointment links
• A clear description of who you help and what makes your practice different

Reviews: earn them ethically

Reviews are a major trust signal. Ask satisfied patients for feedback with a simple follow-up message that includes your review link. Never buy reviews or offer incentives in exchange for them.

Responding to reviews

Reply to every review professionally. Thank patients for positive feedback. For negative reviews, acknowledge the concern, never confirm or discuss any medical details (patient privacy comes first), and invite the person to contact the clinic directly.

Keep it active

Update photos, add posts about health awareness days or new services, and answer questions in the Q&A section. An active profile signals a practice that is attentive to its patients.

Where this fits

This is part of the Be Found and Build Trust stages of the MediSmart growth framework. If you'd like us to audit your profile, book a consultation.