Making the Most of Your Google Business Profile
If you’re a solo provider or small health and wellness practice, Google Business Profiles can feel like just one more thing to keep up with. But it’s one of the most important (and often overlooked) pieces of your online presence—especially when you’re serving a local community.
So if you haven’t checked yours in a while, this post is your gentle reminder: it’s worth your time.
Why Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Matters
Your GBP is often the first thing potential clients see when they search for your name or services. It shows up in the sidebar on desktop or at the top of local results on mobile, and includes your contact info, hours, reviews, services, photos, and more.
Even if you don’t love Google, the reality is that this is where many people begin their search for a provider.
A complete, accurate GBP:
Helps you show up in local search results
Builds trust with potential clients
Makes it easier for someone to take action (call, visit your site, get directions)
And if your info is wrong, missing, or inconsistent? It can lead to confusion—or worse, someone choosing a different provider because they can’t tell if you’re still active or accepting new clients.
What to Check and Update
Here’s what I recommend reviewing regularly—ideally once a month (it takes just a few minutes):
Hours
Make sure your open hours reflect your current schedule. Update them for holidays or planned time off.
Contact Info
Check that your phone number, email, and website URL are accurate and working.
Services
Add a few short, clear service categories. (You don’t need to list every offering, just focus on what someone might search for.)
Business Description
This is the short paragraph under your business name. Use it to briefly say who you help and what you offer.
Photos
Photos help potential clients feel more comfortable. Upload a few images of your office or treatment space, and include a photo of yourself/your team. No need to go overboard, just enough to give a sense of who you are and what a client can expect.
Reviews
If you’re in a field where it’s appropriate to ask for reviews, respond to new ones and thank the reviewers.
Important HIPAA note: Keep your replies general. Even if someone mentions a diagnosis or result, don’t confirm they’re a patient or reference specifics. A simple “Thank you so much for your kind words” is enough.
If you can’t ask for reviews (like in mental health), you can still respond to any that come in and use other methods to build trust—here’s a separate post about that.
Make Sure Everything Matches
Consistency builds trust—not just with clients, but with Google’s algorithm too.
While you’re reviewing your GBP, take a few extra minutes to check that your information matches everywhere else, including:
Your website
Online scheduling platforms (like Jane, Acuity, Mindbody, Square Scheduling, etc.)
Professional directories (Psychology Today, Healthgrades, etc.)
Other listings (insurance provider pages, chamber of commerce pages, etc.)
When your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the same across all platforms, it reinforces your legitimacy and supports your local SEO.
A Few Extra Tips
Use categories wisely. Choose the most relevant primary category (e.g., “Physical Therapist” or “Chiropractor”) and only add extras if they’re truly relevant.
Avoid keyword stuffing. Your business name should match your signage and website—don’t include a bunch of extras.
Use Posts if you want to. Google allows you to share updates here, but it’s optional.
Keep It Simple and Consistent
You don’t have to obsess over your Google Business Profile, but keeping it clear and accurate helps people find you and feel confident reaching out.
This is one of those marketing tools that works in the background, supporting you even when you’re focused on your clients. Once it’s set up, it only takes a few minutes a month to maintain, but it keeps building trust every time someone searches for your services.
If you’d like support reviewing your GBP or making sure your other listings align, I’d be happy to help.
