Healthcare marketing agency
For most doctors and clinics, the Google Business Profile brings more calls than the website. It is what appears on Google Maps and in the “near me” results—and it is free.
Step 1: Claim and verify the right profile
Search for your clinic on Google Maps. If a profile exists, claim it; do not create a duplicate. Verify it using the method Google offers. Keep ownership in the practice’s own Google account, not a staff member’s or an agency’s.
Step 2: Use your real name—nothing extra
Use the name on your signboard. Adding keywords such as “Best Skin Clinic Jaipur” to the name breaks Google’s guidelines and can get the profile suspended.
Step 3: Choose the most specific primary category
The primary category matters more than almost anything else. “Dermatologist” beats “Doctor”; “Dental clinic” beats “Medical clinic”. Add a few accurate secondary categories.
Step 4: Get the address, pin and service area right
Place the pin on your actual entrance. Write the address exactly as it appears on your signboard and letterhead, and use the same format on every directory.
Step 5: Add exact OPD timings and holiday hours
Wrong timings are the most common complaint in healthcare reviews. Update special hours for festivals and doctor leave in advance.
Step 6: List services in plain language
Add each service patients search for—“root canal treatment”, “knee replacement consultation”, “thyroid test”. Keep descriptions factual. Avoid words such as “best”, “guaranteed” or “painless”, which can breach the IMC 2002 rules and the ASCI code.
Step 7: Upload real photos
Add photos of the entrance, reception, waiting area and doctors. Never post identifiable patients without written consent.
Step 8: Add a phone number that is answered, and WhatsApp
A missed call is a lost patient. Use a number the front desk answers during OPD hours.
Step 9: Ask every patient for a review—the same way
Send one neutral message after the visit to every patient, with the review link. No discounts, no gifts, no asking only happy patients. Reply to every review politely and without confirming that the reviewer was your patient.
Step 10: Post updates and check it weekly
Post health camps, new doctors or timings. Check the profile every week—anyone can suggest edits, and Google sometimes accepts wrong ones.
Common mistakes that hide you on Maps
- Two profiles for the same clinic
- A name stuffed with keywords
- A generic primary category
- Different phone numbers on Google, Practo and Justdial
- No reviews in the last few months
Want a second pair of eyes? The free audit checks your profile, local competitors and reviews. Or read more about healthcare SEO.
Frequently asked questions
Should a doctor have a separate Google profile from the clinic?
If several doctors work at one clinic, the clinic usually has a profile and each doctor who sees patients there may have their own practitioner profile. A doctor who practises alone is usually best represented by a single profile. Follow Google’s guidelines for practitioners to avoid duplicates.
Can I ask patients for Google reviews?
Yes, if you ask every patient in the same neutral way and never offer a discount, gift or other incentive, and never ask only happy patients. Reply to reviews without confirming that the reviewer is your patient or sharing any health details.
How long does it take to rank on Google Maps?
Fixing categories, timings and information often improves visibility within weeks. Competing for busy searches in a large city takes longer and depends on distance, relevance and reviews. No one can guarantee a Maps position.
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