How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile as a Therapist
As a therapist, one of the best ways to increase visibility of your business is by optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Having an optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) not only helps you appear in local search results but also builds trust and credibility with potential clients who are looking for therapy services. Whether you are just starting your practice or have been established for years, optimizing your Google Business Profile is a must-do for growing your client base.
Why GBP Optimization for Therapists Matters
Google is the go-to platform for clients searching for local services, including therapists. If you’re not fully utilizing your GBP, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to connect with potential new clients. With a properly optimized Google Business Profile, you can:
- Increase your visibility in local search results and Google Maps
- Improve your local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) rankings
- Showcase important information like your contact details, business hours, and services
- Build trust with potential clients through reviews and engaging content
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Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
1. Claim and Complete Your Profile
The first step in GBP optimization for therapists is claiming your profile. If you haven’t already done so, go to Google Business Profile and claim or create your business listing. Once you have access, make sure all the necessary details are filled out completely and accurately. A well-completed profile improves your chances of being found by potential clients and enhances the trust you build with them.
Key details to ensure you have completed:
- Business name: Make sure it matches your website and any other listings online
- Address: If you have a physical office, include your full address
- Phone Number: Keep this consistent across all places on the web
- Website: Use the URL to the homepage of your website
- Business Hours: We recommend listing the hours when you are available to take appointments
2. Write a Clear, Compassionate Business Description
Your Google Business Profile description is a key part of your profile that will help people understand what you do and how you can help them. This is an opportunity to express your niche, therapeutic approach or specialties. Make sure to include relevant keywords, such as therapy specialties and the types of therapy you offer. This can help improve your SEO and attract clients looking for those specific services.
3. Add High Quality Photos to Humanize Your Profile
When people look for therapy services, they are often seeking a sense of comfort and security. Photos can play a huge role in making your Google Business Profile more relatable and approachable. Photos of your office, your team (if applicable), or even a professional headshot can help potential clients feel more connected to you before their first visit.
- Office Photos: Include images of your therapy space to show the atmosphere and setting. A calm, welcoming office can help put clients at ease.
- Team Photos: If you have other therapists or staff members, consider adding photos of them as well. This makes your practice feel more personal and human.
- Professional Headshots: A good headshot lets potential clients feel like they are getting to know you even before meeting in person.
4. How to Get GBP Reviews
One of the most powerful features of Google Business Profile is the ability to display reviews. Positive reviews are incredibly valuable for therapists, as they can significantly influence a potential client’s decision-making process. Positive reviews not only improve your GBP ranking, but they also help prospects feel more confident in choosing you.
We understand that reviews can be tricky for therapists. While it’s important to respect client privacy and ethical guidelines (which means you can’t directly solicit reviews), you can make the process easier for clients who genuinely want to share their feedback. One effective way to do this is by providing a direct link to your Google Business Profile where clients can leave reviews. This link can be easily obtained from your GBP dashboard. We recommend creating a QR code for this link and displaying it in your office. By making it simple for clients to leave reviews, you encourage feedback while maintaining professionalism and ethicality.
LEARN MORE: Can Therapists Solicit Client Reviews?
5. Create Google Business Profile Posts
Google Business Profile allows you to share updates and posts with your audience, which can help keep your profile fresh and engaging. This feature is especially useful for therapists who may offer workshops, new services, or seasonal promotions. Try to post regularly, at least once a month, to keep your profile active and visible. Google tends to prioritize businesses that engage with their profile, so frequent updates will help you stay competitive in local search results.
GBP Post Ideas for Therapists:
- Therapy Specials or Discounts: If you’re offering a special rate for new clients or running a promotional campaign, a Google post is a great way to share this information.
- Mental Health Tips or Articles: Share useful mental health resources, coping strategies, or advice that can help potential clients understand the value of therapy.
- Client Success Stories: With permission, share client success stories or testimonials to highlight the positive impact of your work (respecting confidentiality and privacy, of course).
- Appointments and Availability: Use posts to inform potential clients of available slots or changes to your hours of operation (e.g., during holidays or summer months).
- Blog Content: If you maintain a blog, consider sharing links to your latest articles, which can position you as a knowledgeable and reliable resource.
How to Create Google Business Profile Posts
To create a post on your Google Business Profile, navigate to the “Posts” section and select the type of post you want to create. Keep your posts short and to the point (Google recommends around 150-300 characters) and include a call to action (CTA) such as “Call Now,” “Learn More,” or “Book an Appointment.”
6. List Your Services
Your Google Business Profile allows you to list your therapy services, making it easier for potential clients to understand what you offer and whether your specialties align with their needs. Detailed service listings can help clients quickly find the exact type of therapy they’re seeking and can even improve your visibility in relevant search results.
How to List Services on GBP
When setting up your services on Google Business Profile, be specific and descriptive about the types of therapy you offer. Instead of just listing “Therapy,” break it down into more specialized services such as:
- Individual Therapy: Talk about the types of issues or challenges you help with, like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Couples Therapy: Explain your approach to couples counseling, relationship therapy, or conflict resolution.
- Family Therapy: Share how you work with families and your approach to resolving family conflicts or improving communication.
- Online Therapy: If you offer virtual sessions, make sure to mention this option.
- Specialized Therapies: If you have specific training in techniques, highlight these offerings as well.
The Power of GBP Optimization for Therapists
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to increase visibility, build trust, and connect with potential clients. By completing your profile, adding high-quality photos, gathering reviews, posting regular updates, and listing your services, you can ensure that your practice stands out in local search results and offers a welcoming, professional online presence. Take the time to implement these optimization strategies and watch as your therapy practice thrives and grows.
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