Free Checklist

Your Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist

Walk through 5 sections and 25 checkpoints — profile, hours, services, posts, and reviews — to turn your Google Business Profile into your highest-converting front door.

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Common questions

Google Business Profile — frequently asked questions

What is a Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the free listing that powers your practice on Google Search and Maps. It controls hours, photos, reviews, and posts — the front door for new dental patients.

How long does Google Business Profile verification take?

Most dental practices verify by postcard in 5 to 14 days. Video and phone verification are often approved in a few business hours. Delays usually come from address match issues or prior unverified listings at the same location.

Why is my dental practice not showing up on Google Maps?

Common causes include duplicate listings, NAP inconsistencies (name, address, phone) across directories, listing suspension, category mismatches, and low review velocity. Audit your citations and recent reviews first.

How often should I post updates and photos on my GBP?

Google rewards active profiles. Aim for one post per week with a photo or short video, and refresh cover imagery every 30 to 60 days. Posts under 14 days old signal an active practice and rank better in the local pack.

Do I need an agency to manage my Google Business Profile, or can I do it myself?

Solo owners can handle updates and review responses if they have 2 or more hours per week. An agency helps if you have multiple locations, must follow HIPAA-safe review response rules, or simply want faster local-pack gains.

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Section 1

Profile Photo

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Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for driving directions and 35% more click-throughs to your site. Use clear, on-brand imagery.

Logo uploaded (720×720 min) Square PNG, transparent background. Skip low-res — Google upscales awkwardly. Cover photo uploaded Wide shot of your reception or team — 1024×576 minimum. Owner photo uploaded Patients research their provider. A smiling headshot builds instant trust. All staff photos added Hygienists, assistants, front desk — name-tagged photos in their profiles. Geo-tagged exterior photo A clear shot of your building entrance, with EXIF GPS preserved at upload.

Section 2

Business Hours

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Wrong hours are the #1 reason a patient bounces. Six in ten local searches happen after business hours — accuracy is everything.

Hours match your real schedule Including lunch breaks, half-days, Saturday tiers. Update seasonally. Specialty hours set for holidays Block off the days you're closed 2 weeks ahead — call the closure out explicitly. Google Maps hours verified Open Maps, search your name, confirm the hours shown match what you published. Phone forwarding tested during off-hours Call your main line at 11 PM. If it rings endlessly, callers will skip to the next practice. Online booking link added The reserve-with-Google URL or your own booking tool — both reduce calls.

Section 3

Services

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The services list is your silent sales sheet. Patients skim these before they ever call. Treat each line like a mini landing page.

Top 5 services listed Cleanings, whitening, implants, Invisalign, emergency. Lead with revenue. Each service has a 150+ char description Plain-English — what it is, who it's for, how long it takes, what it costs. Service categories match website If your site says "Cosmetic Dentistry," don't put "Aesthetic Care" here. Insurance & payment info listed Accepted plans, financing options, and "insurance verification available" copy. Booking CTA on every service Link the service page directly to /book or your scheduling URL.

Section 4

Posts

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Posts are Google's freshness signal. They help you outrank nearby practices and tell Google you're an active business — not a stale listing.

Posting weekly (minimum) Tuesday or Wednesday mornings see the highest local engagement. Mix of offers + updates + events New-patient specials, holiday hours, community events. Don't sell every post. Each post has a photo or short video Text-only posts get buried. Posts with media get 3x more clicks. Posts link to a service or booking page Every post is a chance to convert — don't waste it on "learn more." Last post is less than 14 days old If your last post is older, publish something today before doing anything else.

Section 5

Reviews

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Reviews are the single largest ranking factor in the local pack. They also close the loop on the patient experience — good and bad.

Average rating is 4.5+ Anything under 4.3 loses map-pack positions. Address 1- and 2-star reviews fast. At least 25 total reviews Volume compounds — 50 reviews with a 4.7 beats 12 reviews with a 5.0. Owner responds to every 1- and 2-star review Publicly, briefly, off-line for the details. Never argue. Acknowledge and resolve. Responds within 48 hours on 5-star reviews A short "thank you, [name]" takes 30 seconds and signals engagement. Review request system set up Automated SMS or email 24 hours post-visit. Asking is the easiest growth lever.

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