Google My Business has added some exciting new updates that will enhance your business listing and help your practice stand out online. The features give you more control over your listing and allow you to be more strategic with marketing your practice. With Google putting more emphasis on them, it also means that it’s more important than ever to keep your listing current and complete. Here are some of the benefits of the new initiatives for your practice:
Photo and Logo Display
While you were able to add photos and a logo to your listing before, now you can choose exactly which photo you want displayed as your cover photo. Choose a professional photo that highlights the inside of your office or one of you and your staff. Logos will also be prominently displayed in the top-right corner of your listing. Make sure to have a clear, high-resolution file of your logo uploaded. It will help reinforce your branding across online platforms.
In addition, your practice will be able to quickly upload photos through a ‘photo display’ module. Use it to spotlight new services or office events. Make a plan to consistently add an update these photos to keep them fresh.
New Patient Incentive
Looking to attract new patients? You can post a special that is shown just to new patients, or one’s that have not followed your Google listing yet. This doesn’t have to be a discount, either. It has more to do with adding value such as bundling teeth whitening with a more complex treatment. Posting these added incentives motivates new patients to follow your listing, and once they start following your practice you’ll be able to further promote your services to them. Better yet, patients will receive a code that they can use to claim the service offering in your office. You’ll now be able to track your conversions, and further optimize your listing.
Local Favorites Badges
The more people that engage with your listing, the more your listing will be shown to patients searching for your services. Google My Business listings that show up as popular because of their reviews or if they’ve earned a “Google Guarantee” will benefit even more by receiving a ‘Local Favorites’ digital and physical badge. Only 5% of businesses in each category will be able to earn this honor. What this means is that keeping your listing updated and active can greatly benefit your practice in search results.
The updates to My Google Business won’t stop here. The best way to keep up with them, however, is to implement these features into your marketing strategy now to stay on top of current trends.
