Your Google Business Profile, formerly called Google My Business, is often the first thing a nearby patient sees. Use this checklist to review yours. It should take about an hour.
Ownership and access
- The profile is claimed and verified under an account your practice controls, not a former employee's or vendor's personal account.
- At least two trusted people have owner or manager access.
- There are no duplicate listings for the same location or provider that should not exist.
Core information
- Name: your real-world practice name as it appears on signage, without added keywords.
- Address: the physical location patients visit, formatted the same way as on your website. Hide the address only if you truly do not see patients on site.
- Phone: a number answered during business hours, with a tracked number only if the primary stays listed.
- Website: a link to the most useful page, usually the homepage or location page.
- Hours: accurate regular hours, plus special and holiday hours set in advance.
Categories and services
- Choose the most specific primary category that describes what you do, such as "Dental clinic" or "Physical therapist".
- Add a few relevant secondary categories, not every category you could technically justify.
- List the services you actually provide with short descriptions in plain language.
Booking and contact options
- Add an appointment link if you offer online scheduling.
- Check that messaging and call options match how your team really handles inquiries.
- Do not ask for health details through any contact channel on the profile.
Photos and visuals
- Upload current photos of the exterior, entrance, waiting area and treatment spaces so patients know what to expect.
- Add a logo and a cover image.
- Do not publish patient photos without written authorization.
Reviews and questions
- Respond to recent reviews professionally and without revealing any patient information.
- Check the questions-and-answers area and correct misinformation.
- Keep a simple, steady process for inviting reviews.
Posts and updates
- Post occasional updates such as new services, seasonal hours or helpful reminders.
- Avoid claims about outcomes and avoid anything that implies a medical guarantee.
Consistency checks
- Your name, address and phone number match your website and major directories.
- Your profile category and services match what your site describes.
- Any recent move, new provider or name change has been reflected everywhere.
Special situations
- If you operate more than one location, each should have its own profile with its own address, phone number and hours.
- If a provider leaves, update or remove references to them promptly so patients are not directed to someone who no longer works with you.
- If you have moved, update the address on every profile and listing, and mark the old location correctly so it does not create confusion.
Ongoing monitoring
- Review the performance insights monthly: searches, calls, direction requests and website clicks.
- Watch for suggested edits from the public and approve or reject them promptly.
- Re-check holiday hours at least a month before each holiday.
Work through the list once, fix what you find and set a calendar reminder to repeat it each quarter. If you would rather hand it off, our Google Business Profile optimization service covers all of the above.