As you probably know by now, the days of Google Plus have ended. If you had a Google Plus page for your business, it has been shut down. However, that does not mean that your business cannot use Google to connect with potential new patients. With a Google Business Profile (GBP), your business can engage with more and more potential patients online.
The key to profiting from your Google Business Profile is knowing how to use it. Here are four easy steps you can take to step up your Google Business Profile and attract more walk-in patients:
- Show people what you offer.
Your Google Business Profile includes a section called “See What’s In Store Inventory,” or SWIS. Although this might sound like something a retail store might more easily use, it can be applied to audiologist offices as well if you provide products like hearing aids.
This feature allows you to list hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and any other products you offer, enabling potential patients to see your offerings before even speaking with your team.
- Make your hours stand out.
It might seem basic to include your office hours on your GBP, but this can be a huge draw for patients if your hours are right. Think about it: most people work 9-5. If those are your only office hours, they will have difficulty making an appointment without needing to use sick or vacation time.
Instead, make it more convenient for a potential patient to choose your office over another. If possible, consider adding office hours that fall outside of 9-5. You do not even need to add extra working hours if you do not want to; working 11-7 once or twice a week, for example, opens up extra evening hours while keeping you and your staff at the same number of work hours.
- Answer Google Q&A as soon as possible.
With a Google Business Profile, people are allowed to submit questions to your business. If you look closely, you will see that some of these questions are submitted by people who are not just curious – they are actually leads.
These people are interested in your practice and what you offer, so answer their questions as soon as you can. With a quick response, the asker will both receive the answer they need and experience how attentive you are.
- Highlight your proximity to local attractions.
When you post on your GBP, consider including a line or two about your proximity to nearby attractions. While it might not be practical to expect someone to casually look up an audiology practice after spending time at an attraction like a museum, zoo, or landmark, posting about your proximity can help people better visualize your location.
Also, if someone experiences an emergency situation, like a damaged or lost hearing aid, they will see your practice as a convenient option.
With these four tips, you are well on your way to harnessing the power of your Google Business Profile and attracting more walk-in patients. If you would like to learn more about how to use your GBP (or how to set one up), we encourage you to contact us today at AudiologyPlus. We look forward to assisting you!
