What Is a Google Business Profile — and Why Doctors Must Own It
What Is a Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that allows you to manage how your practice appears on Google Search and Maps. It shows your name, phone number, address, hours, reviews, photos, and more.
When a patient searches for your name or specialty near them, your GBP is often the first thing they see — sometimes even before your website.
Why Physicians Must Own Their Profile
Many doctors never claim their listing — or worse, let their hospital or marketing vendor own it. This puts your brand at risk. If you leave the system or change your model, you may lose access or control.
Owning your GBP ensures you can update info, manage reviews, add services, and protect your digital identity long-term — even if you move or rebrand.
Key Features to Optimize
- NAP: Your Name, Address, Phone number must be 100% consistent with your website and directories
- Categories: Choose the right specialty/subspecialty (e.g., “Cardiologist” or “Medical Clinic”)
- Photos: Add headshots, office pics, or service graphics (even logos help)
- Reviews: Actively request and respond to reviews — this boosts rankings and trust
- Posts: Use weekly Google Posts to share events, services, or tips
Common Mistakes Doctors Make
- Letting hospitals or agencies “own” the listing
- Having conflicting or duplicate listings
- Not using a profile photo or accurate hours
- Ignoring reviews or failing to respond
These mistakes hurt visibility and patient confidence. Worse — they’re easy to fix.
Doctor Rebrand Handles It for You
We claim, verify, optimize, and clean up your Google Business Profile. If there are duplicates, suspended listings, or agency lockouts — we handle it.
We also monitor your GBP regularly for review alerts, listing edits, and performance data — all as part of your brand care plan.
The Bottom Line
Google Business Profile is not optional. It’s your most visible, highest-impact digital property — and you must control it.
If you haven’t claimed yours — or aren’t sure who owns it — let us audit it today. It’s the easiest win you’ll ever get in local SEO.