Most natural health clients find practitioners through Google searches, making your Google Business Profile (GBP) your most crucial marketing platform. Whether they’re searching for “naturopath near me” or “acupuncture in Melbourne,” your profile is often their first impression of your practice.
Setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide covers the essentials you should tackle first, followed by advanced features that will make your listing even more powerful.
The Essentials - Get Started in Under an Hour
These fundamental steps will get your profile running professionally and put you ahead of many practitioners who neglect these basics.
1. Claim and Verify Your Profile
Search for your business name on Google – you might find Google has already created a basic listing. If so, claim it immediately. If not, create a new profile through Google Business Profile. Complete the verification process, typically through a postcard sent to your clinic address or phone verification. Never skip this step – unverified profiles have limited features and appear less trustworthy. .
2. Get Your Business Details Spot-On
Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone number) across your website, Google profile, and all online directories. Use your exact legal business name, complete address for in-clinic practices, primary phone number, website link, and accurate operating hours, including telehealth availability. Inconsistent details can hurt your search rankings.
3. Choose Your Categories Carefully
Select the most specific primary category that matches your main service—”Naturopathic Practitioner” rather than generic “Health Consultant.” Add secondary categories for additional services like “Massage Therapist” or “Nutritionist” if you offer these treatments. Specific categories help Google understand and rank your services.
4. List Your Services Clearly
Use terms your clients actually search for, not industry jargon. List “Digestive health consultations” instead of “Gastrointestinal assessment,” and “Natural fertility support” rather than “Reproductive endocrinology.” Include brief descriptions that incorporate location-based keywords, such as “acupuncture in Christchurch.”
5. Add Essential Photos
Upload at least five photo types: a profile photo (clinic exterior or logo), a cover photo (an inviting interior shot), your professional headshot, treatment room images, and exterior shots that help clients recognise your building. Keep photos bright, professional, and current—smartphone quality is perfectly adequate.
6. Write a Compelling Description
Answer three key questions: Who are you? What do you specialise in? Why should someone choose you? Use this framework: “[Your name] is a qualified [qualification] helping clients in [area] with [specialties]. I specialise in [approach] and have particular expertise in treating [specific conditions]. My clinic offers [unique benefits].”
Advanced Features - Make Your Listing More Powerful
Once the essentials are complete, these features will help you stand out and build stronger client relationships.
7. Expand Your Visual Content
Add video introductions (30-60 seconds explaining your approach), treatment demonstrations, before/after photos where appropriate, and seasonal updates about holiday hours or seasonal services. Visual content significantly increases engagement and trust.
8. Master Reviews Management
Actively encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews through direct requests and follow-up emails with review links. Respond to every review—thank positive ones personally and address negative reviews professionally, offering to resolve issues offline. Monitor reviews across all platforms, not just Google.
9. Regular Google Posts
Post weekly updates that appear directly in your profile: health tips, new services, upcoming events, and seasonal advice. Each post should include a clear call-to-action, such as “Book online” or “Call today.” Treat these as mini-blog updates to keep your profile active and engaging.
10. Special Attributes and Accessibility
Add relevant attributes that matter to your clients: wheelchair accessibility, disabled parking, LGBTQ+ friendly, women-led business, sanitised treatment rooms, telehealth availability, and online consultations. These details can be deciding factors for many potential clients.
11. Enable Messaging and Booking
Activate messaging so clients can contact you directly through your Google Business Profile. Link online booking software like Cliniko or Gentu directly to your profile, allowing seamless appointment scheduling without clients leaving Google.
12. Stay Compliant and Current
Follow AHPRA guidelines and therapeutic goods advertising regulations. Avoid unsubstantiated medical claims and always obtain consent before using client photos or testimonials. Maintain monthly updates: operating hours, new services, fresh photos, review responses, and functional link checks.
Making It All Work Together
Your Google Business Profile works 24/7 to attract new clients. When optimised correctly, it can be the deciding factor between clients choosing you or a competitor. The key is consistency – make GBP maintenance part of your routine with 15 minutes of weekly updates.
Google favours profiles that are active, accurate, and engaging. Focus on the essentials first, then gradually implement advanced features. Your well-maintained profile will build a strong online presence that reflects the quality care you provide.
Start with the essentials today—your future clients are already searching for you, and a professional Google Business Profile ensures they’ll find precisely what they’re looking for.
