Optimize Your Dental Google My Business – Watch Now!
How Dentists Can Optimize Their Google My Business Profile for Maximum Visibility
Did you know that 80% of patients research online before choosing a dentist?
Your Google My Business (GMB) profile isn’t just a listing—it’s the digital front door to your practice. A fully optimized GMB profile can elevate your local visibility, attract new patients, and build trust within your community. Let’s explore actionable strategies to help your dental practice shine in local search results.

1. Maximize Visibility by Completing Every Section of Your GMB Profile
A complete GMB profile is the foundation of your local SEO strategy. Have you filled out all the essential details for your practice?
What to Include:
- Practice name, address, and phone number (NAP) – ensure consistency across all platforms.
- Business hours – accurate and up-to-date.
- Categories and services – be specific (e.g., “pediatric dentistry,” “cosmetic dentistry,” or “emergency dental care”).
- A brief yet engaging business description that highlights your unique value.
Pro Tip: Adding your specialties and keywords like “Family Dentist in [City]” increases your chances of matching relevant local searches.
2. Boost Your GMB Appeal with Stunning Photos and Videos
First impressions matter. Patients browsing GMB profiles are drawn to visually appealing practices.
What to Add:
- High-resolution photos of your office interior and exterior.
- Images of your friendly staff in action to highlight a welcoming atmosphere.
- Before-and-after photos of dental work (with patient permission).
- Short videos offering a virtual tour of your practice or explaining a common dental procedure.
Fun Fact: Profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their websites.

3. Increase Local SEO Rankings with Patient Reviews
Do you know how many patients check reviews before booking an appointment? The answer is a lot. Reviews play a critical role in both your rankings and your reputation.
How to Encourage Reviews:
- Ask patients to leave a review after their appointment.
- Send a friendly follow-up email with a direct link to your GMB review page.
- Display in-office signage with instructions for leaving a review.
Pro Tip: Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows that you value feedback. A kind response to criticism can turn a negative review into a trust-building moment.
4. Engage Patients with GMB Posts
Are you using the “Posts” feature on Google My Business? This tool is like a mini-blog that keeps your profile fresh and engaging.
What to Share:
- Announce promotions, like discounts on teeth whitening or new patient specials.
- Highlight community involvement, such as sponsorships or participation in local events.
- Share quick dental tips (e.g., “Top Foods for Healthy Teeth”).
Pro Tip: Posts expire after seven days, so update them regularly to stay active in Google’s eyes.
5. Keep Your Information Accurate and Current
Few things frustrate patients more than finding incorrect information online. Have you double-checked your GMB profile for accuracy lately?
Why It Matters:
- Updated hours of operation, especially during holidays, prevent confusion.
- Accurate services offered ensure patients know exactly what to expect.
- Up-to-date contact details make it easy for patients to reach you.
6. Convert More Patients with the Messaging Feature
Did you know that GMB allows potential patients to message you directly? This feature can turn profile visitors into actual patients—if you use it wisely.
Best Practices:
- Enable the messaging feature in your GMB dashboard.
- Train your staff to respond to inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Use automated welcome messages to acknowledge incoming queries immediately.
Pro Tip: Quick response times build trust and increase the likelihood of converting visitors into loyal patients.
7. Leverage Insights to Refine Your Strategy
Are you monitoring how patients interact with your GMB profile? Insights provide valuable data that can guide your marketing efforts.
Key Metrics to Track:
- Search queries: Understand what keywords patients use to find you.
- Customer actions: Monitor how many people call, request directions, or visit your website.
- Visibility: Track how often your profile appears in local search results.
Action Step: Use this data to fine-tune your local SEO strategy. For example, if “emergency dental care” is a top query, create content and promotions around that service.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Practice’s Online Visibility
Optimizing your Google My Business profile isn’t just about improving rankings—it’s about connecting with your community and showing potential patients why they should choose your practice. By completing your profile, sharing engaging posts, encouraging reviews, and leveraging data insights, you’ll set your dental practice apart in local search results.
Ready to take your GMB optimization to the next level? Let Altrust Services help you craft a winning strategy. Contact us today for a free consultation or download our step-by-step GMB optimization checklist to get started.