In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for healthcare professionals. Whether you’re a GP, consultant specialist, private clinic, or allied health provider, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression new patients will get when searching for care in (your location).
Here’s how to optimise your profile to increase local visibility, attract the right patients, and strengthen your clinic’s position in local search results.
1. Optimise the “About” Section with Local Keywords
The “About” section of your GBP should clearly communicate what you do, where you’re based, and how you can help. It’s also one of the most important places to include location-specific keywords.
Example:
Dr [Your Name] is an experienced healthcare provider based in (your location), offering personalised care across a wide range of conditions. Our practice supports patients with everything from routine health checks to long-term condition management and specialist referrals. We pride ourselves on evidence-based care, convenient appointment times, and a welcoming local practice. Book your consultation at our (your location) clinic today.
Useful keyword phrases:
- “[Service or specialty] in (your location)”
- “Private GP in (your location)”
- “Specialist doctor near me”
- “(Your location) medical clinic”
This helps ensure your profile appears when patients search using terms like “private doctor near me” or “(specialty) in (your location)”.
2. Select the Right Business Categories
Google allows you to choose a primary category and several secondary categories. These must accurately reflect your clinical offering to ensure your profile appears in the correct search results.
Suggested Categories:
Primary:
- GP (General Practitioner)
- Medical Clinic
- Consultant (if applicable – e.g., Consultant Dermatologist, Consultant Cardiologist)
- Private Hospital (if part of a group)
Secondary:
- Health Consultant
- Preventive Healthcare Service
- Diagnostic Centre
- Pain Management Clinic
- Women’s Health Clinic
Correct categorisation improves visibility and ensures Google links your services with the right types of patient enquiries.
3. List Specific Services with Geographic Keywords
The “Services” section allows you to break down your offering into searchable items. Each service should include (your location) for maximum SEO benefit.
Examples:
- “Private GP Appointments – (your location)”
- “Annual Health Checks – (your location)”
- “Chronic Condition Management – (your location)”
- “Women’s Health Services – (your location)”
- “Blood Tests and Diagnostics – (your location)”
These help your clinic appear in more long-tail, location-specific searches like “blood test near me” or “health check (your location)”.
4. Build a Location-Specific Page on Your Website
In addition to your Google listing, it’s good practice to have a dedicated page on your website for your (your location) practice. This page should include:
- Clinic address and contact details
- Google Map embed
- List of services specific to (your location)
- Directions, parking, and public transport information
- Testimonials from local patients
- Location-based FAQs
This page acts as a landing point for Google search and Google Maps traffic and can be linked directly from your GBP.
5. Add a Localised FAQ Section to Your Website
FAQs are excellent for addressing common patient concerns and boosting your presence in Google’s “People Also Ask” and voice search results.
Sample FAQs:
- What should I bring to my first appointment at your (your location) clinic?
- Do you offer same-day GP appointments in (your location)?
- What are your private healthcare fees in (your location)?
- Are there parking or public transport options near your (your location) practice?
- Do you accept private medical insurance at your (your location) clinic?
- How quickly can I get results from blood tests in (your location)?
These answers also help reduce inbound admin queries and support patient confidence.
6. Encourage Reviews That Mention Location
Online reviews not only build trust with potential patients, but also help Google understand your local relevance.
Tips:
- Politely ask patients to mention (your location) in their reviews
- Respond to every review, and include the location in your replies
Example reply:
“Thank you for your kind words. We’re pleased to hear you had a positive experience at our (your location) clinic.”
Even if patients don’t include the location, your replies reinforce it for search engines.
7. Keep Your Profile Up to Date
An active, accurate Google Business Profile is far more likely to appear in top results. Ensure the following are correct:
- Name, address, and telephone number (NAT)
- Website and appointment links
- Opening hours, including bank holidays
- List of current services
- Photos of the clinic and team
Update regularly—Google values current and complete information.
Final Thoughts
A well-optimised Google Business Profile can be one of your most valuable marketing tools—especially when it’s geared towards local search traffic. By highlighting your (your location) services, answering common questions, and keeping your profile up to date, you make it easier for patients to find and trust your clinic.
If you’d like tailored help with:
- Setting up or optimising your Google Business Profile
- Creating location-specific landing pages
- Writing SEO-focused healthcare content
- Developing a full local search strategy for your clinic
👉 Get in touch with us at Phast Media — we specialise in healthcare marketing for doctors and clinics across the UK.
EMAIL: INFO@PHASTMEDIA.COM | PHONE: +44 (0) 1494 431 258