Potential patients looking for hearing care in their region usually check an audiology office’s Google Business Profile (GBP). This listing helps people find your office, learn about your services, and decide whether to contact you. Despite this, many hearing clinics ignore or set up their GBP poorly, missing out on chances without even realizing it.
Let’s discuss the most typical profile errors audiology practices make and how to avoid them. Although subtle, these changes can have a big impact on your exposure and reputation.
Leaving Out Key Business Information
Many audiology clinics fail to complete their profile. Potential patients may switch providers if your website, phone number, or hours are inaccurate. Your listing should be detailed and complete to help patients trust your practice.
Google will examine your profile, website, and other online listings to ensure consistency. If there are any omissions or irrelevant facts, your local search ranking may drop. Make sure your organization’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) match your website.
Using the Wrong Business Category
Google will ask you to choose a main category for your services. Practices often choose a category that is too generic, like “clinic,” or ignore the most applicable category, like “audiologist” or “hearing aid store.” They’re both common mistakes, and one choice can affect how local search results portray your profile.
Make sure the primary category matches your main service. Choose the category that reflects your office’s focus, whether on hearing aids and hearing assessments or other things. Google’s algorithm prioritizes your core category, but you can also list secondary categories.
Not Adding Photos or Videos
Your practice may appear uninteresting or unwelcoming if its photo sections are empty or outdated. Patients want to see your office before making an appointment, and people often want a clean, professional workplace and friendly smiles. Posting current photos of your location, team members, and equipment can quickly build trust in your company.
Videos are another great way to show your skills and personality. You can make your organization seem friendlier by broadcasting a small video welcoming patients or explaining hearing exams.
Ignoring Reviews or Failing to Respond
Reviews are one of the most powerful parts of your Google profile. They affect your search ranking and shape how people view your practice. Yet many audiology offices never ask for reviews, or worse, they ignore the ones they get.
Responding to reviews shows that you care about patient feedback. Even a simple thank-you goes a long way. If you get a negative review, don’t panic. Respond politely and professionally. A thoughtful reply can turn a negative into a positive and show others that you take patient concerns seriously. Yes, you can respond and still stay HIPAA compliant. Just avoid confirming they are a patient or mentioning any health details.
Posting Irregularly or Not at All
Google allows you to submit updates promptly on your company page, but many practices never do. You can write about current events, news, or reminders like hearing aid cleaning or office hours in these articles. You can also report recent events.
By writing regularly, you can show Google and your audience that your company is engaged. It also gives potential patients new reasons to contact you, which is beneficial. If you make even minor updates once a week, your listing may appear current and relevant.
Forgetting to Track Performance
It’s easy to forget about your profile after setting it up. However, regularly assessing your insights may help you understand how patients find you. Do you receive calls from profile users? Is there anything people look at on your website? Do they click to get directions?
These statistics will show you what works and what needs improvement. If few people are clicking on your phone number, you may want to move it up on your profile or make sure it’s displayed properly on mobile devices.
AuDSEO can guide your audiology practice toward a stronger online presence. Reach out today to learn how to get the most from your Google Business Profile.
