Playbook Local Visibility

The Google Business Profile Setup & Optimization SOP

A repeatable procedure to claim, complete, and optimize the local asset most patients see before your website.

What you'll get

  • A fully completed, optimized profile
  • A simple routine to keep it fresh
  • A steady, compliant review flow
Best for
Practice owners and office managers
Time
About 1 to 2 hours
Updated
March 24, 2026

For most local practices, the Google Business Profile is the single highest-impact visibility asset, and it is free. It powers the map results and the panel many patients see before they ever reach your website. This SOP takes you from claiming the profile to keeping it optimized, in order.

Why the profile comes first

Map pack Most local searches surface a short map result set before any website. Your profile decides whether you appear in it.
Free A Google Business Profile costs nothing and is usually the fastest local-visibility win available.
NAP Consistent name, address, and phone across the web is a core local ranking signal.

The setup and optimization steps

  1. 01

    Claim and verify

    Find or create your profile and complete Google verification. You cannot edit much until you do.

  2. 02

    Complete every field

    Name, address, phone, website, hours, and a thorough description. Empty fields cost you.

  3. 03

    Choose categories carefully

    Set the most accurate primary category, then add relevant secondary categories. This strongly affects what you rank for.

  4. 04

    Add services and descriptions

    List your services with short, plain-language descriptions that match what patients search for.

  5. 05

    Upload real photos

    Exterior, interior, team, and treatment spaces. Real photography builds trust and engagement.

  6. 06

    Turn on a review routine

    Make it easy for happy patients to leave honest reviews, and respond to them within privacy rules.

  7. 07

    Post and maintain

    Use updates and posts occasionally, and review the profile quarterly so hours and services stay current.

Keep your details consistent

Do

  • Match name, address, and phone exactly across your site and listings
  • Use a local phone number where possible
  • Keep hours updated around holidays

Don't

  • Vary your business name between listings
  • Stuff keywords into the business name field
  • Let the address or hours drift out of date

Profile completeness check

Confirm before you call it done

Related: Local Visibility

Want this looked at for your own site?

A free Website and Lead Flow Snapshot turns this into specific recommendations for your practice: trust, structure, visibility, and follow-up, with a short Loom and a clear next step.

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