Google Business Profile for Speech Therapists: Tips to Optimize Your Profile

As a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), you know the importance of connecting with potential clients and making it easy for them to find you. A Google Business Profile is a powerful tool to do just that. Not only does it allow you to showcase your business information, but it also increases your visibility in local search results. In this article, we’ll go over tips to optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum exposure.

Claim Your Business Profile

The first step to optimizing your Google Business Profile is to claim it. This involves verifying your business information with Google. Once verified, you’ll have full access to your profile and be able to make edits and updates. This can be done through the Google Business app, or on the website.

Fill Out Your Profile Details

Once you’ve claimed your profile, it’s time to start entering information. Make sure to fill out all relevant sections in order to create a complete profile. Include details such as business name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and services you offer. You can also add descriptions about your practice and the types of conditions you treat. You can even note if you’re business is woman owned, BIPOC owned, veteran owned, etc. Then, you can choose attributes such as “wheelchair accessible.”

Basically, it’s important to fill out absolutely as much as you can on your Google Business Profile. The more information you give it, the easier it can determine when your business is relevant to show in search results.

Add Photos

Your profile should have several photos to give potential clients an idea of what it will be like to work with you. Upload a few professional headshots as well as images that capture your work environment and the types of services you offer.

Keep Your Business Information Accurate

Make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Consistent and accurate information (especially your name, address & phone number) across all platforms is important for local search ranking.

Use Keywords

Incorporating relevant keywords into your Google Business Profile can improve your local search ranking. I even think about this when I’m writing updates on my page. For example, I’ll share a new blog post that just published and in the small description on Google Business Profile I’ll use one or two keywords I think potential clients may be searching for.

Respond to Reviews

Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value your clients’ feedback and are committed to providing excellent service. Of course, you do want to respect your client’s privacy and be as professional as possible. So, if there is a negative review , take the time to respond politely and consider simply encouraging them to reach out directly to your practice.

Post Updates

By posting updates on your Google Business Profile, you can keep your profile fresh and relevant. Share any new services or events you may be offering, upcoming workshops you’ll be attending, or even just a friendly message about the office environment. I personally really like to share new blog posts as updates on Google Business Profile. You can use this as an opportunity to remind potential clients of who you are and what you do.

Google My Business is another great way to improve your SEO

Google Business Profile shows both clients and search engines that your business is “legit” and can help potential clients find you. By taking the time to optimize your profile, you can increase visibility and be on your way to growing your private practice.

SEO Services for Private Practice with Simplified SEO Consulting

If you’re looking for a more in-depth SEO services tailored to private practice, reach out to Simplified SEO Consulting. We understand that managing a speech therapy practice is time-consuming. And, the ins and outs of SEO can be tricky. That’s why we provide personalized solutions designed specifically for helping professionals such as Private Practice Speech Language Pathologists who want to improve their online visibility.

Simplified SEO Consulting offers a wide range of services from our popular “done for you” services (we still get tons of information from you to make sure we understand your practice but do the bulk of the work) to our training options. If you want to learn to optimize your website yourself, we have a small group intensive training offered a couple times a year (including an upcoming 4-6 person SEO training cruise in July 2023), a 1:1 training program where you work directly with our COO on optimizing your website or really affordable DIY courses.

About the Author

Jessica Tappana is an experienced private practice owner and SEO expert. She has been helping private practice owners with their SEO for over 5 years and has grown a small team of SEO specialists who each bring their own amazing talents to the table. In fact, one of her team members has come to specialize in Google Business Profile management.

As the founder and CEO of Simplified SEO Consulting, Jessica is passionate about helping SLP private practice owners optimize their Google Business Profile to increase their visibility online. With her team’s expertise, she provides valuable tips and strategies for SLPs to improve their online presence and attract more clients.