Google+ is not just another social media channel. It’s mandatory for local SEO. Search results in Google and Google maps pull information directly from your Google+ Local Listing. It contains reviews from patients about your practice. It’s a quick way to access hours and directions via mobile devices. In short, Google+ is one of the most important things you can do to improve local search results. Yet, many doctors find their visibility wrecked because they ignore a few Google+ basics.
Verify Your Google+ Local Listing
As Google combined different resources, Google+ Local Listings were created. So, your practice should have a listing even if you aren’t familiar with it. If there isn’t a checkmark at the bottom right of profile picture circle, your page isn’t verified. Just click on “Is this your business” link and follow the prompts to verify.
Own Your Google+
Many doctors allow employees, freelancers or agencies to claim their page. However, other people may not transfer ownership to you when your business relationship ends. Every doctor should own his/her Google+ Local Listing by using your email to claim it. If someone has already claimed the page for you, request that ownership be transferred to you. One last point here—document your email and password to access Google+. This is lost too many times, which can mean that you have to rebuild your listing.
Delete Unnecessary Multiple Google+ Pages
As Google combined resources, duplicate Google+ listings were created in some situations. Conduct a search to see if you have extra pages that should be deleted by searching your name, practice name, key procedure(s), prior names, etc. Search in Google, Google maps and Google+.
If you have multiple locations, you’ll want a second page because Google+ connects to Google maps. Doctors should have their own pages so their Google reviews will always be on their individual listing. However, you’ll probably find some pages that you don’t need. Claim & verify these, and you can delete them after you enter the verification code.
Develop a Mobile Strategy
More than 60% of Google searches originate from via mobile. Just think about how you use your smart phone. 94% of smart phone users conduct local searches on the go—looking for websites, directions, specials, products, phone numbers and more. You can’t afford to ignore this growing medium. Get on board by making sure that your Google+ Local Listing has all the information for one click access. Strengthen your mobile strategy by populating and maintaining your Google+ Local Listing.
Leverage SEO Opportunities
Google implemented “mobile-friendly” labels for websites on April 21. Search results are already showing that they favor mobile-friendly sites. Thus, it is understood that you must have a website that Google considers mobile-friendly.
Your Google+ Local Listing needs a good description with images, hours, phone number, etc. Make it work even better by requesting Google reviews from patients, which gives your online visibility a boost. Finally, maintain it with good content that is hashtagged.
What about other social media? You can expect more engagement and connection in other social media, so don’t stop what you’re doing in other channels when it’s working. The intent of this blog was to focus on how Google+ helps your online visibility because it’s an area that is often overlooked.
If you’re not sure if your Google+ Local Listing is correct or if you need a little social media help, contact PUMC. Our staff is always happy to take a few moments to talk through your issues, develop a marketing strategy or troubleshoot problems.