The Importance of a Google Business Profile for Pharmacies
1) Increased Visibility: A Google Business Profile ensures that your pharmacy is easily discoverable by potential customers. When people search for a pharmacy in their area, having a well-optimized profile increases the likelihood of your business appearing in local search results.
2) Credibility and Trust: A complete and accurate Google Business Profile builds trust with your audience. It provides essential information such as your pharmacy’s address, phone number, business hours, and website. This transparency establishes credibility and helps customers make informed decisions.
3) Customer Engagement: A Google Business Profile allows customers to leave reviews and share their experiences. Positive reviews can be a powerful marketing tool, attracting new customers and fostering loyalty among existing ones. Responding to reviews also demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.
4) Local SEO Benefits: Google uses information from your Business Profile to determine local search rankings. By optimizing your profile with relevant keywords, categories, and high-quality images, you can improve your pharmacy’s visibility in local search results.
How to Set-up Your Pharmacy’s Google Business Profile
Now that we understand the importance of a Google Business Profile, let’s walk through the steps to set one up:
✓ Create a Google Account
If your pharmacy doesn’t already have a Google Account, create one. Make sure to use a professional email address associated with your pharmacy.
✓ Visit the Google Business Profile Site
Go to the Google Business profile website (google.com/business/) and sign in with your Google Account.
✓ Add Your Business
Click on the “Manage now” button and enter the name of your pharmacy in the search bar. If it doesn’t appear, click on “Add your business to Google.”
✓ Provide Business Information
Fill in the requested information about your pharmacy, including name, address, phone number, and website. Ensure that this information is accurate and matches your website and other online listings.
✓ Select Business Category
Choose the most relevant category for your pharmacy. For example, you might select “Pharmacy” or “Drugstore.”
✓ Verify Your Business
Google will often require verification to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. You can choose to receive a postcard by mail with a verification code, or sometimes, you may have the option for phone verification.
✓ Optimize Your Business Description
Write a concise and informative business description. Include key information such as clinical services offered, hours of operation, and any unique products and offerings.
Quick Tip: Use language patients recognize. For example, rather than listing “point-of-care testings”, instead use terms like “flu and strep testing” or “COVID-19 testing” that potential patients would be searching for.
✓ Add Business Photos
Upload high-quality photos of the exterior and interior of your pharmacy. Include pictures of the staff, shelves stocked with products, and any other relevant images that showcase your business and what sets you apart from the competition.
✓ Set Your Business Hours
Specify your pharmacy’s operating hours, including opening and closing times for each day of the week. Update these regularly, especially during holidays or special events when hours may differ.
✓ Add Attributes
Add relevant attributes of your pharmacy such as “wheelchair accessibility” or “drive-thru services” that might appeal to your patients.
✓ Add Services
Add at least 5-7 service offerings and try to get as specific as possible. You can choose relevant services from the dropdown provided or add your own if the service isn’t available. If you offer specialty services, or other services that aren’t listed, you can create and edit custom services, add descriptions and pricing, and group services into sections.
✓ Link to Your Social Channels
In most regions, you can now add social media links to your Google Business Profile. You can add one of each of the following social media links to your Business Profile:
- TikTok
- X (formerly known as Twitter)
- YouTube
✓ Utilize Additional Features
Explore additional features offered by Google My Business to help you elevate your profile. With these features, you can create bookings, post updates, add products, or address FAQs to enhance your profile.
Quick Tip: Link to your appointment scheduler using the “booking” feature for vaccinations or consultations. You could also put a link to your scheduler when you create a post for time-relevant offerings such as medicare comparison consultations.
✓ Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reputation Management is crucial – encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Respond promptly to both positive and negative reviews to demonstrate your commitment to customer service.
✓ Track Your Google Business Profile Interactions
Understanding how customers interact with your business profile is imperative for enhancing your online presence. By accessing insights from your Google Business Profile, you can gain valuable data to inform your marketing decisions and make sure your online presence outshines your competition.
