As with any small business, probably the biggest challenge for any skincare clinic or salon is how to get new clients through the door. And while traditional marketing methods like print ads, networking, and word-of-mouth referrals are still important, if you’re not using digital marketing to reach new clients, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
One of the most important, and often overlooked, digital marketing tools for small businesses is Google My Business (GMB). Google My Business is a free listing that allows businesses to control how they appear on Google Search and Maps.
While it may seem like a simple listing, having a GMB profile is crucial to being found online by potential clients. In fact, according to a study by BrightLocal, “84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.” And since nearly half of all Google searches are for local businesses, it’s important that your skincare clinic or salon is visible in the search results.
Creating and optimising your GMB listing is the first step to getting found online and driving new business to your clinic. Let’s take a look at exactly what Google My Business is, why it’s so important for your clinic, and how you can make sure your listing is working for you.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is an online listing service offered by Google. It allows business owners to create a free business profile, which includes information such as the company’s name, address, phone number, website and hours of operation. Google My Business profiles can also be used to advertise products and services, and to generate customer reviews.
Why is Google My Business Important For My Clinic?
There are several reasons why having a GMB profile is essential for your skincare clinic or salon. First, as we mentioned, nearly half of all Google searches are for local businesses. This means that if your clinic doesn’t have a GMB listing, you could be missing out on a lot of potential business.
In addition, GMB listings show up in the “Local Pack” section of Google search results. This is the area at the top of the page that includes a map and three local business listings. Studies have shown that being included in the Local Pack can increase website traffic by 500%!
Google My Business is a great way to build trust and credibility with potential clients. When someone searches for your business, they’ll not only see your contact information and website, but they’ll also be able to see customer reviews. In fact, according to the BrightLocal study mentioned earlier, “72% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more.”
By ensuring your profile is complete and up-to-date, you can help build trust with potential clients and encourage them to choose your clinic over the competition.
How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing
Now that you know why GMB is so important for your clinic, let’s take a look at how to optimise your listing. The first step is to claim your listing. If you don’t have a GMB profile yet, you can create one here.
Once you’ve claimed your listing, be sure to fill out all of the information completely and accurately. This includes your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, website, and category. It’s also important to add photos and videos, as these can help your listing stand out in the search results.
Finally, be sure to encourage your happy clients to leave reviews on your GMB profile. The more positive online reviews you have, the more likely potential clients will be to trust your business. You can also respond to any negative reviews in a professional and courteous manner.
Conclusion
As you can see, Google My Business is a powerful tool that can help you attract new clients and grow your skincare clinic or salon. By claiming and optimising your GMB listing, you can make sure your business is visible in the search results, and that potential clients have the information they need to choose your clinic.
If you’re not already using Google My Business to market your clinic, we hope this article has convinced you of its importance. Creating a GMB listing is quick, easy, and best of all, it’s free! So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see the results for yourself. Looking for something else? Get in touch with Laseraid to speak to one of our expert team members.
