Are you a healthcare provider, lawyer, real estate agent, or other professional practitioner working at multiple locations? Managing your Google Business Profile (GBP) effectively can be challenging when you serve clients across different offices. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile presence for multiple locations in 2025.
Understanding Google's Guidelines for Practitioners
Before diving into specific strategies, it's crucial to understand Google's official guidelines for practitioners:
A practitioner is defined as a public-facing professional who provides services directly to clients. This includes doctors, dentists, lawyers, financial planners, and real estate agents. Google allows practitioners to have their own Business Profile separate from their practice, provided they follow specific rules.
Key Strategic Options for Multi-Location Practitioners
1. Individual Profiles for Each Location (Recommended for Most Cases)
This strategy involves creating separate GBP listings for each location where you practice. This approach is ideal when:
- You maintain regular office hours at each location
- You see patients/clients in person at physical office spaces
- Each location has distinct operating hours
- The locations operate under different practice names
- Services offered vary between locations
Implementation Steps:
- Create a unique Google Business Profile for each location
- Use location-specific phone numbers
- List specific hours for each office
- Include location-specific photos and virtual tours
- Maintain separate review management for each profile
Pros: Provides a more precise representation of each location and enables location-specific marketing strategies.
Cons: Demands additional time and effort to manage and optimize multiple profiles.
Pro Tip: Ensure each profile clearly indicates your relationship with the primary practice at that location.
2. Single Profile with Multiple Service Areas
This approach works best when:
- You primarily provide mobile or virtual services
- You don't maintain regular office hours at physical locations
- Your services are identical across all areas
- You operate under a single business name
Implementation Steps:
- Set your primary location as your main office
- Define service areas that encompass all regions you serve
- Be explicit about your availability in each area
- Update your profile regularly with location-specific posts
Pros: Simplifies management and ensures a cohesive online presence.
Cons: Might not work well if the locations provide distinctly different services or have unique branding.
3. Hybrid Approach for Complex Situations
For practitioners with unique situations, such as:
- Part-time presence at multiple locations
- Combination of virtual and in-person services
- Varying service offerings across locations
Implementation Steps:
- Create a single GBP that lists both addresses
- Define service areas for each location
- Implement clear scheduling systems for each location
- Specify the unique services available in each area.
Pros: Maintains a single profile while differentiating service offerings. Can be a good middle ground for businesses with overlapping customer bases.
Cons: Less distinction between locations compared to having separate GBPs.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile(s) for Maximum Impact
Whether you’re managing a single Google Business Profile (GBP) with service areas or maintaining separate profiles for each, proper optimization is essential to boost visibility, attract clients, and enhance your professional image. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your profiles are set up for success.
1. Ensure Accurate and Consistent Information
Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) must be identical across all online platforms, including your website, social media, and third-party directories. Any discrepancies can confuse clients and negatively impact your search rankings. Fill out every section of your GBP, leaving no detail incomplete. Include high-quality photos and videos showcasing your locations, staff, services, and even client testimonials if possible. Write detailed, engaging descriptions that highlight your unique expertise and the services you offer. Use this opportunity to differentiate yourself from competitors by showcasing your unique selling points.
2. Efficiently Manage Appointments and Client Reviews
Simplify the appointment process by integrating an online booking system with your GBP. This convenience can boost client satisfaction and streamline operations. Respond to all reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. Thank clients for positive feedback and address concerns in negative reviews with professionalism. Active engagement demonstrates your commitment to client satisfaction and builds trust.
3. Maintain Consistency Across Multiple Locations
Use consistent branding across all locations, including logos, color schemes, and messaging. This reinforces your professional identity and ensures clients recognize your brand no matter which location they visit. Your website should mirror the information on your GBP. Clearly display both locations with their respective contact details, operating hours, and services. Include direct links between your website and your Google profiles for seamless navigation.
Not a practitioner but still managing multiple locations as for instance a restaurant or hotel chain?
4. Avoid Google Business Profile Penalties
Duplicate listingsfor the same location or practitioner can trigger penalties from Google, such as profile suspension or removal. If managing multiple locations, ensure each profile is distinct and accurately represents the specific location. Stay up-to-date with Google’s rules to avoid mistakes that could lead to penalties. For example, only create profiles for locations where you have a physical presence and actively meet clients.
In Recap
Successfully managing Google Business Profiles for practitioners at multiple locations requires a strategic approach, consistent maintenance, and attention to detail. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to maintain an optimized online presence that accurately represents your practice across all locations while maximizing visibility and patient/client acquisition opportunities.
Remember to regularly review Google's guidelines, as they frequently update their policies for business profiles. Stay informed about local SEO best practices and consistently monitor your profiles' performance to ensure continued success in your multi-location practice management.
