Local SEO for Clinics: A 15-Point Google Business Profile Checklist

Why clinics need Local SEO

When a patient searches for "dentist near me" or "chiropractor in Lviv," Google shows a map with three clinics before the regular results. Getting into that top three is the shortest path to a phone call.

Local rankings are driven by three groups of factors: relevance (how well the profile matches the query), distance to the user, and prominence (reviews, links, mentions).

Profile checklist

Basic information

1. Name: exactly as it appears on your sign, with no keywords.
2. Primary category: the most precise one (for example, "Dental clinic" rather than "Medical center").
3. Additional categories: only those that match services you actually provide.
4. Address and service area.
5. A phone number that matches your website.
6. Hours, including holidays.

Content

1. A list of services with descriptions.
2. A clinic description of 500-750 characters: what you treat, who you serve, what sets you apart.
3. Photos: exterior, entrance, treatment rooms, team. At least 10-15.
4. Attributes: wheelchair accessibility, online booking, parking.

Activity

1. Regular posts (promotions, news, tips).
2. Responses to every review, positive and negative, within 1-2 days.
3. A Questions & Answers section with common patient questions.

Website and external signals

1. A separate page for each location with MedicalClinic markup and a map.
2. The same name, address, and phone number (NAP) in directories, on social media, and on your website.

Common mistakes

• one profile for several addresses;
• keywords in the business name (risk of suspension);
• reviews without responses;
• the website link goes to the homepage instead of the specific location's page.

What's next

Go through the checklist and mark what's already done. If more than five items are unchecked, your profile is most likely losing to competitors on the map.