Local Listings 101: How to Optimize Your Practice on Google, Yelp, and More

Introduction

When a potential patient searches for your services, the first thing they’ll see isn’t your website. It’s your local listings. Your practice's digital front door is now Google, Yelp, Bing, and other directories.

If your listings are incomplete, inconsistent, or outdated, you lose trust and business. This guide shows you how to optimize your local listings step-by-step so you rank higher, look more credible, and convert more searchers into booked appointments.

1. Why Local Listings Matter in 2025

Over 90% of patients search online before choosing a healthcare provider. Local listings are what they see first, especially on mobile.

Benefits of Optimized Listings:

• Show up in the Google Map Pack (top 3 listings) for searches like “med spa near me” or “dentist in Scottsdale”

• Build instant trust with verified reviews and professional images

• Drive calls, directions, and website visits directly from search results

Google Business Profile is often responsible for 50–70% of calls for local healthcare practices.

2. The 5 Must-Have Listings (Start Here)

Not all directories are equal. Start with the ones patients use:

1. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) – Non-negotiable

2. Yelp – Still widely used, especially for med spas and dentists

3. Bing Places – Microsoft’s version of Google Business

4. Healthgrades – Especially important for doctors and specialists

5. Facebook Business Page – Critical for social presence, location tags, and reviews

Optional but helpful: WebMD, RealSelf, ZocDoc, Vitals, and niche-specific directories depending on your field.

3. How to Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

If you only do one thing, do this. Google heavily favors complete, consistent, and active listings.

Your Optimization Checklist:

• Claim and verify your profile via postcard or phone

• Use your real business name (no keyword stuffing)

• Add your full address, phone, and hours (and keep them updated)

• Select the most accurate primary category (e.g., “Medical Spa,” “Cosmetic Dentist,” etc.)

• Add 5+ high-quality photos: exterior, interior, team, treatment room

• Include a 100–300 word business description that explains your specialties and services

• List every service you offer (individually with short descriptions)

• Turn on messaging for direct patient inquiries

• Post weekly updates, offers, or blogs

Pro Tip: Include your top keywords (e.g., “Botox,” “Teeth Whitening”) in your services and business description but not in your business name. Get insights in how to increase your google ranking from this article posted directly from Google!

4. How to Get More (and Better) Reviews

Google and Yelp favor businesses with recent, consistent, and keyword-rich reviews.

Tips That Work:

• Ask after every visit via automated SMS or email using AI-Powered Workflows

• Include a direct link to your review page in the message

• Train staff to ask during checkout: “Would you mind sharing a quick review of your visit today?”

• Don’t offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews (against policy)

The more specific the review, the better. “I came in for lip filler and loved the results!” beats “Great service.”

5. Make Sure Your Info is Consistent Across All Platforms

This seems simple, but it’s a huge ranking factor. Google checks your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) across all sites. If they don’t match, you lose credibility and rankings. MOZ has a great resource about the importance of NAP

Tools to Help:

• BrightLocal or Yext to scan and fix listings at scale

• A manual spreadsheet audit of your top 10–20 directories

Consistency = trust. Even a slight discrepancy (like “Ste 300” vs “Suite 300”) can cause issues.

6. Bonus Tip: Use Local Listing Insights to Improve Strategy

Google Business Profile and Yelp both provide insights:

• How many views did you get

• How many people clicked to call or visit your site

• What search terms they used to find you

Use this data to:

• See what services are getting searched most

• Improve your website SEO to match those keywords

• Identify review or photo gaps

Conclusion

Optimizing your local listings isn’t optional - it’s foundational. Before a patient even sees your website, they see your Google listing, Yelp reviews, and whether or not you look credible at first glance.

The good news? With a few updates, automation, and ongoing attention, you can dominate local search and turn listings into one of your most consistent booking channels. Combining this with a SMART Website and Best Local SEO Practices is the first step to revamping your online presence.

Want us to audit and optimize your local listings for you? Contact Us and we’ll show you how to own the top spots on Google Maps.

Quick Local Listings Checklist

• Claimed and verified your Google, Yelp, and Bing profiles

• Filled out every section: hours, services, categories, photos, bio

• Getting new reviews weekly with automation

• NAP is consistent across 20+ directories

• Posting weekly updates to your Google Business Profile

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