Dental SEO update: The new way to edit your Google maps listing

Being found in Google search results and chosen by potential patients depends on how well your Google business profile, also known as your Google maps listing, has been optimized. Here are some of the most recent changes to your Google business profile and how you can optimize your listing for higher rankings on the Google map.

What has changed with your Google business listing?

A few days ago, Google sent out a notification that the Google My Business (GMB) app is going away (figure 1). The GMB app is what we’ve been using to update our Google business profiles. We knew this change was on the way, but we hoped it wouldn’t be true. Now when you open the GMB app, you see a message that says the GMB app is no longer available, and to update your Google listing, you must use search or Google maps.

Am I sad? Not really. I love this update. I can’t tell you how many dentists I’ve spoken with who are confused trying to access their Google listing. I understand why they’re confused; it’s been a super complicated process until now. 

If you’re logged into a Google account that is an owner or manager on your Google listing, which is now being called your Google business profile, and you search the name of your practice, you’ll be able to edit your listing right from the search results. Here’s a screenshot of my search (figure 2) when I log into my personal Google account, which is a manager on My Social Practice’s Google business profile. It’s pretty easy, and it’s one less app you must remember how to use.

Are you logged into the correct Google account?

Here’s what to do to find out if you’re in the right account. Go to Google and search your dental practice name. Does the search result show the editing section, like in figure 2? If not, you’re not logged into a Google account that is an owner or manager of your practice listing. You can do one of two things: have the owner of your practice Google business profile add you as a manager, or log into another Google account.

How to add a manager to your Google business profile

Via mobile

Have an owner of the Google business profile follow these steps:

1. Open Google maps
2. Search your practice name and open the profile.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper righthand corner.
4. > Business Profile Settings > Manager > Add Manager
5. This will send a notification invite. 

Via desktop

Have an owner of your Google business profile follow these steps:

1. Search your practice on Google.
2. Select the three dots in the upper righthand corner of the edit section.
3. > Business Profile Settings > Manager > Add Manager

Need a bit more instruction?

If you’re like me and would rather watch a video than read an article, I recorded a dental SEO training video explaining the changes. Also, you may not have control of your listing. Maybe someone else set it up for you or you lost the login for the Google account email. If you’re in this situation, this video training on how to claim your Google profile will help you navigate some of the issues and regain control of your Google listing.

How does this affect dental SEO?

One of the most effective ways to attract new patients is to rank higher on Google maps. It’s where more than half of all potential patients go when they’re looking for a new local dentist. You can improve your listing rankings if you regularly update it with new photos, videos, posts, services, promotions, products, review responses, a list of accepted insurance, Q&A answers, and many other items. 

Now that you can do this right from search results on a desktop or from Google maps on your phone, hopefully it will be easy peasy. If you would like more information on how to improve your Google rankings, check out these top dental SEO tips of 2022.