Posting on Google Business Profile (GBP) for Doctors Practice and Dental Practices

Question: How often should you post on Google Business Profile (GBP) for my healthcare practice?

First, the most important part of local SEO for doctors is to have a complete and accurate data on on Google Business Profile (GBP). This is required, next you will need to post on Google Business Profile. For your medical or dental practice, your practice’s goal should to post on your Google Business Profile (GBP) at least once a week. Ideally every working day – 20 times per month. This strategy keeps your profile fresh, active, and visible, signaling reliability to both patients and Google’s algorithms ( Thes, while also sharing updates like new services or health tips. A weekly post is a solid baseline to ensure your profile stays current, as posts expire in seven days, but more frequent, high-quality, patient-focused content can significantly boost engagement and leads. 

Recommended Frequency – Minimum and Recommended

• Minimum: At least once a week, as posts disappear after seven days, making consistent updates key for activity. Usually, after 7 days the posts disappear from your GBP view.
• Ideal: 3 to 4 times per week, or even daily if you can maintain quality and relevance, as this keeps your listing highly active and can drive more patient inquiries. 20 times per month produces the best ROI.

What to Post (Healthcare Specific)

• Health Tips & Advice: Share seasonal health reminders or common condition FAQs.
• Service Updates: Announce new treatments, technologies, or specialties.
• Practice News: Mention new staff, extended hours, or community involvement.
• Promotions: Highlight wellness checks or seasonal flu shot availability.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Show your welcoming environment with photos or short videos. 

Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: Use a content calendar to plan posts in advance.
• Quality Over Quantity: Make sure posts are helpful, short, and patient-focused.
• Add Images: Include relevant, high-quality photos to grab attention.
• Track Performance: Check your GBP insights to see what resonates with patients. 

Does google’s algorithms look at GBP posts for your practice?

Yes, Google’s algorithms do look at Google Business Profile (GBP) posts, both directly and indirectly, as part of the overall local search ranking system. 

While some local SEO experts note that posts might not be a primary, direct ranking factor that instantly moves your position for specific keywords, they are a vital component of a well-optimized and active profile that signals relevance and prominence to Google. 

Here is how Google’s algorithms use GBP posts:

• Activity Signals: Regular posting shows Google that your business is active, open, and engaged, giving your profile an edge over stagnant listings. Google favors active and current businesses.
• Relevance and Keyword Indexing: The content of your posts provides Google with fresh, relevant information about your services, offers, and events. This gives you another opportunity to naturally include keywords that help Google match your business to relevant search queries (relevance).
• User Engagement: Posts can drive user engagement through clicks, calls, and direction requests. Google’s algorithms interpret these interactions as positive behavioral signals, which can help improve your overall visibility and ranking (prominence).
• Fresh Content for AI Overviews: Google’s AI features, such as AI Overviews (formerly SGE), pull data from GBP profiles for local intent queries. Fresh, optimized post content can be used by the AI to answer user questions, increasing your chances of appearing in these prominent results.
• Increased Visibility in the “Local Pack”: Consistently updating your profile with quality posts increases your chances of appearing in the coveted “Local Pack” (the top three business listings shown with a map). 

In essence, GBP posts are a key part of creating a complete, engaging, and trustworthy profile, all of which are factored into Google’s decisions on where to rank your business in local search results.

For a healthcare practice, you should aim to post on your Google Business Profile (GBP) 

at least once per week. Consistency is more important than volume, and weekly updates ensure your profile remains active and visible to potential patients searching for local services. 

Why Weekly Posting is Best

• Visibility: Google posts lose prominence in search results after seven days (unless they are event or offer posts with an end date). A weekly schedule ensures fresh content is always displayed.
• Engagement & Trust: Regular updates show potential patients that your practice is active and engaged, which builds trust. An inactive profile may suggest the business is no longer operational or attentive.
• Local SEO: Google’s algorithm favors active and well-maintained profiles, which can help your practice rank higher in local search results and Google Maps. 

Types of Content to Post

Since over-promoting in a healthcare setting can be a turn-off, focus on providing value and information rather than constant sales pitches. 

• Service Updates: Information on new services or treatments offered.
• Educational Tips: General health and wellness advice or answers to frequently asked questions.
• Team/Facility Highlights: High-quality photos of your team, treatment rooms, or new equipment to help patients feel more comfortable before their visit.
• Events & Workshops: Details about any upcoming health screenings, webinars, or community events.
• Patient Testimonials/Reviews: Share snippets of positive reviews (with patient permission) to build credibility.
• Blog Excerpts: A brief excerpt and link to your latest blog post on your practice’s website. 

Management Tips

• Be Consistent: It is better to post reliably once a week with quality content than sporadically post more often.
• Use a Content Calendar: Plan your posts in advance to maintain a steady rhythm.
• Measure Performance: Use your GBP insights to see which posts get the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Update Essential Information Immediately: Changes to hours, phone numbers, or address should be updated on your main profile information immediately, separate from your regular posts. 

By maintaining a consistent, weekly posting schedule, you can effectively enhance your healthcare practice’s online visibility and attract more patients