Google+ Local is a powerful marketing tool that combines both local search results and customer reviews into a single platform. It is also a great way of increasing Local Search Visibility for your veterinary practice. However, a majority of veterinary practices still haven’t started using Google+ Local. Google is keen on offering searchers the most relevant and useful results to their queries and this is where Google+ Local comes in.

Anytime Google identifies a search with a local intent, it includes relevant Google+ Local pages in the search results. You can find these results usually at or near the top of the first search result page. This is an excellent way for local veterinary practices with Google+ Local pages to achieve greater visibility even among other competing pages. A major advantage with a Google+ Local search is that your veterinary practice Google+ Local page will compete only with other Google+ Local pages instead of being pitted against websites or PPC ads.

Information is Vital

It is absolutely necessary that you make your Google+ Local page as informative and appealing as possible. Include complete information about your veterinary practice; use recent photos and videos, and encourage your clients to leave reviews. The more information your Google+ Local page features about your veterinary practice, the better its chance to perform against the Google+ Local pages of your competitors.

Create a local Google+ page

Local Google+ pages come with unique features which enable searchers to connect with the physical location of your veterinary practice. Your veterinary practice Google+ Local page will include a map with your physical location in addition to featuring your practice address, phone number, and hours of operation. Furthermore, with Google+ pages, you have the opportunity to join or start your own hangouts, create circles, and share content.

To make a local page for your business:

• Sign in to Google+ new window (create a Google+ profile if you don’t already have one)

• Click Pages listed under Home on the left

•  Click on the “Create a page” button in the upper right

• Choose a Local Business or Place category

• Enter the name or address of your veterinary practice and select your business category if you see it in the drop-down menu (click NO if you don’t find your business listed in the menu). You will be required to add a few details about your practice; once you are done click Submit

• Complete the verification process

Positive Reviews can bring in New Clients to your Practice

Each positive review your veterinary practice earns is an opportunity to gain a new client.  Anytime a potential client uses the Google universal search or Google+ Local search they will be able to see how many reviews your practice has received and the 5-star average rating you have based on those reviews. Obviously, a good score will increase the number of clicks on your listing and a bad score will have the opposite effect.  If you want Google+ Local reviews to work for your veterinary practice ask your clients to leave reviews on your Google+ Local page.  Also, anytime you receive client reviews, both positive and negative, respond to them positively because the last thing you want is to leave a potential client with is a negative first impression of you and your veterinary practice.