Google Business Profile may be the most effective free marketing tool available to local healthcare providers—and yet, it remains one of the most misunderstood.
For home care agencies, physical therapy clinics, hospice, home health, and other community-based providers, this free asset can dramatically improve visibility, credibility, and lead generation. Despite this, many business owners either ignore it or confuse it with unrelated tools.
What Is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business, is the listing that determines how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps, particularly in the local “map pack”—those prominent listings that show up for search terms like “home health near me.”
This listing is completely separate from your website. Updating your website does not update your map listing. And if you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile, Google is likely still showing one—without your oversight. That means clients might see outdated contact information, incorrect hours, or no images at all.
A Quick Clarification on Reports
If you’ve received a monthly email from Google about “how your business is doing,” you were probably looking at Google Business Profile activity, not Google Analytics.
Google often sends monthly updates about how many people viewed your profile, called your number, clicked for directions, or visited your website from the listing. This is not a website traffic report. It’s activity related to your Google Business Profile only.
Many business owners also receive:
- Website visitor tracking reports (from Brazzell Marketing or tools like StatCounter or Google Analytics)
- Advertising performance reports (for Search Results Now or SEO campaigns run by Brazzell Marketing Agency)
Each report serves a different function. If there’s ever confusion, we help clients understand what they’re seeing—and which marketing channel it reflects.
Why You Need One—Even If You’re Just Starting Out
Some of our clients are new businesses and don’t yet have a Google Business Profile at all. Contrary to what many assume, Google doesn’t always create one automatically. Someone has to prompt it.
As part of the All Points Bulletin campaign setup, Brazzell Marketing Agency will initiate your profile if needed. If a verification process is required, we’ll send you a direct link to claim it, along with tips to make the process fast and efficient.
Why This Listing Matters So Much
- It houses the most trusted reviews online. Google reviews are highly visible and influence client decisions. After you claim your profile, you can copy your unique review link directly from your profile and use it in emails, on business cards, or in text messages to invite satisfied clients to leave feedback.
- It controls your map presence. When people search for your services on Google, your Google Business Profile—not your website—determines whether you appear in the local map pack.
- It allows you to post updates, answer questions, and display key information. This includes your contact details, service area, business hours, company description, and photos. Active profiles with regular updates tend to outperform inactive ones in search rankings.
- It gives you the chance to respond publicly to reviews. Even a brief acknowledgment builds trust. Future clients read these responses and consider them part of your customer service reputation.
Keep It Updated Without Lifting a Finger
If you don’t have time to manage your Google Business Profile, we can do it for you.
Through Brazzell Marketing Agency’s All Points Bulletin campaign, we’ll publish posts regularly to your profile to keep it active, relevant, and ranking higher—starting at just $20.99 per month. If you don’t yet have a profile, we’ll start the process for you and guide you through claiming it.
If you’re not actively managing this listing, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to earn trust and generate leads.