When someone searches “acupuncture near me,” your profile is your first impression: the map result, hours, photos, reviews and booking link. The guide works in the order you would set it up, then helps you fix what is broken and audit what is left.
Setup, in order
Google describes three inputs to local results: relevance, which you control through categories, services and description; prominence, which you influence through reviews and links; and distance, which you cannot change. Ten setup steps follow, each with a plain example: claim and verify, use your real-world business name (no added keywords, taglines or hours), pick the fewest specific categories that fit, enter an eligible address or a service area, fill in hours, phone and website, link directly to booking, list services in plain language, add current photos with no patients in them, request genuine reviews, and reply without confirming the patient relationship.
On reviews, the guide says Google allows a review link or QR code, but you should not offer incentives, discourage negative reviews or ask only patients you expect to be positive. It suggests a short generic thank-you rather than naming a reviewer, since confirming someone is your patient can disclose health information.
Fixing a profile that already has problems
- Someone else owns the profile: request access through Google.
- A duplicate listing: check which one carries your reviews before removing anything, because removing a duplicate deletes its content and managers.
- A suspended profile: fix the cause first, then submit one reinstatement request rather than repeat appeals.
- Wrong details or a fake review: edit directly if you control the profile, or flag the review to Google.
Each links to Google's own help page, and the guide notes that fields and verification methods change, so Google's current pages win.
The audit
A 13-item checklist shows a running count of what is done. Anything unticked links back to the setup step that fixes it. Ticks stay in your browser, and there is a printable PDF. An AI review prompt asks for screenshots or pasted text, since an assistant often cannot open a profile, and warns you to leave out patient names and reviewer names. The website gets its own pass in the practice website guide.