Loading blog content, please wait...
Meta AI just pulled up three competitors when someone searched for "best dentist near me." Your practice wasn't even mentioned. Meanwhile, your Google Business Profile sits there with the same old photos from 2022 and your last post from three months ago.
Here's what's happening: AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are reading your Google Business Profile like a report card. Fresh updates get you recommended. Stale profiles get you ignored.
Not all Google Business Profile activity is created equal. AI systems prioritize specific types of updates when deciding which businesses to recommend.
AI tools love businesses that answer real customer questions. When you post "5 Signs You Need a Root Canal" or "How Long Does Invisalign Take," you're giving AI something to cite.
Skip the "Happy Monday" posts. Write about what customers actually ask you during appointments. AI tools scan these posts and remember your expertise.
That photo of your new equipment needs a description. AI can't see images, but it reads the text you add. Write "New digital X-ray machine reduces radiation by 80%" instead of leaving it blank.
Upload photos monthly. AI tools check timestamps. Recent photos signal an active, current business worth recommending.
When you add a new service, don't just list "Botox." Write "Botox injections for frown lines and crow's feet - results visible in 3-7 days." AI tools love specifics they can share with users.
Include pricing when possible. "Teeth whitening starting at $299" gives AI concrete information to cite.
Your Google Business Profile has sections AI tools read like a checklist. Missing information means missed recommendations.
AI tools cross-reference your listed hours with recent customer activity. If your profile says you're open but recent reviews mention you were closed, AI notices the inconsistency.
Update holiday hours immediately. AI tools check this information when users ask about availability.
List services exactly how customers search for them. If people search for "teeth cleaning," don't just list "prophylaxis." Use both terms.
AI tools match user questions to your service descriptions. The closer the match, the more likely you get recommended.
Enable every relevant attribute. "Wheelchair accessible," "Free Wi-Fi," "Accepts credit cards" - these answer questions before customers ask them.
AI tools use attributes to filter recommendations. Missing attributes mean missed opportunities.
How you respond to reviews tells AI tools about your expertise and customer service approach.
When someone complains about wait times, don't just apologize. Explain your scheduling process and how you're improving it. AI tools read these explanations as evidence of your professionalism.
Address specific concerns with specific solutions. This shows AI tools you handle problems thoughtfully.
Instead of "Thanks for the review," try "Thanks for mentioning our same-day appointment availability. We're proud to accommodate dental emergencies quickly."
These responses give AI tools additional information about your services and values.
Some Google Business Profile activities look important but don't help with AI recommendations.
Promotional posts about sales or events get ignored by AI tools. They're looking for helpful information, not marketing messages.
Generic stock photos don't add value. AI tools can't read images, and generic photos don't signal expertise or currency.
Keyword stuffing in your business description backfires. AI tools prefer natural language that actually helps users.
Consistency beats perfection. Weekly posts about customer questions work better than monthly promotional content.
Write like you're answering a phone call. Use the same language your customers use. AI tools prefer conversational, helpful content over formal business speak.
Update something every week. A new photo, a service detail, or a post answering a customer question. AI tools reward active profiles with more recommendations.
Your Google Business Profile is free advertising space that AI tools actually read. While your competitors pay for ads that AI tools ignore, you can get recommended for the cost of a few minutes each week.
The businesses AI tools recommend consistently are the ones that consistently show up. Start with one weekly post answering a customer question. AI tools are waiting to recommend businesses that actually help people.
You should update something on your profile at least weekly - whether it's a new photo, service detail, or post answering customer questions. AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity prioritize active profiles with fresh content over stale ones when making recommendations.
AI tools prioritize posts that answer real customer questions with specific information, like 'How Long Does Invisalign Take' rather than generic promotional content like 'Happy Monday' posts. These educational posts give AI systems concrete information to cite when recommending businesses.
AI tools cannot see images but can read the text descriptions you add to them. Detailed descriptions like 'New digital X-ray machine reduces radiation by 80%' give AI systems valuable information to reference, and recent photo timestamps signal an active, current business.
Provide detailed, informative responses rather than generic replies - for example, explain your scheduling process when addressing wait time complaints, or mention specific services when thanking positive reviewers. These detailed responses demonstrate professionalism and provide AI tools with additional information about your services and expertise.
AI tools prioritize business hours accuracy, service descriptions with specific keywords people actually search for, and relevant attributes like accessibility and payment options. Missing or inconsistent information in these areas means missed opportunities for AI recommendations.