A Complete Guide to Google Business Profile for Hypnotherapists

Why You Need This:
A Google Business Profile is the most powerful free tool for attracting local clients. When someone in your area searches "hypnotherapist near me" or "help to stop smoking," a complete profile will put your practice on Google Maps and in the search results. It builds trust, shows your professionalism, and makes it easy for potential clients to contact you.

This guide will walk you through every step, from creation to getting verified and optimising your profile to attract your ideal clients.

Phase 1: Creating Your Business Profile
This is the initial setup. To begin, you will need a Google account. This is free and gives you access to Gmail, Google Drive, and your Google Business Profile.

Step 0: If You Don't Have a Google Account
If you don't already have a Google account (like a @gmail.com address), you'll need to create one first.

Go to the Google Account creation page: https://accounts.google.com/signup
Fill in your first name, last name, and desired username (this will be your new Gmail address). You can also choose to use an existing professional email address by selecting the "Use my current email address instead" option.
Create and confirm a secure password.
Follow the on-screen prompts to add a recovery phone number and email address. This is important for keeping your account secure.
Once your account is created, you can proceed with the steps below.

Step 1: Go to the Google Business Profile Website
Open your web browser and go to: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/business/
Click the "Manage now" button. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account (the one you just created or your existing one).

Step 2: Find or Create Your Business
Start typing your business name.Tip: Use your official business name, for example, "Jane Smith Hypnotherapy" or "Halifax Wellness Hypnosis." Avoid adding extra keywords like "Best Halifax Hypnotherapist" as this can get your profile suspended.
If your business name appears in the dropdown list, select it. If not, click "Create a business with this name".

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category
This is one of the most important steps for being found.
Your primary category should be "Hypnotherapy service". Start typing it and select it from the list.
You can add more secondary categories later (like "Wellness centre," "Life coach," or "Therapist"), but get the main one right first.

Step 4: Add Your Location (Very Important!)
Google will ask: "Do you want to add a location customers can visit, like a store or office?"

You have two main options here. Choose the one that applies to you:
Option A: You have a dedicated clinic/office where clients visit you.
Select "Yes".
Enter the full, accurate address of your clinic. This will place a pin on Google Maps at your location.
Option B: You work from home and don't want your home address public, OR you travel to clients.
Select "No".
This creates a "Service Area Business." Your profile won't show a street address, protecting your privacy.

Step 5: Define Your Service Area
If you chose "No" in the last step, Google will ask where you serve your customers.
Enter the towns, cities, or postcodes you serve. Be realistic. For example, "Halifax," "Huddersfield," "Calderdale."
This tells Google which local searches you are relevant for, even without a public address.

Step 6: Add Your Contact Details
Enter the phone number you want clients to use.
Enter your professional website address.Tip: Having a website is crucial for building trust. If you don't have one, you can select "I don't have a website."
Click "Next".
 
Phase 2: Verifying Your Business

Verification is how you prove to Google that your business is legitimate. You cannot be visible on Google Maps until you are verified. Google will present one or more verification options.

The most common method today is Video Verification.

What you will need: A smartphone or tablet.
What you need to show in the video: The process is designed to prove you are who you say you are and operate where you say you do. The video should be one continuous recording.

Proof of Location: If you have an office, show the street sign and the outside of your building, then unlock the door to go inside. If you are a service-area business working from home, show the outside of your home or your workspace.

Proof of Business: Show your therapy room, your chair, any professional certificates on the wall, business cards, or any equipment you use. If you work from home, show your dedicated workspace/desk with a computer showing your business website or your booking software.

Proof of Management: Show that you have access to the premises (e.g., unlocking the door with a key).

Other possible verification methods:
Postcard by Mail: Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your registered business address (this only works if you chose "Yes" in Step 4). It can take up to 14 days to arrive.

Phone Call or Text: A code is sent to your business phone number.

Email: A code is sent to your business email address (e.g., [email protected]).

Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. Once your verification is submitted, it can take a few days for Google to review it. You can continue filling out your profile while you wait.

Phase 3: Filling in All The Sections (Optimisation)

An empty profile doesn't attract clients. A complete profile does. Go to your Business Profile Manager dashboard and fill out every single section.

1. Add Your Services
This is essential. Don't just list "Hypnotherapy." Create custom services for everything you offer.
Examples: "Stop Smoking Session," "Anxiety and Stress Management," "Weight Loss Hypnosis," "Phobia Treatment," "Confidence Coaching," 
For each service, you can add a price and a detailed description. Explain the benefits and what the client can expect.
2. Add Your Business Hours
Be accurate. Show the hours you are available for appointments.
Remember to update these for holidays.
3. Add Business Description
You have 750 characters. Use them wisely.
First sentence: State clearly what you do and who you help (e.g., "A fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist in Halifax helping clients overcome anxiety, stop smoking, and achieve their personal goals.").
Talk about: Your approach (e.g., "Using a combination of modern hypnotherapy and NLP..."), your qualifications, and what makes you different. End with a call to action like "Visit my website to book a free initial consultation."
4. Add Photos and Videos
Photos build trust more than anything else. Aim for high-quality, professional images.
Logo: Your business logo.
Cover Photo: A welcoming, high-quality photo of your therapy room or a professional branding image.
Your Headshot: A professional, friendly photo of you. People buy from people.
Your Office: Show pictures of your therapy room from different angles. It should look safe, clean, and calming. Show the entrance if you have a clinic.
No clients: Never use photos of actual clients without explicit written consent.
5. Add Attributes
These are like tags that help clients find you.
Go to Info > Add Attributes.
Crucial attributes for a hypnotherapist:From the business: "Women-led" (if applicable).
Appointments: "Appointment required" is a must-have.
Offerings: "Online appointments" is essential if you offer them.
Accessibility: If your clinic is accessible, add attributes like "Wheelchair-accessible entrance."
6. Answer Questions (Q&A)
The public can ask questions on your profile, but you can add your own first!
Think of the most common questions you get and add them with clear answers.
Examples:Q: "What can hypnotherapy help with?"
A: "Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for... (list common issues)."
Q: "Is hypnotherapy safe?"
A: "Yes, it is a completely natural and safe state of deep relaxation..."
Q: "How do I book an appointment?"
A: "You can book easily via the booking link on our profile or by visiting our website at..."
7. Set up a Booking Link
If you use an online booking system (like Calendly, Acuity, or another), add the direct link. This makes it incredibly easy for clients to book a session right from your profile.
 
Phase 4: Ongoing Management to Stay on Top

Your profile is not a "set it and forget it" tool. Keep it active to stay visible.

Encourage Reviews: After a successful course of therapy, politely ask your clients if they would be willing to leave a review on your Google profile. Good reviews are the single biggest factor in convincing new clients to choose you.
Respond to ALL Reviews: Thank people for positive reviews. For negative reviews (they can happen), respond politely and professionally. Offer to resolve the issue offline. This shows you care.

Use Google Posts: Create "Posts" (like mini blog posts) at least once a week.Ideas: Talk about a specific issue you help with (e.g., "5 myths about quitting smoking"), introduce a special offer, share a link to a blog post on your website, or share an anonymised success story.

Keep Information Updated: If you change your hours, phone number, or services, update your profile immediately. An inaccurate profile looks unprofessional.