As an occupational therapist with a local practice, your reputation and visibility in your community are key to helping more clients live safely and independently. One of the simplest and most powerful tools to support that goal is setting up a Google My Business profile.
When someone searches for “occupational therapist near me” or looks for help with mobility, fall prevention, or home safety, Google is often the first place they go. Your Google My Business profile makes sure you show up when and where people are looking—on Google Search and Maps. It also builds trust by displaying your services, credentials, client reviews, contact info, and more, all in one easy-to-access place.
But what if your practice is based out of your home? What if you’re a mobile or virtual provider who doesn’t have a traditional clinic location? Good news—you can still get all the benefits of Google visibility without compromising your privacy. Here’s how:
Step 1: Go to Google My Business
Visit https://www.google.com/business/ and click Get Started.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
Enter the full name of your practice. This name will appear in search results, so make it clear and consistent with how you present yourself elsewhere (on our platform, business cards, or your website).
Step 3: Choose the Right Category
Start typing “Occupational Therapist” and select the most relevant option. If you specialize (e.g., “Home Safety Assessments” or “Pediatric Occupational Therapy”), choose the most specific category that fits your services.
Step 4: Set Up Your Address — Mindfully
When Google asks if you want to add a location customers can visit, this is your opportunity to control privacy:
- If your business operates from your home and you don’t want that public:
- If you have a clinic, office, or professional location:
Step 5: List Your Service Areas
Enter the cities, neighborhoods, or zip codes where you work. This is crucial for mobile or in-home OTs, and helps you show up in search results for nearby users—even without a visible address.
Step 6: Add Contact Information
Include a phone number and website (your AskSAMIE profile, if you’re signed up, is perfect here). These give potential clients and caregivers an easy way to reach out and learn more about what you offer.
Step 7: Verify Your Business
Google typically sends a postcard to your address with a verification code. You’ll need this code to complete your setup. In some cases they are also doing instant verifications via video. Google decides this - it’s just important to follow through so you get listed. Remember: even if you hide your address from public view, you still need to verify it privately with Google.
Step 8: Optimize Your Profile
Once verified, take time to make your listing shine:
- Business description: Share your areas of expertise, client focus (e.g., seniors, fall prevention), and what makes your approach unique.
- Photos: Add pictures of your adaptive equipment, office space (if applicable), or friendly, professional headshots.
- Hours: Set your availability, even if it’s by appointment only.
- Posts: You can post updates, educational tips, or community events—just like on social media.
- Get Reviews: Share your Google review link with clients and work on getting reviews. This increases trust and helps boost your ranking on Google
Tips for Privacy-Conscious OTs
- Choose “service area” setup to keep your home address hidden.
- Consider a PO box or virtual office service if a mailing address is needed but you want to protect your location.
- Use professional photos that don’t reveal your home interior or address.
Why This Matters for Your Business
- Boosts visibility in your community
- Improves search engine optimization (SEO) so you are found more easily on Google
- Builds credibility with reviews, credentials, and professional info
- Connects you quickly to clients and caregivers searching for your expertise
- Promotes safer living by helping more people find occupational therapy for aging in place or recovery at home
Final Thought
Creating a Google My Business profile is like placing a digital signpost that says, “I’m here, I can help, and I’m trusted.” And with the right setup, you can get all the visibility without sacrificing your personal privacy.