Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the single most important asset for ranking locally and attracting new patients online. If you want to dominate the map pack and show up when people search “dentist near me,” this is where the game is won or lost.

With Google’s algorithm updates, AI integrations, and evolving local SEO rules, it’s more competitive than ever to rank. But with the right approach, you can dominate the search results in your city and attract high-value patients on autopilot.

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and best use cases for both Local SEO and Google Ads so you can make a smart decision—or better yet, use them together to dominate your local market.

Here’s the hard truth: the SEO strategies most agencies are still using were outdated five years ago.