Did you know that 49% of consumers will likely buy from brands with a local presence? This means potential patients rely on search engines to find nearby dentists, making local SEO for dentists an essential part of any marketing strategy.
In today’s digital age, where online searches have become integral to our decision-making process, dental practices must optimize their online presence.
Unsure how to do that or where to start? We’re about to explore why local SEO is crucial for dentists, its benefits, and how to implement effective strategies to rank higher in search results.
What is Local SEO?
Have you ever searched for a dentist on Google and noticed the top results were all clinics near you? That’s local SEO in action. Local SEO, which stands for search engine optimization, focuses on optimizing a website’s content and structure to rank higher in search engine results for a specific location.
For dentists, implementing local SEO strategies is crucial to attracting new patients to the area. You can increase your chances of appearing in local search results by:
- Utilizing keywords relevant to your location
- Optimizing Google My Business information
- Building local citations
This means more visibility, website traffic, and, ultimately, more new patients walking through your door.
Benefits of Local SEO for Dentists
Why is all of this important for dentists? You likely know how important it is to be visible to potential patients. However, simply having a website isn’t enough these days.
You need to ensure your website is seen by those searching for your services. And that’s the biggest benefit of local SEO for dentists. By optimizing your website and other online properties to rank higher in searches, you can increase your visibility to potential patients in your area.
Because it’s an investment, like any other digital marketing service, it’s helpful to understand all of the benefits of local SEO for dentists, though, to understand what you’re investing in (and can hope to get out of it).
Increased Visibility
Local SEO can help you appear in the coveted “three pack” of Google’s local search results. This means that when someone searches for a dentist in your area, your practice will be one of the top three businesses on the map. This alone can significantly increase your visibility to potential patients.
Attract Local Patients
When you rank higher in local search results, you are more likely to attract potential patients looking for dental services in your area. These are people who are actively looking for a dentist. This means they’re more likely to book an appointment with you if they can easily find your practice online.
Increased Website Traffic
Local SEO can also help you drive more traffic to your website. By optimizing your website for local search, you can attract more potential patients to your site, increasing the chances that they will book an appointment with you.
Over time, this helps you build authority in your niche and helps you appear at the top of search results for other keywords and terms you might not be actively targeting.
More Cost-Effective
Traditional advertising, such as print or radio ads, can be expensive. The same goes for other digital marketing strategies, such as paid social ads. While effective, you only get results if you actively pay for them.
Local SEO, on the other hand, is a cost-effective way to promote your dental practice. With local SEO, you can reach potential patients actively looking for your services without spending a lot of money on advertising.
Developing a Local SEO Strategy
If you want your dental practice to show up on Google when people search for dentists in your area, you need to have a local SEO strategy. Working with an SEO specialist is the best way to create a comprehensive SEO strategy, but here are some tips to help you get started in the meantime.
Claim Your Google Business Listing
The first step in developing a local SEO strategy is to claim your Google Business listing. This free tool allows you to manage your business information on Google, such as your address, phone number, and hours of operation. Verify your listing and keep it up-to-date with accurate information.
Optimize Your Website for Local Keywords
Ensure that your website content includes local keywords, such as the name of your city or neighborhood, and related dental services you offer. This will help your website rank higher in local search results.
If you serve specific cities or suburbs, it’s also worth looking into setting up city pages for each of those cities. For example, if you’re a dentist in the DFW area, you can create a city page for each city within the metroplex, such as Allen, Denton, Granbury, etc.
Also, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and has a clear call-to-action for potential patients.
Get Listed in Online Directories
Online directories like Yelp, Healthgrades, and Zocdoc are important for local SEO. Get your practice listed in as many of these directories as possible, and ensure your business information is consistent across all of them. Inconsistencies are among the biggest issues we see with local businesses trying to rank on Google.
Get Reviews from Patients
Finally, positive reviews from patients are essential for local SEO. Encourage your patients to leave reviews on your Google Business listing and other online directories. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely and professional manner.
If you have trouble getting patients to leave reviews, consider implementing a strategy for feedback. Email clients after their service or appointment and include a form or rating section directly within the email. Or, offer them a coupon as they leave your establishment for 10% off their next service if they leave a review.
Get Digital Marketing Services
Local SEO for dentists is key for those looking to grow their practices in local communities. And the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone!
At Bipper Media, our professionals will work with you to optimize your website, create engaging content, and build a strong online presence.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn how we can help you take your dental practice to the next level with a great local SEO plan!
Bipper Media 855 Gaines School Rd Suite A Athens, GA 30605 706-350-1063
