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Making sure potential patients can find your dental or orthodontic practice often starts with the strength of your online presence. We specialize in dental marketing and focus on specific tested online strategies to help you attract and retain patients. Targeted Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategies can significantly boost your practice’s online visibility and attract new patients.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO optimizes your brand’s presence and gets you in front of those using relevant local searches for your services. These searches take place on various search engines like Google, Bing, and Yelp and include keywords that indicate a local intent, such as “dentist near me” or “orthodontist in [city name].” Local SEO involves several strategies, including optimizing your website, managing online reviews, ensuring a robust Google Business Profile, and accurately listing your practice in local directories.
Why Local SEO is Essential for Dental and Orthodontic Practices
- Increased Online Visibility Local SEO helps your dental or orthodontic practice appear in the search results when people search for dental or orthodontic services in your area. By optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business (GMB)) profile and using local keywords, you increase your chances of appearing in the coveted “local pack” – the top three business listings that appear below the map on a Google search results page.
- Higher Quality Traffic Local SEO targets potential patients in your area by leveraging carefully chosen local search terms relevant to your practice. Local keywords must match in three places: on your website, in carefully curated SEO, and used by someone searching for your services. A match between high-intent search words and those searching for them drives relevant traffic to your website. When the content on your site matches what people are searching for, they are more likely to reach out to you, increasing your chances of converting them into patients. When someone searches for a “dentist in [your city],” they usually look for immediate services, making them high-intent visitors more likely to schedule an appointment.
- Improved Trust and Credibility Appearing in local search results and maintaining a strong presence on local directories like Google My Business and Yelp enhances your practice’s credibility. Positive online reviews and high ratings can build trust with potential patients, making them more likely to choose your practice over competitors.
- Cost-Effective Marketing Compared to traditional advertising methods, local SEO is highly cost-effective. While it requires an investment of time and resources to optimize your online presence, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Once you achieve a good local ranking, maintaining it is relatively inexpensive, providing a high return on investment.
- Competitive Advantage Many dental and orthodontic practices still rely heavily on traditional marketing methods and overlook the power of local SEO. By implementing an effective local SEO strategy, you can gain a competitive edge over other practices in your area that are not leveraging this powerful marketing tool.
- Mobile Search Optimization According to the Pew Research Center, “The vast majority of Americans – 97% – now own a cellphone of some kind. Nine-in-ten own a smartphone, up from just 35% in Pew Research Center’s first survey of smartphone ownership conducted in 2011.” As a result, local searches on mobile devices have exponentially increased. People often search for local services on the go, and practices that optimize for mobile search are more likely to capture this audience. With the mobile-friendly update, Google Search started focusing more on mobile devices in 2015. Then, in 2016, they started mobile-first crawling and indexing. Your dental or orthodontic site should have mobile-first functionality at the top of your mind and be optimized for local search, which can significantly boost your online visibility.
Critical Strategies for Effective Local SEO
Optimize Google My Business (GMB) Profile
- Claim and verify your GMB listing.
- Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent.
- Add high-quality photos of your practice.
- Encourage satisfied patients to leave reviews.
Local Keyword Optimization
- Use local keywords in your website content, meta tags, and URLs.
- Create location-specific pages if you have multiple practice locations.
Manage Online Reviews
- Respond to reviews promptly and professionally.
- Encourage happy patients to leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and other relevant platforms.
Build Local Citations
- Ensure your practice is listed in local directories and health-related sites.
- Keep your NAP information consistent across all listings.
Engage in Local Link Building
- Partner with local organizations, blogs, and influencers to build backlinks to your site.
- Participate in local community events and online forums.
Final Thoughts
Local SEO is not just an option for dental and orthodontic practices; it is necessary. Enhancing your online visibility for local searches can help you attract high-intent, higher-quality traffic, build trust and credibility, and stay ahead of your competition. As a specialized dental marketing agency, we are dedicated to helping dental and orthodontic practices harness the power of local SEO to grow their patient base and achieve long-term success. Are you ready to elevate your online presence and attract more patients? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
