The Ultimate Guide To Local SEO For Dental Practices [3 FREE Tasks To Sky Rocket Your Local Rankings In 2024]
Luke Iles – Uploaded 11.02.2024
How To Take Advantage Of Local SEO For Dentists
In 2024...
Local SEO for dentists is a pivotal requirement that you need to be partaking in if you would like to build a solid online presence that contributes to generating new clients and expanding your dental practice.
As you know, running a dental practice is a time-consuming role that requires your energy and attention in multiple places at once. not to mention, dentistry is a competitive and fast-paced industry that leaves you with very little time to focus on other factors such as marketing and growing your local business’s presence online.
However, if you have found you are struggling with generating new patients for your dental practice or want to know how you can get more clients through simple yet effective methods, a local SEO strategy will help.
With over 46% of Google searches being people looking for local businesses to visit, it is no wonder that dental practices that have a strong online presence on Google are statistically more likely to generate more patients in 2024.
Throughout this article, we will provide you with a breakdown of what local SEO actually is and how you can look to use a simple yet effective local SEO strategy to help you boost your online presence and generate more clients online. With three simple SEO tips that are completely FREE for you to work on today, we can help open the door to your digital success online.
Are you looking to dominate your local area on Google? Here at HandL Agency, we offer a bespoke local SEO package that is catered directly to dental practices. Call us on 0117 457 6659.
What Is Local Search Engine Optimization For Dentists?
Local search engine optimization is a strategy that can help your dental practice be more visible in local search results on search engines such as Google. It is the process of optimising your online presence to increase local traffic, visibility and brand awareness.
By following SEO best practices and some of the tips in this article, you can aim to improve organic traffic from searches performed by clients in your nearby area and start to outrank your competitors on Google so that you appear before them on search engines.
For example, if you are a dentist who owns a practice in the Bristol area you can start to rank for Bristol-based dental terms by using local SEO that people would search for on Google without even having to spend any money!
How Is Local SEO Different From Normal SEO?
For example, if you are a dentist who owns a practice in the Bristol area you can start to rank for Bristol-based dental terms by using local SEO that people would search for on Google without even having to spend any money!
Local SEO works slightly differently from your traditional SEO for dentists. Instead, local dental SEO focuses on helping you to appear for local search terms such as “Dental Practice Near Me” and “Dental Practice Bristol”.
On top of Google’s typical ranking factors, it also incorporates a local search algorithm that focuses on three main factors when it comes to local SEO for dental practices. These factors include:
Relevance: This measures how well a business profile matches a searcher’s query. Google aims to provide the most relevant results, so ensuring your Google Business Profile is detailed and accurate can improve your relevance. This includes using precise categories, keywords, and services that match what potential customers might search for.
Distance: Google calculates the proximity of each business to the searcher’s location or the area specified in the search. The closer a business is to the searcher, the more likely it is to appear in local search results. This is why it’s essential for businesses to accurately list their address or service area on their Google Business Profile.
Prominence: This refers to how well-known a business is, both online and offline. Google evaluates prominence based on several factors, including links, articles, directories, reviews, and Google Business Profile ratings. High-quality, positive reviews and strong SEO practices can improve your dental practice presence online.
Some of the types of search results for local searches that differ from traditional searches include:
Local Pack Results: Also known as the “map pack,” this feature displays the top local business listings alongside a map. It typically shows three businesses that best match the search query based on the factors mentioned above. Being featured in the local pack can significantly increase visibility and attract more potential clients.
Organic Results: These are the traditional search results listed below the local pack. They’re generated based on Google’s broader SEO algorithm, considering hundreds of ranking signals. Organic results include websites, news articles, directories and more. While they don’t provide the localized focus of the local pack, ranking well organically can still drive significant traffic to your site.
How Is Local SEO Different From Normal SEO?
Local SEO is important for dentists because it is the best way to get your dental practice in front of people in your local area, allowing you to compete against your competitor’s keyword rankings with the use of local SEO marketing strategies.
As mentioned, with over 46% of Google searches being people looking for local businesses to visit, ensuring your dental practice stands out in front of the rest in your local area is pivotal to ensuring success for your dental practice online.
With over 72% of consumers visiting a store within five miles after conducting a local search on Google, if your dental clinic is not appearing on the search engine results pages you are missing an incredible opportunity to get in front of new potential clients.
A local SEO strategy can help your dental practice website appear on Google for searches like these:
Want your dental website to start appearing for search results like these? Call us on 0117 457 6659 or email us at contact@handlagency.com.
What Are The Benefits Of Local SEO For Dental Practices?
As stated, local SEO is very important for dentists looking to appear for local keywords for their dental services on Google. Local SEO for dentists cannot be overlooked if you want to generate more patients online and by optimising your website for dental search optimization can put you in front of your competitors. Some of the benefits of local SEO for dental practices include:
Visibility
Local SEO helps make your dental website more visible on local search results on Google. By outranking your competitors you can start to get first dibs at all the traffic generated by that search. Therefore, by using local SEO tactics your Google Business Profile and website can rank above your competitors and help bring more eyes to your website and dental services.
Generate New Clients
By ensuring your Google Business Profile is fully optimized with accurate information, services offered and positive patient reviews, you can rank higher in both the Local Pack and organic search results. This targeted visibility directly translates into an increased likelihood of attracting new clients who are actively seeking dental services in the local area.
Targeted Traffic
Local SEO ensures that your dental practice attracts targeted traffic by positioning it prominently in search results for users searching for dental services in your area. This strategic visibility means that the visitors to your website are more likely to be interested in your services, significantly increasing the chances of converting them into new patients.
Compete Against Other Local Dental Practices
By effectively implementing local SEO strategies, your dental practice can stand out in a crowded market and compete more effectively against other local dental practices. This enhanced online presence not only improves your visibility but also positions your practice as a top choice for potential patients, giving you a competitive edge in attracting new clients.
Our 3 Best Local SEO Tips For Dental Practices In 2024
As one of the leading dental digital marketing agencies in the UK, we like to think we know a thing or two about getting your dental website to appear on local search results for your desired location. For this reason, we wanted to provide you with 3 FREE local SEO tips which you can implement today and begin to start building traction on local listings against your local competitors.
If you need help implementing local SEO strategies for your website, speak with a member of the team on 0117 457 6659.
Focus On Your Google Business Profile
One of the most important things that dentists should prioritise when looking to optimise for local SEO is ensuring that their most important information can be found quickly and easily. To do this, you need to create and optimise your Google Business Profile.
An example of a Google Business Profile looks like something below and is displayed in the search engine results page and is also shown on Google Maps.
In order to set up your Google Business Profile and optimise it for local SEO, follow these steps below:
Step 1: Create or Claim Your Profile
Go to Google My Business your Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account.
Search for your dental practice to see if it already exists. If it does, claim it. If not, select “Add your business to Google.”
Step 2: Enter Your Practice Information
Provide your dental practice’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). Make sure this information is consistent across all online platforms.
Choose the category that best fits your practice, such as “Dentist” or “Cosmetic Dentist.”
Step 3: Verify Your Business
- Google will need to verify your practice. This is often done via a postcard sent to your business address with a verification code you’ll enter online or via a text message or phone call.
Step 4: Optimize Your Profile
Add Detailed Services: List all the dental services you offer, such as check-ups, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, etc.
Business Description: Write a compelling and informative description of your practice. Include keywords related to your services and locality.
Upload High-Quality Photos: Include images of your practice, staff, and any before/after shots of dental work (with permission).
Step 5: Collect Reviews
- Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews on your GBP. Respond professionally to all reviews, thanking patients for positive feedback and addressing any concerns raised in negative reviews.
Step 6: Regularly Update Your Profile
Keep your profile fresh with regular updates, such as new services, special offers or changes in opening hours.
Post updates or articles related to dental health and hygiene tips to engage with potential patients.
Step 7: Utilize Google Posts
- Use Google Posts within your GBP to share updates, promotions, events or news. This keeps your profile active and engaging for visitors.
Step 8: Monitor Your Insights
- Google provides insights on how customers find your listing and interact with it. Use this data to refine your keywords, posts and overall strategy.
Focus On Your Google Business Profile
At its core, SEO revolves around increasing a website’s visibility in search engine results, making it easier for potential patients to find you. Local SEO focuses on optimizing your site for specific geographical locations, ensuring that your practice appears in search results when potential patients in your area are looking for dental services.
This involves carefully selecting and implementing local keywords throughout your website’s content, meta tags and other elements. Doing so signals to search engines like Google, the relevance of your dental website to users’ search queries based on their location, making your practice more visible to your target audience.
Some of the ways you can identify your website for local keywords using free tools and start implementing changes to your content to see improvements is by following the steps below:
Step 1: Use Google Keyword Planner
- Accessible through Google Ads, this tool allows you to filter search volume and competition data by location, helping identify popular local search terms without needing to run ads. This way you can find the keywords with the highest search volume in your local area such as “dentist Bristol” and start to optimise your website to these keywords. By choosing keywords with the highest search volume you will be able to rank for high searched terms meaning more people have the chance of visiting your website.
Step 2: Check Local Competitors
- Also look at the keywords your local competitors target, especially in their titles, headers, and meta descriptions, for additional keyword ideas.
Step 3: Optimize Your Content
- Weave local keywords into your site’s content, including key pages like the homepage, services and contact pages. Keep the integration natural to maintain readability and user engagement.
Step 4: Optimize Meta Elements
- Insert local keywords into title tags, meta descriptions and header tags to help search engines grasp the local relevance of your pages.
Step 5: Localize Your About and Contact Pages
Clearly display your physical address and local phone number on your contact page and across your website to let search engines clearly know where you are based.
Local Citations Are Vital For Local Businesses In 2024
Local citations and directory link building involve listing your dental practice’s name, address, website link and phone number (NAP) on various online platforms such as local business directories. These citations are pivotal for enhancing your local SEO because they increase your business’s visibility on the internet, helping to improve your local search rankings.
This is known as offsite SEO and is a major ranking factor on search engines. Essentially the more relevant directories and local websites your website is linked to, the more trustworthy your website is deemed compared to your competitors allowing you to rank above them on search engines.
Follow the steps below to identify local directories that will allow you to add your organisation’s details and website in order for a free backlink:
Step 1: Identify Relevant Directories
Step 2: Ensure NAP Consistency
When creating listings, make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across all directories. This consistency is crucial for your local SEO efforts.
Step 3: Optimize Your Listings
Beyond the basic NAP information, add a detailed description of your services, high-quality images of your practice and any other relevant information. This can include business hours, services offered and don’t forget a link back to your website!
Step 4: Collect Reviews
Encourage satisfied patients to leave reviews on your directory listings. Positive reviews can boost your visibility and attractiveness to potential patients.
Step 5: Monitor and Update Listings Regularly
Regularly check your listings for accuracy and update them as necessary. This includes making changes if you move locations, change phone numbers or adjust your services.
Step 6: Seek Local and Industry-Specific Directories
In addition to the major directories, look for opportunities to be listed in local community directories or ones specific to the dental industry. These can provide valuable backlinks and direct traffic from potential patients specifically looking for dental services.
We Can Help Grow Your Online Presence For Your Dental Practice
Looking for a specialised dental digital marketing agency that can help grow your online presence on search engines in 2024? Here at HandL Agency, we offer a bespoke local SEO package that is built to help dental practices dominate their local area on SERPs.
We are one of the leading dental digital marketing agencies in the UK located in Bristol in the South West of England. We have worked with countless dental practices to help them dominate Google in their local area; generating numerous new patients for their dental practice with the use of our dental SEO services.
To learn more about our Local Legends Dental SEO package, speak with a member of the team on 0117 457 6659 or contact us to book in your free, no-obligation strategy call with one of our dental SEO experts to learn more about how we can help you rank on Google.
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Meet The Author – Luke Iles
Director & Head of Digital
As a dental digital marketing expert, Luke’s leadership and innovative approaches to digital marketing, particularly in SEO, have significantly contributed to positioning dental practices at the forefront of online search results.
