- Local SEO helps dentists appear in local search results, attracting patients nearby.
- Optimising your Google Business Profile and getting client reviews are key steps.
- Local SEO needs ongoing effort but offers great ROI compared to traditional marketing.
If you’re a dentist wondering why new patients aren’t finding your practice online, it’s likely that your local SEO (search engine optimization) needs some TLC. Local SEO means tuning your online presence to show up in search results when people nearby search for dental services. With over 90% of consumers using the internet to find local services, missing out on local SEO is like having a dental clinic in the middle of nowhere – great services, but nobody shows up.
In this post, I’ll walk you through practical steps to improve your local SEO. Whether you’re tech-savvy enough to do it yourself or considering hiring an expert, understanding the basics will help you make informed decisions.
1. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business) is the front door to your practice on Google Search and Maps. Claim your profile if you haven’t already done so. Fill in every detail thoroughly, address, phone number, website link, opening hours, and categories like “dentist” or “dental clinic.”
Add photos showing your clinic, staff, and friendly smiles. Profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions.
Tip: Keep your profile updated with holiday hours or any changes. Stale info frustrates potential patients.
2. Gather and Manage Patient Reviews
Reviews matter a lot. They build trust and influence Google’s ranking algorithms. Encourage happy patients to leave reviews on Google and other sites like Healthgrades or Yelp.
Studies show that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. However, make sure you act ethically, don’t buy reviews or pressure clients too much. Bad or fake reviews can backfire, damaging your reputation.
When responding to reviews, be polite and professional, even to the less favourable ones.
3. Use Local Keywords in Website Content
You want to rank for search phrases like “dentist near me” or “dental clinic in [your town].” Sprinkle these keywords naturally into your website content, on your homepage, service pages, blog posts, and metadata (title tags and descriptions).
Example: Instead of just “We offer teeth cleaning,” write “We offer professional teeth cleaning services for patients in Cambridge, UK.”
Avoid keyword stuffing. Google doesn’t like awkward or repetitive content. Keep it reader-friendly.
4. Build Local Citations and Listings
A citation is any mention of your practice’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) online, even without a link. Consistency is vital. If some directories say “12 High St” and others say “12 High Street,” Google gets confused.
List your practice on reputable local directories and dental associations. This boosts your local online authority and search ranking.
5. Create Location-Specific Content
Blog posts or pages about local topics, events, or dental health tips connected to your community can drive traffic. For instance, “How to Prepare Your Child for a First Dentist Visit in Bath” is relatable content for locals searching online.
Google loves fresh and relevant content, it signals your website is active and helpful.
6. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly and Fast
Most local searches happen on smartphones. A slow or clunky website will put off potential patients. Google also ranks mobile-friendly sites higher on mobile searches.
Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to check your site speed and mobile usability.
7. Leverage Local Link Building
Getting links from local businesses, local news sites, or community blogs pointing to your website adds to your local SEO strength. For example, sponsoring a local sports club and getting a mention on their website can help.
Risks and Trade-Offs
Local SEO takes time to show results; it’s not instant. Trying to cut corners like fake reviews or spammy backlinks can cause Google penalties, lowering your ranking instead of helping.
Hiring an experienced agency can speed things up and avoid mistakes, but it’s an investment. DIY is doable but requires consistent work and some patience.
Why Consider Professional Help?
Showing up in local search is competitive. A skilled digital marketing agency understands the nuances of local SEO, stays updated with Google’s ever-changing algorithms, and uses proven strategies to improve your visibility.
An agency can handle technical SEO, develop content strategies, manage reputation, and track progress with analytics. In the long run, this frees you to focus on what you do best, taking care of smiles, not wrestling with digital marketing.
Final Thoughts
Local SEO for dentists isn’t magic, but it requires understanding and steady effort. Make sure your Google Business Profile shines, gather authentic patient reviews, optimise your website with local keywords, and build your online local presence thoughtfully.
By taking these steps, you’ll position your dental practice right where new patients are searching for you, online and nearby.
Happy marketing, and here’s to more happy smiles walking through your doors!
If you want more detailed help or an audit to see how your practice stacks up online, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to chat and share insights tailored to your practice.