Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is an important thing to consider when building or updating a website, no matter what business that website represents. SEO helps a website rank higher in Google search results, thereby attracting more website visitors who will hopefully become your future patients.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO is all about helping local community find your practice when they search for dental services in your area.

People value convenience, and most want a dentist located close to their home or workplace.

When the average person begins their online search for a dentist, they typically include their city, suburb, neighbourhood, or nearest intersection in their search query. For example, a common search would be dental services in Downtown Toronto, Invisalign in Old Ottawa South, or Tooth whitening near Yonge and Eglinton.

Google receives these searches and uses algorithms and ranking factors to find and deliver the websites that best match the query. By creating a website and online presence that’s optimized for these local keywords, you can prove to Google that your site is the most relevant source of information for these searchers in your area and improve your chances of appearing at the top of the search results and attracting more local patients to your practice.

How can I optimize my website for local SEO?

While you can’t control when and how Google changes its algorithm, there are many things you can do to optimize your website to perform well in local SEO.

Here are a few:

1. Create content that is focused on keywords and phrases related to your services and location. This might include the name of your city and neighborhood, a major intersection nearby, or a local landmark. Writing blog posts that incorporate these keywords and phrases then posting them on your website and social media is a great way to help optimize your website for local search.
2. Structure your website in a way that’s easy for search engines to crawl and understand. Working with someone who understands H1 and H2 tags, metadata, alt tags and other elements that Google looks for is key in creating a search engine optimized site map.
3. Remember your online presence extends beyond your website. Online Reviews are a huge driver of customer (and patient) confidence. Make sure you have a positive presence on online directories like Yelp, and don’t be shy about asking your current patients to post Google Reviews recommending your practice. Many businesses offer incentives for clients to post Google Reviews like entering reviewers into a monthly draw for a cash prize or gift card.

We know you have a lot to think about when it comes to running your dental practice, and we’re here to help! If you’d like to discuss building a local SEO strategy to attract new patients to your practice, contact our team at Vitamin D Marketing & Design today.

Reach out today for a free consultation.