Since healthcare is local, search engine and social optimization for local intent is important. Find out how to dominate your local competition in search engine rankings by following these simple tips:
1.Keyword Research is King
When optimizing for a local business, you’re not only optimizing for the service provided, you’re also optimizing for the location you’re targeting. Use different keyword tracking tools such as Google AdWords Keyword Tool or Wordtracker to match industry-specific terms with geospecific terms. For example, if you’re an OBGYN in Charlotte, NC, you want to make sure you add Charlotte and surrounding areas in your title tags and meta data (i.e OBGYN Pineville, NC). You can also look at competitor’s websites to see what keywords they rank well for.
2. Use Google My Business and Bing Local
A lot of medical and dental practices create these pages, but fail to verify their listings. When you receive the PIN, make sure you verify the account to reap the benefits of creating the listing. Uploading photos, videos and filling in your practice details are also important for becoming competitive in Google My Business and Bing Local carousel listings.
3. Make Sure your NAP is Consistent
Getting your local business listed on quality directories is important to gaining real estate on search engines. Make sure the name, address and phone number (NAP) is consistent throughout all directories because search engines take NAP consistency into consideration when determining the validity of the listing.
4. Embed a Google My Business Map
It’s important to add your Google My Business map to your website, not just a Google Map. Using the Google My Business map helps search engines link your website and your Google My Business listing.
5. Try to Get Legitimate Customer Reviews
According to Search Engine Land, Google reviews are a huge factor in determining local carousel rankings. Not only do reviews help with local carousel rankings, they’re also beneficial when it comes to patients and customers determining which local business they’re going to use. To encourage customers and patients to leave reviews, add easy access buttons to review sites on your website, encourage reviews via email or give patients incentives for leaving reviews.
Contact Practis, LLC at (704) 887-5300 for information on dominating local search results.
