4 Facets of SEO That Will Make or Break Your Practice

Search engine algorithms can be intimidating to the average person. Google uses a dizzying number of factors to decide who gets first page results.

To complicate matters further, Google’s algorithm changes on a regular basis. This means practice owners have to stay on their toes.

Here are four strategies that can help you get higher search results.

Many practices do not use these strategies in their online marketing. So using them will put you ahead in your area.

Long Tail Keywords

Google’s algorithm has begun to pay special attention to long tail keywords. These are keyword phrases that include several words. For example, “find a dentist in Chicago.”

Older methods of selecting keywords involved choosing a short phrase like “Chicago dentist.” As competition increases, choosing more specific keywords will give you an edge.

Conversational Searches

Tools like Siri have popularized voice search capabilities, making conversational searches more common. When people speak a search instead of typing it, they are more likely to say, “Where can I find a dentist in Chicago?” than “Chicago dentist.”

SEO experts recommend that you create an FAQ page for your practice to address this trend. That way, you can address common questions and climb the ranks with direct answers.

Mobile-Friendly Practices

Your patients are using their mobile devices for a range of tasks. Scheduling an appointment with you is another thing they’ll want to do “on the go.” It’s your job to ensure that the process is as seamless as possible.

Google’s algorithm updates have sent a clear signal: mobile-friendly sites have priority moving forward.

If your site is mobile-friendly, you can still make it better. Is your text large enough to read on a mobile phone? Do you have a simple and contact form?

Local SEO

Yet another Google algorithm update aimed to diversify local search results. This was good news for practices that fell outside of large city limits. They could now be included in that city’s search results.

The physical location of the searcher is more important than it once was. Practice owners would be wise to target those in their immediate vicinity. Rather than competing with other practices in the broader region.

If you haven’t already, take advantage of Google My Business to get on Google’s Map. Along with an updated blog, equip your site with a strong domain name.

Use these basic SEO strategies and you will start to see results. Remember that search engine optimization is an ongoing process. Don’t get discouraged if your rank stagnates or drops slightly from time to time. The overall trend will be upwards.

If you have any questions, please call us today. Our website specialists would be more than glad to help.