A closeup of a tooth statue in front of someone working on a computer.

As a business owner, it is important to use any available resources to optimize your brand and make it easy for potential customers to find you. Local SEO is an effective way to improve your search ranking when people in your area are looking for the services you offer. Here’s how it can help your dental business:

Local SEO for Dentists Differs From General SEO Strategies

General SEO accounts for Google’s most common searches—many of which tend to be more informational and navigational. This means that general SEO casts a wide net, which sometimes reaches people who don’t live in your area. Local SEO, on the other hand, is tailored to specific geographic areas and the people most likely to become actual customers. 

Local SEO for dental practices should focus more on search intent that is commercial and transactional because people are seeking immediate healthcare nearby. Using hyper-localized ads and content increases the likelihood that Google searches result in qualified leads (potential patients).

Strategies for Local Keyword Research for Dentistry Websites

Busy dental office.

Content is an incredible tool for improving your local SEO results. Build content that naturally integrates variations of these keywords and your location: 

  • Emergency dentist near me 
  • Best dental clinic in [state]
  • Dentistry in [your city] 
  • Teeth cleaning near me
  • Dental teeth whitening in [neighborhood] 
  • Dental clinic near [landmark or shopping area]

You can also improve your results by Including local keywords in title tags, content headings, image alt tags, and meta descriptions. Blogs are a great way to add keyword-optimized content to your website without making significant site changes. The CDC has found that 64.1% of adults aged 18 and over had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. So crafting a blog about topics like the importance of dental care can reach the people searching for your services as they’re searching for them. 

Optimizing Google Business Profile for Local SEO

Clients checking in at a dental reception desk.

Google business profile is a great resource for local SEO. Make sure your profile has an accurate name, address, and phone number for your business. You should also include images of your practice, working hours, services/products, appointment links, and a website link. Be sure you promptly respond to all reviews—especially negative reviews. 

A fully-optimized listing allows Google to understand if your business satisfies the search intent, and if it is in the Google searcher’s location. Updating other areas of the listing (photos, posts, Q&A, Google reviews, etc.) encourages people to engage more with your listing. This could positively influence Google that the listing is valuable and active, which leads to higher ranking in local search results.

At Beyond Indigo Smiles, we know that your time is devoted to what you do best: caring for the teeth and gums of your patients. Our industry-specific website and marketing services can help you expand your client list and grow your practice. To learn more about our services, call (877) 788-2134 or schedule a conversation with us today.

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Posted in: Dental Websites | SEO for Dentists | Social Marketing for Dentists