In order to reach the largest sample of people possible, performing search engine optimization techniques can be used. Your potential patients could be living nearby, or a short commutable distance away. Local SEO is a way for you to reach those individuals. This strategy gives you the ability to show up on local search results, and on the Google map. Functional Medicine SEO has a few local SEO tips we share with our clients.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO, or Local Search Engine Optimization, is an amazingly effective way to market your local business/practice online. With it, you are able to successfully promote products and services to local customers as they are looking for them online. The techniques used in local SEO are largely for relevant local searches through search engines like Google or Bing.
Markingblog provides some incredible statistics on how effective local searches are, including:
- Search engines account for 88% of smartphones and 84% of computer/tablet local searches
- 92% of consumers will pick a business on the first page of local search results (Search Engine Watch)
- 46% of Google searches are local
As a medical professional, the chance is high that people in the area are looking for your expertise. Local SEO makes your practice known to them.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is one of the best ways for you to connect with local customers. With it, you can list the exact address/location of your practice on a map- ensuring that searchers can immediately import your location to an app like Google Maps.
By setting a business category, setting your location, listing business hours, and even uploading photos, you have everything you need to allow a potential patient to know who you are. Listing this information incorrectly or not updating it on Google My Business when it changes could result in far fewer people seeing your practice.
How to Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
As previously mentioned, search engines account for 88% of smartphones and 84% of computer/tablet local searches. A website that is designed for compatibility and can be viewed properly from a mobile device or desktop system will rank better on search engine indexes vs. those that can’t.
Researching keywords for your practice is also a critical step. You need to know the relevant keywords and phrases that describe your practice, as this is what your future patients will be used to match your practice to their needs. Looking at the keywords some of your patients might be using is an effective way to do this.
How Social Media Impacts Local SEO
It goes without saying how important social media could be for your practice. This is a place people go to talk to each other, review businesses, and share information among their web of peers. It is also a significant factor when it comes to rankings.
Being active on social media and having good network building skills is a major contributor to improving reputation, improving customer service, developing trust/authority, as well as generating traffic to your sites via links that you post.
Even if you are not using every social media platform under the sun, you should at least claim business profiles with all of the major Social media companies. This will ensure nobody else can claim your name on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Contact us for a Free SEO Audit
Reaching your local community allows you to help more people. Improving local search results ensure ailing individuals know who and where you are. Let Functional Medicine SEO give you a boost to your local rankings. Fill out this form for a free strategy session. Our experts will be happy to talk with you about your site and tell you a few things you need to do to increase your traffic.
Get in touch with us now so we can get started on your consultation.
