Having an understanding of what your patients are searching for is essential to optimize your website for Google search. Here at Functional Medicine SEO, we do keyword research to learn what our clients’ potential patients are searching for. Not only is keyword research important, but having a basic understanding of how search works, helps us to hone in on the right keywords even more.
Here are some of the ways your patients and potential patients are using Google to search for the services you offer.
1. Google Auto-Fill Feature
If you have ever used Google, you are fully aware of the auto-fill feature. When you search for something, Google will attempt to complete your search for you based on what other Google users are searching for. Searchers often rely on Google’s auto-fill feature to help them with their searches. These suggestions, also known as “predictive search,” are used 23% of the time by searchers. This means we have to consider the auto-fill suggestions when choosing keywords and LSI keywords. If they are relevant phrases to the content we’ve written, we find ways to weave them in.
To effectively incorporate auto-fill suggestions into your content, start by identifying common phrases that appear in the auto-fill dropdown relevant to your services. Once you’ve gathered these suggestions, seamlessly integrate them into your content by using them as subheadings or naturally within paragraphs. This not only improves the chances of your content matching user searches but also enhances the overall relevance and engagement of your website.
2. First Page Rankings
You probably don’t need us to tell you that the higher your website ranks the better the chances you’ll get visitors. 50% of Google users click on a website within nine seconds of searching for whatever it is they’re looking for. Only 44% of searchers go to the second page of Google’s search results. However, it’s important to understand that your site can rank for many different keywords. The more first page rankings you have, the better. Also, user behavior plays a crucial role in Google’s ranking algorithm. Metrics like click-through rates (CTR), bounce rates, and time on site all provide valuable signals to Google about the quality and relevance of your website.
3. The Power of Meta Descriptions
Believe it or not, only 17% of users bounced back to the search results after clicking on a website. This means you want to be the website search engine users click on. Writing custom meta descriptions that entice the reader to click over to your site is essential. These meta descriptions should be concise and informative and include relevant keywords to entice users to click through. Also, the content on your page should be full of value. Otherwise, the user will click away quickly and increase your bounce rate. This can cause that page to drop in the search results, because Google can see it as a page that didn’t meet the users’ expectations.
To write an effective meta description, summarize the page’s content. Be clear and concise. Keep it under 160 characters. Include a call to action and incorporate relevant keywords naturally to capture the user’s attention. Make the description catchy and true to the content. It should encourage clicks and set the right expectations.
4. Optimizing Google Maps is Essential
For Google users looking for a local service, like those looking for a local functional medicine practice – they may click on results inside the Google Maps Pack. In fact, 42% of the time they click on these assets when searching inside of Maps. The way we optimize Maps is through Google My Business. If you don’t already have a Google My Business listing, you should set one up right away.
If you do have a listing, make sure the profile is completely filled out and up to date. Google is always updating the information you can display on that listing. Not only that, they may make suggested changes based on user reviews. It’s important for you to review those changes and make sure that they are accurate.
5. Leveraging User Reviews for Credibility
User reviews play a crucial role in building trust and credibility with potential customers. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business listing and respond promptly to any feedback, whether positive or negative. This not only enhances your online reputation but also signals to Google that your business is active and engaged with its audience.
Contact us Today For SEO Services
It can be next to impossible to focus on building a practice while also fully optimizing your website for search engines. As quickly as everything changes, it’s hard to keep up. That’s why the experts at Functional Medicine SEO are here to help. We work with functional medicine practitioners across the U.S. to increase their leads. Contact us today and we’ll set you up with a free strategy session to review your site and give you actionable tips to reach potential patients.