About 7% of all Google searches are health-related — more than a billion every day. It’s clear people seek a lot of information about their health.
When it comes to finding healthcare providers, however, they focus on local search. Overall, nearly half of all searches are location-based. Half of people searching for a doctor used the keyword “near me” as part of their search string.
As more and more consumers turn to the internet to find healthcare providers in their area, local search engine optimization (SEO) has become an essential aspect of digital marketing for healthcare providers. By optimizing their online presence for local search, healthcare providers can improve their visibility and attract more patients to their practice.
One of the most significant benefits of local SEO for healthcare providers is improved visibility. When a potential patient searches for a healthcare provider in their area, they are likely to be presented with a list of options on search engines such as Google. By optimizing your website and other online profiles for local search, you can increase the chances that your practice will appear at the top of these search results. This increased visibility can help attract more patients to your practice, particularly those who may not have been aware of your practice otherwise.
Another benefit of local SEO for healthcare providers is increased trust and credibility. When a potential patient sees your practice appearing at the top of local search results, they are more likely to view your practice as reputable and trustworthy. This can help increase the likelihood that they will choose your practice over others in the area.
Additionally, optimizing your online profiles for local search can help ensure that your practice appears in Google’s map pack, online directories and review sites, which can further improve your credibility and reputation.
Improve Local SEO
So, what can healthcare providers do to improve their local search rankings? Here are a few tips:
- Optimize your website for local search by including your practice name, address, and phone number on every page.
- Claim your online profiles on directories and review sites such as Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Healthgrades.
- Ensure that your online profiles are complete and accurate, including your practice hours, services, and photos.
- Encourage patients to leave reviews on your online profiles, as positive reviews can help improve your local search rankings.
- Use local keywords in your website content and meta descriptions, such as your location and the services you offer.
- Develop website content that includes location information.
By improving your local search rankings, you can increase your visibility, attract more patients, and improve your credibility and reputation. By following these tips and staying up-to-date on local SEO best practices, healthcare providers can improve their online presence and grow their practice.