The Ultimate Guide to SEO For Dentists in 2024
Finding new patients doesn’t happen by magic, although we sometimes wish it did. In our modern digital age, more people turn to Google when they’re experiencing a toothache or need to find a new dentist for their family. This means if you want to stay competitive, your dental practice needs a solid search engine optimization strategy for dentists. That's where SEO for dentists comes in - a digital marketing essential.
Why Is SEO Important for Dentists?
These days, a patient in need of a root canal is far more likely to grab their smartphone than the Yellow Pages. In fact, a recent study showed that about 60% of people search online for medical help - that includes dentists and dental practices - before booking an appointment for dental services.
There are many local, regional and national directories out there, where you can get your dental clinic listed. However, Google My Business (GMB), Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. are most trusted by the patients to provide real reviews and honest feedback. This feedback is for service providers, restaurants, and even medical professionals. You've probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: if you aren’t showing up on page one of Google, your potential patients are finding another dentist.
The reality is that 75% of people won't even click on that second page. So, how can you ensure potential patients find your practice when it matters most? That’s where a well-executed SEO marketing strategy can be the difference between a booked schedule and an empty waiting room. But, the online world can be tricky to navigate and requires us to stay on our toes to keep up with dental SEO services.
It's a bit like that game of Wack-a-Mole - just when we think we've addressed one thing, another pops up and demands our attention. This is especially true with the complexities of Google search results.
Client Testimonial
"Ace came highly recommended and he did not disappoint. Before our first meeting he had done his homework and came well prepared. He explained everything from web design to marketing in a way that anyone can understand. He was prompt at answering all our queries and is just a great guy to work with. I would definitely recommend this service."
--- Dr. S. Bhangra.
What makes SEO for Dentists so Tricky in 2024?
That question has a two-part answer: competition and ever-changing algorithms. First up, we've got other local dentists all vying for that coveted first-page ranking on Google. But wait, it gets trickier because they aren’t the only ones competing for your potential patients. Websites like WebMD, Health grades, and even insurance company directories take up valuable space on search engine result pages (SERPs).
This happens when a user is looking for information related to dentists on search engines, such as Google. You also have to worry about prospective patients not knowing the right dental service to search for, making relevant keywords vital to your dental SEO strategy. That's why you need to take advantage of every opportunity available on local search for dentists’ results to stand out.
Some Examples for SEO for Calgary Dentists
You know you're great at what you do, but convincing Google and potential patients that you're the best option takes time, patience, and a multi-pronged approach. After doing in-depth research, on-page SEO for your target keyword, creating good content with a relevant blog post, getting off-page links, and properly completing the technical SEO will allow you to rank higher for things like "Calgary dentist," "teeth whitening," and "dental implants."
Speaking of Google, you probably already know it’s not enough just to rank high - you have to stay there and continue to dominate ranking organically and on the local pack. Staying there requires constantly updating content and your website, tweaking title tags, and cross-linking content. Google changes its algorithm often, and while no one seems to know exactly how often (or even how many updates there really are in a given year.), they have publicly said they use over 200 ranking factors when deciding which site will claim that No. 1 spot.
And a recent study on click-through rates shows that being at the top of the page gets a huge percentage of the traffic. The latest data indicates that when properly implemented, SEO works, and the No.1 organic search listing receives about 27.6% of clicks, with each lower position on the page showing a huge drop. Let's explore how to overcome these obstacles so your dental practice becomes the go-to for potential patients in your local area.
The Power of Understanding What Google Wants
Think of it this way; the key to a successful relationship is truly getting to know your partner's needs, dreams, and preferences. The same goes for attracting more potential patients with SEO in 2024 - because Google should be considered a trusted partner.
We don’t really have a choice - that is unless you plan on ditching the internet altogether, and let's be honest, that's probably not going to happen. It's also advisable to invest in local SEO for Dentists or consult with a marketing expert who understands dental SEO. After all, someone searching "dentist near me" is more likely to book an appointment if your dental office is the first result.
So, How Do We Build a Strong Partnership with Google for Better SEO?
It all boils down to a single concept called E-E-A-T - experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. These factors are key to SEO ranking factors for dental websites. And when these things are done well you create content that Google (and patients.) deem “helpful“. This is because user experience matters!
Let's explore how to showcase these critical components for dental SEO throughout your website content to appeal to those picky Google algorithms and win more patients:
- Experience: Do you have any stories about that time a patient felt absolutely no pain during their root canal? Or maybe someone was so terrified they almost backed out of the parking lot? These types of anecdotes will immediately set you apart and let potential patients see that you understand and relate to real-life scenarios.
- Expertise: What are you best known for in your field? Do you only serve a specific type of patient? Or maybe you've spent years honing your skills around one very niche service or product? Have you conducted a study, taught a course, been featured in a magazine, been interviewed by the local newspaper, or spoken at a conference about dental search engine optimization?
- Authoritativeness: In the SEO world, authority often boils down to trust and whether or not Google deems your content and site worthy of a top spot in their results. Having a dental website for your business is a start. But if you really want to rank dental, you'll have to prove your site is trustworthy. Trust in SEO is primarily built on backlinks, also called "inbound links".
- Trustworthiness: You can make someone's teeth brighter or fix a cracked molar, but that's not enough to win Google's trust (which ultimately determines how high your practice will show up on page one.) The internet, as we know, can be a bit of a Wild West at times with false claims, dishonest advertising, and untruthful reviews running rampant across many different sites. For better or for worse, Google seems to trust itself above all else, which means if you've claimed and completely filled out your Google Business Profile and actively manage and post from it you will start to build up a reputation as a trustworthy source. You should also ensure Google has your correct phone number. It also helps if your Google Business Profile and Google Maps listing are optimized. But that takes consistency, dedication, and effort on the back end - things that are easy to overlook or ignore in our busy days as medical professionals. It’s much easier just to outsource these less appealing business tasks to a dental SEO agency.
Client Testimonial
"Ace SEO Consulting has given us excellent service on the new website design, and we are delighted with the new website for our medical clinics in Calgary. Thank you."
--- Dr. M. Basit.
SEO Strategies Specifically For Dentists
Knowing the right approach and actually taking action on those ideas are very different concepts. A good Dentist SEO strategy takes consistent work. This is true whether you are a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist. Dental SEO efforts take time to produce long term results. Here’s where you should put your efforts to improve those ever-important search rankings for dental search engine optimization:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile. Include every service offered. Did you win an award? Shout it from the metaphorical rooftops (of the internet.) Add lots of photos - high quality ones, though, because if you’re posting blurry, unprofessional pics taken on a 10-year-old smartphone you could negatively impact your results. Your images need to showcase your personality, expertise, and make a great impression.
- Write long-form, in-depth content around very specific services using location based keywords like "What are the Benefits of a Dental Implant Over a Bridge" for each core service offering. This might seem time-consuming at first but the alternative (a website with just 100 or so words on each page) won't perform as well, and as a dentist, your time is worth more than gold.
- Build citations (high-quality ones that actually send traffic to your site). Remember Google’s looking at where a site is linking from. So that random directory you've never heard of that wants $50 a month to link to you might not be the best option. Your SEO campaign should focus on high-quality backlinks.
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews about their experiences on your website and social media.
- Fix all broken links (Google HATES broken links because it impacts the user’s experience). If you have links that point to pages that are not found (404 messages), it reflects poorly on your site’s credibility and trustworthiness.
- Invest in SEO software like SEM Rush to help manage these complex tasks. Using their in-depth dashboards and analytical reports will provide you with a good overview of current and potential errors, making it much simpler to create actionable steps, especially in regards to SEO. Plus SEM Rush can help to find even more potential dental keywords for your website, driving more potential traffic to your online doorstep. Make sure you learn how to properly utilize tools like the Google Search Console, too. There is a lot of overlap between these SEO services, but ultimately the goal of these tools is the same: provide your dental website with relevant answers to search queries.
However, if you are working with a reputable SEO agency, such as Ace SEO Consulting, then everything will be done for you. All you have to do is sit back, relax, sip a cup of your favorite coffee and read the monthly progress reports.
Client Testimonial
"Thank you, Ace SEO!! Words can’t describe how happy we are. Top-Notch Digital Marketing Experts! The Ace SEO Consulting team exceeded our expectations from day one, from their willingness to meet on a weekend to having us set up in a week, their team was professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. They revamped our website, provided reliable hosting, and optimized our local SEO. The increase in local traffic and leads has been impressive. We couldn't be happier and would highly refer and recommend them."
--- Moiz M.
As you now know, ranking on the first page doesn’t happen by accident. And you can have the most gorgeous dental practice website but if no one’s visiting it then those marketing dollars are as useful as a mouthful of chewing gum when you’re craving a steak dinner. So how do you know if all your effort to leverage SEO is paying off?
Make sure you are properly set up with Google Analytics 4, the Google Search Console, and verify you have access to the backend of your Google Business Profile. A Google Business Profile is essential for local SEO for any local business. It's not enough just to have a verified page - if you haven't set up Google Analytics 4correctly on your website it's like measuring the square footage of your living room with a ruler and a prayer - inaccurate, and with potentially embarrassing outcomes.
These dentist SEO reports will provide insights such as:
Report
Data Provided
Acquisition > Channels
Indicates the channel sending you the most website traffic
Acquisition > Search Console Queries
Lists keywords used to find your site on Google. Look at total clicks vs impressions. If a certain keyword is getting a lot of impressions but very few clicks, your title or meta description might not be compelling enough. Update that and check in a few weeks to see if you're seeing improvements.
Behavior > Site Content > All Pages
This will help you see how visitors behave on specific pages once they’ve landed there. Low time on page is often related to slow page speed, unattractive design, or non-engaging content. High bounce rate with low average session duration indicates a user clicked to the page then immediately hit the "back button" because your site didn’t fulfill their need.
How Much Does Dentist SEO Cost?
Ah, the question everyone dreads but no one wants to ask because they're afraid of the answer. There’s no simple dollar amount. Dental SEO packages vary depending on your market, how competitive your location is (a densely populated area like Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, San Diego, Los Angeles or New York City will cost much more), and the level of service provided. In 2024, many dentists spend between $1,000 to $3,500+ per month for monthly retainers to hire SEO professionals to manage their dental marketing and SEO strategy.
How Long Does it Take for Dental SEO to Work?
SEO is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. A well-executed dentist SEO campaign requires 6 months to a year (sometimes even more) to really see a big impact on traffic, ranking, and inbound leads. However, if a potential client tells you they can “guarantee” results in just a few weeks or even a couple of months that should be a huge red flag. SEO requires a consistent effort to produce lasting results for your dental SEO marketing. The longer your dental SEO strategy has been in place, the better your results should be.
Conclusion
Attracting new clients requires consistently showing up, delivering valuable, helpful information, and creating an amazing patient experience. In the competitive world of SEO, these simple but often overlooked factors will set your dental practice apart as we head deeper into 2024 and beyond.
If you are looking for a reputable Dentist SEO Agency to provide you with dental SEO marketing, then contact Ace SEO Consulting at (403) 800-0325 today!
