Search Engine Optimization Tips for Doctors
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is one of the most effective ways of driving new patients to your business. The better you or your marketing team are at SEO, the higher you are growing to rank on search engine results, and the more traffic your website and listings will earn. More traffic can easily mean more patients at your door.
We will offer you some tips in regards to what to do with your listings, website, and social media to drive more traffic to your site and make contact with people seeking healthcare.
Local Listings
The first thing you should do if make a nicely optimized Google My Business or Bing Business listing. People who are seeking a doctor and looking for a location are probably ready to make contact with you.
Google My Business listings are actually pretty simple. The most important step is creating one, then including the right address, contact info, services, and some pictures. You can also make sure you have specific services: for example, if you offer urology in addition to your family practice, make sure that’s known.
Other websites like Yelp, Healthgrades, and other review sites also rank well with search engines. Ensure you have claimed your business there with the same info.
Keywords and Content
Content is simple, especially if you are an expert in your field. Write easy to read articles about the topics your patients care about. Want to know what they care about?
Use two methods: Ask them, or use Google Keyword Planner to learn how many times people search about your topics in your area. Center your writing or videos on these topics. Use 30-40 keywords in ways that make sense.
Google relied on experts like you to provide good, reputable information. Without your information, they wouldn’t have good websites to display for a query about digestive issues. Your expertise will rank high in your area. Write about what you really know and offer content in a compelling, easy to read, and digest way.
Title your content well too. You can write longer descriptions based on the keywords you have been using. Write about how your patients write. They ask Google questions or seek symptoms so your title should reflect them.
Site Map
Search engines use bots to explore your site and see how pages are connected. This can take time. Instead, use an SEO expert to submit your sitemap to google. Just knowing what’s on your site will improve your search rank.
Also, note that the site map is invisible to users. It’s sole purpose is Search Engine Optimization.
Go Mobile
Offering a website that is friendly for mobile phones and tablets is very important. More than half of your website and search traffic probably comes from mobile. Some people don’t own personal computers anymore!
Your website needs to work well with a small screened mobile device without requiring a lot of zooming or eye strain. Here are a few very important tips
Offer an easy to see and use the menu and search if possible.
Use big icons for calls to action and links. Like a phone for a phone call and an envelope for email. Big icons are easier to touch than text.
Use small images so they load faster
Between a good mobile site and the right listings, people can call your business or find directions quite quickly.
Mix Your Methods
When you make content, make a variety. Put powerpoints on places like Slideshare, videos on Youtube, and the same writing for your website on blogs. Use good, long keyword titles for all of the above. You can effectively stretch your existing content across multiple sites can use more of Google’s search results to spread your message. The more places you are on, the better chance you have of reaching your future patients.
Videos are important here. One idea is to give an example of how you give an examination so the patient feels comfortable and knows what to expect. Be accurate about the process!
Final Thoughts
We’ve offered a pretty significant variety of steps you can take to effectively optimize your website and listings for search. Small steps like google listings will go a long way, while content can help you in the long run as you store your expertise with the world. The healthcare world is becoming an increasingly competitive place, but these tips can get you started in the right way to ranking higher.
Virtual Surge is hoping that these tips will help you grow your healthcare business.