Local SEO for Plastic Surgeons: A Guide to Ranking Higher in Search
When you utilize Google to search for a service in your general area, you’ve likely seen a section called “Places” instantly appear at or near the top of the first results page that contains the names of three businesses or organizations. Otherwise known as the “Local Pack,” these listings appear side-by-side with a Google map. Placement in the Local Pack can make your practice remarkably visible, and there are things you can do to improve the likelihood of inclusion in that distinct and prominent group.
In addition to our guide on SEO for plastic surgeons, which goes right along with enhancing local SEO strategies, here are some tips on best practices that may just help you become the leader of the Local Pack:
GBP (Google Business Profile) Optimization
Creating a Google Business Profile is one of the most important things you can do to increase the chances of entry into the Local Pack. Once you click on one of the top three businesses in the Local Pack, the GBP should pop up on the righthand side. The GBP offers an array of helpful details about the practice. Make sure your GBP is optimized carefully and precisely because accurate information is key. Ensure that the URL for your website, as well as the name of your practice, address, and phone number, are all correctly listed on all of your online platforms. Also, the services your practice offers should be clearly listed and placed in relevant categories. Finally, it is often a good idea to enhance your GBP with high-quality video and/or images of yourself, your practice, and your team.
Maintain Consistency with Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP)
This goes along with consistently ensuring accuracy of information in your Google Business Profile. Your NAP (Name, Address, and Phone number) should always be updated and correct basically everywhere you appear online, including your plastic surgery website, online directories, and social media pages. If your name, address, and phone number are not the same from one online platform to the other, Google may get confused and your ranking may be negatively affected as a result.
Mobile Search Optimization
Since many (if not most) people conduct local searches on their mobile phones these days, it’s very important to have a website that is designed to load quickly and to be easily viewed in full on mobile devices. This makes it a more pleasant experience for the person searching for local services and may ultimately aid your entrance into the Local Pack.
Maintain Patient Reviews
Google Maps takes positive reviews into account. Patient reviews can boost online reputation management and they can be a major factor for placement in the Local Pack. By encouraging satisfied patients to write reviews about your practice and by quickly responding to them, you can clearly emphasize your dedication to providing your patients with the best possible experience.
Integration of Local Keywords in Your SEO Strategy
Your overall SEO strategy is something that can be leveraged for inclusion in the Local Pack. Be sure you are using local keywords (such as “plastic surgery in San Diego” or “San Diego plastic surgeon”) throughout your website, including blog posts.
Integration of Local Backlinks
Links from other websites that direct the viewer to pages on your own website are called backlinks. These can be very helpful, especially when they come from directories, organizations, and websites that are local to your area. This can help Google determine that your business is trusted in the community.
Social Media Engagement
Social media engagement is a big contributing factor for local SEO strategies. It doesn’t have a direct effect on entrance into the Local Pack, but it can certainly have an indirect one by enhancing local SEO efforts and keeping your target audience engaged. Maintain a strong plastic surgery social media presence by regularly updating your platforms, remaining in touch with your followers, and providing links to your website on your social media channels.
Take Advantage of Google Posts
It’s a good idea to regularly update Google Posts, which is a nice feature of Google Business Profiles that helps keep them active. Google Posts can include quick updates about new offers and events from your practice, as well as information about top products, any recent honors or recognitions, and general announcements. In addition to text, Google Posts can include photos and videos.
Would you like to find out how you can increase your chances of inclusion in the Local Pack? Please contact Rosemont Media today and one of our consultants will be happy to talk with you about custom strategies designed to help your practice stand out in a crowded online field.