Why is SEO important for my medical practice and which agency should I choose?
When choosing an outsourced SEO agency or hiring someone for your practice, trust is paramount. Just as in personal relationships, trust is crucial in healthcare SEO.
Google also values trust. It assesses websites based on trust signals to determine search rankings. These signals include reliability, fulfilling commitments, loyalty, and confidentiality. To build trust with Google, you must consistently demonstrate these qualities over time.
The primary objective of healthcare SEO is to enhance your search rankings. Focus on the results that matter for your local practice, such as the Local Map Pack and Local Organic results.
To start building trust with Google, focus on these four key signals:
- Optimize Your Website: Conduct keyword research, ensure your pages are relevant and optimized, and address technical aspects such as image optimization, mobile-friendliness, and security.
- Obtain Backlinks: Acquire endorsements from reputable websites through backlinks. Aim for websites with similar or higher domain authority than yours to enhance credibility.
- Optimize Your Google My Business Listing: Fully utilize Google My Business by providing accurate information about your practice, including categories, address, phone number, hours, images, and descriptions. Ensure all fields are completed and optimized.
- Generate Patient Reviews: Encourage patients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, Healthgrades, and Yelp. Positive reviews enhance trustworthiness. Implement a system for requesting reviews, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations if applicable.
When selecting a healthcare SEO agency, consider the following:
- Evaluate Your Online Presence: Start by assessing your current online standing, focusing on the four key signals mentioned above.
- Review Proposals: Look for proposals that detail the strength of each signal, priorities for improvement, and strategies for maintaining strong signals.
- Check Compliance and Experience: Ensure the agency provides examples of previous work and demonstrates compliance with HIPAA regulations.
By prioritizing trust and these crucial SEO signals, you can choose a reliable agency and improve your search rankings effectively.
For more assistance, feel free to contact our team at [email protected].
