Dentistry is a highly local industry, with most patients choosing a dentist within a few miles of their home or workplace. Does your digital marketing strategy include techniques for how to rank for “near me” searches? Local dental SEO can help you appear on Google Maps or an organic local listing on the search results page. Learn more below about local searches and how to appear at the top of the list.

When Do Users Perform “Near Me” Searches?

Users usually search for things they need nearby when they are ready to purchase a service. Since most users have their GPS turned on for app functionality on their phones, Apple, Google, Bing, Safari, and other services can return local businesses that provide that product or service in the results.

So when do users use “near me” searches for dentistry? A prospective patient may have just moved to the area and doesn’t know where to get a dental cleaning. Another person might have a sudden dental emergency and want to find their closest dental office. In either case, you need to make sure your site ranks near the top of the search results with search engine optimization (SEO).

Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Local Search Results

Formerly called “Google My Business,” your Google Business Profile needs to be up to date with information that matches across all your platforms. Something as simple as having “NE” in your Google business address and “N.E.” in your Facebook business address can decrease your ranking score.

Multiple Locations? Create Landing Pages and Google Business Profiles for Each

Google allows you to choose your service areas for your business. However, if you have multiple offices, you’ll see better results if you create separate web pages for location-based services and set up your Google Business Profile to appear in search queries with specific location keywords.

For example, if you have three offices serving approximately 60 zip codes, your performance on Google Maps and in local search queries will improve if you create three separate profiles and target 20 zip codes for each.

Mobile-Friendly Interfaces Are Essential

A strategy for how to rank for “near me” searches alone isn’t enough. You need to optimize your web pages for mobile users. After all, many workers wouldn’t use their office computers to look for a dentist. In fact, many users at home will search for things on their phones while using their computers for streaming, gaming, or work. 

An optimized mobile website will automatically adjust to fit the small smartphone screen so that mobile users can find everything they need.

Ranking Higher for Locally Targeted Blog Content

Google and other search engines need to see fresh content appear on your site regularly, and the content needs to be authoritative for the dental industry. You can use local keywords throughout your blog posts to rank higher for phrases like “braces in Spokane, WA,” or “dental cleaning near me.”

Blog content can help you position yourself as a local expert in dentistry and orthodontics. By writing knowledgeable content about dental products and procedures, Google will assign your web pages a higher domain authority score. Including content like “what is a root canal?” or “are clear braces as effective as metal braces?” can help your site rank higher when local users search for these questions.

Manage Your Online Reputation Anywhere Reviews Appear

Another key aspect of ranking highly for local searches is ensuring that your office reviews are visible and that you manage your online reputation. Offices with a strong ratio of positive reviews to negative reviews will rank higher. Additionally, prospective patients will use reviews to determine whether to contact your office for an appointment.

Your office should respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Thank positive reviewers for being great patients, and address concerns in negative reviews in your responses.

Get Creative Dental SEO Solutions to Target Local Patients

At Dental Intelligence, we offer a wide range of marketing and analytics products to help dental professionals with everything from scheduling, insurance claims, appointment reminders, and more.  

Schedule a demo today and see how we can help you grow your dental practice.