Today, when a person suddenly gets a terrible toothache, the first thing he does is grab his smartphone and type “dentist near me.”
And, if your dental practice isn’t showing up in the top results, you’re missing out on new patients every single day.
Data shows 92% of searchers (users) choose a business on the first page (from the top results) of local search results.
This signifies the importance of dental Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization.
In this local SEO guide for dentists, we’ll discuss the best strategies and tips that can help you get higher ranking and more visibility in the local searches.
What is Local SEO for Dentists?
Local SEO for dentists is the practice of optimizing your GBP to increase visibility in local search results.
In other words, this means optimizing GBP for searches that are geographically relevant—so when someone in your area searches for a dentist, they can find your practice.
Consider this: 46% of all searches on search engines, like Google, have local intent.
In fact, 78% of consumers search for local businesses at least once a week, and 88% of them will visit or call the business within 24 hours if they find it online.
That’s a huge number of all online searches focusing on businesses or services in a particular location.
As a dentist, you’re primarily serving patients within a certain geographic radius.
By focusing on local SEO for dentists, you’re ensuring that potential patients in your area can find you easily when searching for dental services.
Step-by-Step Local SEO Guide for Dentists
Let’s break down the exact steps for optimizing your Google Business Profile to ace local SEO for dentists.
1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
First things first, if you haven’t already, claim or create your Google Business Profile (GBP).
GBP is a free and powerful tool from Google that allows you to manage how your dental practice appears in local search results and on Google Maps.
It’s the centerpiece of your dental SEO marketing strategy.
When you fill in all the required information, Google will send a verification code to your practice address or mobile number to confirm you’re the owner.
Once verified, you can start optimizing your profile.
2. Optimize Your Business Information
Start by filling out all the basic info accurately, including:
- Business Name: Ensure it matches your official practice name.
- Category: Choose “Dentist” or a relevant specialty like “Orthodontist” or “Cosmetic Dentist.”
- Address & Phone Number: Use the exact format found on your website and other directories to maintain consistency (NAP: Name, Address, Phone).
- Website URL: Add your official website URL. Pro tip: Include your appointment booking link if you have one.
- Local SEO Tip for Dentists: Always include relevant keywords in your business description! Phrases like “family dentist,” “emergency dental services,” and “cosmetic dentistry in [city]” can help you rank higher in local searches.
3. Update Your Hours of Operation and Services
Make sure your hours of operation are accurate and up-to-date, especially during holidays or temporary closures.
This ensures that patients can plan their visits accordingly and avoid hassle.
Also, list all the dental services you offer on your GBP profile.
Google allows you to categorize your services, so include as many as possible (e.g., teeth cleaning, dental implants, emergency care, cosmetic dentistry).
This helps match your profile with specific search queries.
4. Use the Right Keywords for Local SEO
Keyword research for dentist local SEO is a key part of the optimization process.
You need to know what terms potential patients are searching for. For example:
- “Emergency dentist in [your city]”
- “Best cosmetic dentist near me”
- “Affordable dentist in [city]”
These search terms will guide how you craft your content, meta descriptions, and GBP profile.
NOTE: Don’t overstuff keywords, though. Use them naturally in your profile description, posts, and even your reviews.
5. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
According to Google, businesses with visual content, like photos and videos, receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website visitors.
Adding professional photos of your practice, staff, and even the outside of your building helps patients know what to expect.
Moreover, you should also add videos, like patient testimonials, treatment procedure, or a walkthrough of your dental clinic.
In short, visual content is powerful, and in a profession where trust is key, showing your face can make a huge difference.
6. Regularly Post Updates and Offers
GBP allows you to create posts, much like social media.
You can use this feature to share:
- Special offers (e.g., discounts on teeth whitening or new patient consultations)
- Seasonal promotions (e.g., back-to-school dental check-ups)
- Practice updates (e.g., introducing new technology or staff)
These posts keep your profile fresh and engaging, and they signal to Google that your business is active, boosting your local ranking.
7. Ensure Your NAP is Consistent
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number, and it needs to be consistent across all online platforms.
Any inconsistency in your NAP can confuse search engines and hurt your local SEO rankings.
Here’s what to check:
- Make sure your practice’s name, address, and phone number on your GBP match exactly with what’s on your website and other online directories.
- Avoid using variations of your practice name or different phone numbers across platforms.
8. Encourage Reviews and Engage with Patients
Reviews are a massive ranking factor for local SEO. The more reviews you have, the higher you’re likely to rank.
And don’t forget: 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews and always respond to them, whether good or bad.
Moreover, engaging with reviews shows potential patients you care about.
Here’s a quick review management tip for dentists: You can generate a short URL through your GBP that takes patients directly to the review page. Share this link with patients post-visit to make leaving a review easier.
You can also read: 10 Easy Ways to Get Online Reviews for Dentists.
Why Does Local SEO Matter for Dentists?
The competition for attracting new patients has gone digital, and it’s no longer enough to just have a dental website.
Patients searching for a dental practice are typically looking for convenience and trustworthiness.
If your practice isn’t showing up in their local search results, they’re likely booking appointments with your competitors.
Benefits of local SEO for dentists:
- Improved online visibility: Local SEO helps your dental practice appear in local searches and Google Maps, which are essential for driving foot traffic to your office.
- More relevant traffic: Instead of generic visitors from across the country, it brings in patients from your specific area.
- Higher trust and credibility: Ranking in local search results and having an optimized GBP can build trust with potential patients. People tend to trust businesses that show up at the top of search results and have positive reviews.
- Increase in appointments: Ultimately, effective local SEO for dentists leads to more calls, inquiries, and appointments
Local searches lead to 50% of mobile users visiting a store or office within one day.
This statistic highlights the urgency for dentists to optimize their local SEO to capture these potential patients.
You may also read: 12 Must-Have Features for Dental Websites.
How We Can Help You Dominate Local SEO for Dentists?
We know local SEO for dentists can be overwhelming, especially for busy dentists who are focused on patient care.
That’s why we offer custom and result-oriented dental SEO services.
We specialize in helping dental practices increase their online visibility, attract new patients, and grow their business.
Our dental local SEO services include:
- Comprehensive local SEO audits to identify opportunities and gaps.
- Google Business Profile optimization that boosts your rankings and helps you dominate the local search results.
- Comprehensive keyword research for dentist local SEO, ensuring that your practice targets the most effective search terms.
- Review management, helping you encourage positive reviews and build trust with potential patients.
- Content creation designed to position you as a thought leader in your local community.
With our proven strategies, you’ll experience growth of local traffic, more booked appointments, and a thriving practice.
Conclusion
In the competitive world of dental care, standing out online is vital.
Local SEO, especially through GBP optimization, is the key to attracting new patients and growing your practice.
If you’re not yet optimizing your Google Business Profile, you could be leaving thousands of dollars in revenue on the table.
But don’t worry!
By taking the mentioned in this local SEO guide for dentists, you’ll not only increase your online presence but also build trust and loyalty within your community.
Don’t let your competitors outshine you in the local search results.
Let us help you take your dental practice to the next level with expert SEO strategies for dentists.
