There’s more to dentistry than a gleaming smile: it boosts wellness, enhances confidence, and transforms lives. That being said, it’s a business like any other — and dentists, like other business leaders, go to great lengths to get new customers (or patients) through the door.
Increasingly, this process plays out online. Patients rely on search engines to connect them with the most reputable dentists in their area. With the right content, the right backlinks, and the right keywords, they just might stumble upon your website.
Search engine optimization (SEO) shapes this effort. Dental SEO determines whether patients discover your practice online. If you make it your mission to boost SEO, you could see an impressive appointment influx.
Understanding SEO Basics
SEO is a far-reaching concept that references the many tools and techniques dentists may use to help patients find their websites and learn about their services. The ultimate goal is to score the top spot on the search engine results page (SERP). Patients are far more likely to click this top listing, and if they arrive at a well-designed website that answers their questions, they are also more likely to convert, that is, to call the office, schedule an appointment, or otherwise take action.
While SEO is a broad concept and can look dramatically different from one business to the next, it typically encompasses these core elements:
- Content: Web-based information meant to inform users and rank high in search engine results
- Keywords: Terms (customers type in the browser when seeking a service) added to web content to improve search engine visibility
- Local SEO: Efforts to boost search rankings for specific geographic areas
Keywords for Dental SEO
Bridging the gap between web content and search engines, keywords consist of simple terms or phrases that users type into search boxes when seeking targeted information. Dentists select keywords based on which searches potential patients are most likely to complete. These should relate to the dental practice’s core services (or patients served). Dental keyword examples include
- Dental implants in [city]
- Root canal in [city]
- Tooth extraction near me
- Affordable dentist near me
- A pediatric dentist near me
Optimizing Website Content
Content is not only a placeholder for keywords. Beyond this, it provides the ultimate opportunity to communicate with potential patients.
Quality content demonstrates authority and shared values. It makes patients feel more confident about scheduling an appointment.
The secret to creating compelling content is, first and foremost, focusing on patients’ pain points. What confuses or worries them? What do you want them to understand, even if they never visit your dental practice? Next, consider how these topics align with your practice’s core offerings and values. Do these topics feel consistent with patients’ perceptions of your practice? Does it reflect your branding?
Examples of content that meets patients’ needs — and reflects well on dental offices — include:
- FAQs about common dental procedures, such as fillings, wisdom teeth removal, or implants
- Insights about cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or veneers.
- Suggestions for improving dental hygiene, including tips for brushing, flossing, and nutrition
Dental websites should also be aesthetically pleasing. A clean, clutter-free design will draw the eye to essential information, but rich media, such as images or videos, can further boost engagement.
Local SEO Strategies for Dentists
The most successful dentists maintain a strong presence in their communities. They work closely with patients who live near their offices — and they need a curated approach that reaches these specific patients online.
Therein lies the importance of local SEO for dentists. This type of SEO should boost visibility in local search results, encompassing not only location-specific keywords but also backlinks from local websites.
An optimized Google Business Profile is also essential. It ensures that relevant information appears in a SERP section known as the Local Pack. Showcasing highly-ranked listings within a specific geographic area, the Local Pack plays a central role in today’s high-intent searches.
Link Building for Dental Websites
Quality content can convey industry authority, but there is another piece to the puzzle and that is other trusted websites linking to your content. This can have a dramatic impact on perceived credibility. Link-building opportunities for dentists include:
- Working with local organizations, sponsoring community events, or cross-promoting with non-competing small businesses
- Getting listed on local business directories, including industry-specific resources
- Sharing insights on dental forums or social media and linking back to relevant web pages
Level Up Your Dental SEO
As a dentist, you are eager to connect with patients and encourage them to visit your office. Establishing a strong digital presence can feel overwhelming, but remember: you don’t need to do it alone.
Our team at Motoza can help you create content that resonates. We provide an integrated approach to dental SEO that draws in Austin-area patients and lets your dental practice shine. Get in touch today to learn more.
