How has local dental SEO progressed over the past year? And how will it move forward into 2019?
The SEO software company Moz releases an annual study that reviews the top local search rankings factors for the past year. And the 2018 results are in. These are important to take note of as we head into the new year.
The survey analyzes the top 50 local pack factors and the top 50 local organic factors. First, here's a description of each type of search result:
- Local Pack Factors: Known as the "Local Three Pack," these results are displayed below the paid results when someone performs a local search. The results will show a Google Map of three businesses along with basic contact information and the business' average Google reviews rating.
- Local Organic Factors: The organic search results show beneath the local pack results. These are the typical non-paid results that are listed when someone performs a search on Google.
Here is an image of the local pack and local organic listings shown together:
Top 5 Local Pack Ranking Factors for 2018
According to the Moz survey, these are the top five local pack ranking factors:
- Google My Business: Categories, keywords in your business title, proximity to the searcher, etc.
- Links: Domain authority, link anchor text, link quantity and quality, etc.
- Reviews: Review quantity, review quality, and the consistency at which you receive reviews, etc.
- On-page: Keywords, presence of your name, address, and phone number (NAP) on your website, etc.
- Citations: Volume of links on citation websites (Yelp, Foursquare, etc.), consistency of your NAP information, etc.
The results aren't a stark contrast from past surveys. Still, there are a few highlights to take note of. For one, keeping consistent NAP details across your website and external sites is still essential.
Additionally, a significant volume of
Top 5 Local Organic Factors for 2018
Now here are the top five local organic ranking factors:
- Links: Domain authority, link anchor text, link quantity and quality, etc.
- On-page: Keywords, presence of your name, address, and phone number (NAP) on your website, etc.
- Behavioral signals: Mobile clicks to call, check-ins, click-through rate from search, etc.
- Google My Business: Categories, keywords in your business title, proximity to the searcher, etc.
- Citations: Volume of links on citation websites (Yelp, Foursquare, etc.), consistency of your NAP information, etc.
Despite a growing misconception that "links are becoming less important," link building is still important (as long as it adheres to Google's terms of service).
But this isn't an easy practice. Building relevant, high-quality links requires a manual outreach strategy. Sponsoring an event, networking with other businesses, and blogging regularly are just a few ways to gain natural links.
Dominating both the local pack and organic search listings is the ultimate dental SEO accomplishment. It gives you valuable search engine real estate, putting your practice information front-and-center and delivering qualified website traffic to your website.
Most importantly, it gives you a powerful edge over your competitors.
SEO is one of several digital marketing factors. Download our free eBook below to learn about the other four factors.