We all know the big search engines—Google and Bing—but did you know that each search engine has a local search function that can be instrumental in producing more qualified traffic to your dental practice website?
What is a Local Search Engine?
Local search engines are specialized databases of geographical information pertaining to local businesses within search engines, and they should be a very important part of every dentist’s SEO strategy. These listings include your basic contact information as well as a map of your practice location.
An accurate listing of your dental practice on local search engines enables your practice to come up for local keyword searches, such as “San Diego dentist,” “orthodontist in Pittsburgh,” or “Sydney periodontist.” We consider local search engine listings the yellow page directory listings of the 21st century.
Another plus? They’re free!
Getting Started
Before you start to add your business listings to local search engines, be sure to search for your practice in a Google maps search, as well as on Bing, to see if your practice is already listed. If you do have a listing already, you will want to update and optimize the existing listing rather than create a new one.
If you discover multiple listings for your practice on any one search engine, contact us for assistance, as this needs to be handled carefully to avoid penalty.
To add a new listing to each of the local search engines, click the links below and follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Google My Business: https://www.google.com/business/placesforbusiness/
- Bing Local: https://www.bingplaces.com/DashBoard
When setting up your listings, be sure to enter your practice contact information accurately and fill out the profile thoroughly for optimal results. You can easily update these listings anytime.
Local SEO is Key to Increasing Qualified Website Traffic
Local search engine marketing is a great way to drive more qualified traffic to your dental practice website and get new dental patients in your door. If your practice isn’t listed on local search engines, you are missing out on a myriad of potential new patients in your area. Adding your practice to these search engines is an easy way to begin improving and optimizing your online presence.