We are living in an age where search engines have answers to any query that one has. Consumer behavior has seen a huge change in the post-covid world, as there has been a large-scale migration to the digital world. To keep up with this, more traditional enterprises have had to accelerate their shift to digitalization. As we think about medical SEO, it is essential to utilize digital strategies such as search engine optimization in order to maintain visibility in the ever-competitive online landscape.
It is estimated that 93% of customers trust online reviews before making a decision. The need to be visible is at an all-time high. This applies to all industries, including the health sector. People often depend on Google to make doctor’s appointments or to get any information with regard to health and wellness. Though this shift might seem seismic and complex, with proper knowledge and time, one can crack the visibility game.
In this article, we are suggesting five SEO tips for medical practice. This would not only ensure your visibility but also enhance your reach to potential customers.
Here we go:
- Medical Keywords
Using the right medical keywords is the first step in SEO optimization. The keywords would help the search engines comprehend the content of your website. These are words that people who are searching for information might enter into a browser and can be anything from a single word to a complex phrase.
The relevance and the volume of keywords that you use are of paramount importance. In the medical sector, services are one thing that people always search for. That could therefore be a starting point. One tool that can help you with keywords is the Google Keyword Planner. It helps one to compare what is and isn’t being searched for in the medical sector. Keep in mind that you never “pack” a text with keywords, as the search engines can recognize this and penalize you. Make sure it sounds natural and is relevant to the text.
- Update Content Regularly
According to a case study conducted by HubSpot, revamping old and outdated content on a website increased its web traffic by 106%. Posting relevant content and removing or updating outdated content are two SEO strategies that one could use, especially in the health sector. Cross-posting your blog content on other platforms, including social media, can increase viewership.
Since health information has a direct impact on people’s lives, most browsers take into consideration the standard of the content while ranking health websites. In addition to writing about the services that one provides, a healthcare website owner can also start a blog and update it according to the latest trend.
For example,On hearing the first reports of monkeypox, there was an increase in the number of searches. A blog that has updated its content according to the trend and used the right keywords, naturally, will have more visitors.
You must constantly be thinking about your target audience and any questions they could have.
- Online Reviews
Online reviews can be a game changer for any healthcare service provider. As said earlier, 93% of customers trust online reviews, and the average person reads at least 6 reviews before making a decision. The testimonial page or a review page should have a good balance between first-party reviews that a client provides directly and third-party evaluations, which are often taken from online directories like Facebook, Yelp, or Twitter.
On-site reviews are crucial, as they are a reliable indicator of page rank in the eyes of your browser. The reviews would also add value to the brand. Reputation management is an essential element when it comes to online reviews. Prompt and considerate responses to reviews, both positive and negative, can work in the long run without violating doctor-patient confidentiality agreements.
- Enrolling In Google My Business
Enlist yourself on Google My Business, as it would greatly benefit your SEO. Most of the time, Google might have you already listed on the platform. In such cases, you can claim the business as your own. If you are not listed yet, you can always create one.
This would ensure that people are not misinformed about your service. Once you have claimed the listing or created one, make sure you have a complete profile with your name, address, and contact details.
What might go hand in hand with this process is the creation of a Facebook business page. SEO or first-page search results depend heavily on Facebook. This is especially true when most of your competitors have a Facebook business page and thus cover a larger landscape.
Similar to Google Business, ensure that the Facebook page you create also has all the relevant information (name, address, and phone number). This also helps in enhancing your authenticity as a healthcare provider.
- Using Visual Elements
Another strategy one can employ to improve their SEO is to focus on the visual elements. Though it might seem obvious, having a good website design is crucial. Another thing to watch out for is using appropriate photos that match the content on your website.
Video content has a different reach in comparison to other visual content. According to a Hubspot study, 54% of customers want to see more video content from brands or companies they like. In addition to this, if you have video content on your website, the on-page time will also see an increase, and this in turn can have an impact on your SEO ranking.
These videos can also be posted on YouTube, which further increases the website’s visibility. Make sure you use high-quality images and videos on the website as that will attract more customers. The usage of infographics, interactive visual elements, etc can also ensure an organic increase in the number of visitors.
Conclusion
The basic tenets of digital marketing for healthcare indicate that the larger the number of visitors you can draw to your website, the better it is. The age of your patients, the services they need, and the devices they use should all be taken into account when you plan a strategy.
With the right strategies, SEO is not as difficult to master as many people believe. Although I don’t promise it will be simple, it is quite doable. There is no quick fix to improve your website’s ranking; it needs persistent, continuous effort.