Nearly half of all searches conducted today are hyperlocal, meaning if someone were looking for a dermatologist, they’d likely type in “dermatologist near me.” You likely already know that optimizing your local SEO (search engine optimization) is incredibly important for the success of your dermatology practice – but you might not realize how easy it is to get started. If you’re not actively enhancing your local listings to attract new patients—and thus maximize your revenue—you’re missing out on connecting with potential patients in your area searching for your services. Inaccurate local search profiles can frustrate potential patients, leading them to choose other practices that are easier to contact. Here are three essential strategies to help your local search listings generate more patient inquiries and revenue.
1. Ensure Consistency
Inaccurate information on your local listing can deter potential patients. Imagine a client driving to your clinic only to find that your hours have changed but never were updated on your Google My Business profile – or that your address is incorrect. Business owners often don’t realize that an accurate listing today can easily become an inaccurate listing by tomorrow due to Google’s indexing, user suggestions, or third-party data. To minimize lost revenue from inaccuracies, conduct regular audits of your listings. Aim to check all your directory listings at least once a month to ensure they reflect the most current information about your dermatology practice.
2. Start Optimizing
Once your listings are accurate, the next step is optimization. Go beyond just entering your name, address, and phone number (NAP info). Search engines prioritize “relevance” in local search rankings, assessing how well your practice’s listing and website results meet searchers’ needs. Complete your profile with primary and secondary categories, add high-quality images of your practice, and detail all of the services you offer—from acne treatments to skin cancer screenings. Include your business hours, attributes, and additional contact options like social media links and your website. Regularly update your profile with new photos and information to demonstrate that your practice is active and engaged.
3. Bring In New Reviews
You might be surprised to learn how crucial reviews are to local search, playing a pivotal role in local search visibility. Our recent survey revealed that 57% of businesses believe generating new reviews significantly improves their local search performance. Not only do reviews influence potential patients, but search engines also index them, contributing to your profile’s “prominence” in search rankings. Implement an automated system to request reviews from satisfied patients, and be sure to respond to all reviews—positive or negative. Regularly auditing your reviews should be part of your local search strategy to ensure no patient feedback goes unaddressed.
We Can Help
Are you a dermatologist looking to enhance your local search presence, attract more patients, and ultimately increase revenue? Contact one of our digital marketing experts for a complimentary consultation and see how we can help you achieve your goals.
