Did you know 76% of people who search for a local business on their phone visit a business within 24 hours—and 28% of those searches result in a purchase?
(Source: Google)
If you’re a medical or legal practice trying to grow, local search isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
When someone types in “personal injury lawyer near me” or “Botox in [city],” your online presence is what determines whether you show up—or your competitor does. And in an increasingly mobile-first world, your local search visibility could be the difference between gaining a new client or losing one.
Why Local Search Matters for Small Medical & Legal Practices
Local search is the combination of tools and strategies that help people find your business online when they’re nearby and ready to take action. This includes:
- Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Directory listings (like Yelp, Healthgrades, Avvo, etc.)
- Local SEO on your website (keywords, content, metadata)
For small practices, especially those competing with larger clinics or firms, strong local visibility ensures you don’t get buried on page two of Google. It also builds credibility—when people see your practice listed consistently across platforms with good reviews and up-to-date information, they’re far more likely to trust you.
What Impacts Your Local Search Ranking?
Improving your local visibility isn’t about just having a listing. It’s about optimizing it. Here are the main factors that impact how well you rank:
✅ Accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
Your business details should be consistent across every platform—Google, Yelp, WebMD, directories, and your website. Inconsistencies confuse Google and weaken your authority.
⭐ Reviews (and Your Response)
Positive reviews help build trust—and they’re a key local ranking factor. Even more powerful? Responding to your reviews. Google rewards active engagement, and potential clients appreciate a practice that takes time to acknowledge feedback.
📸 Photos & Media
A GBP listing with regularly updated photos gets 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites (source: Google). People want to see your practice before they book. Post exterior shots, provider headshots, and even short video clips if possible.
📈 Engagement & Activity
How often you update your profile, respond to reviews, add posts or offers, and upload content all matter. Google favors listings that appear active and helpful.
📊 Case Study: 3X More Phone Calls in 90 Days
One MyAdvice client, a mid-sized dermatology clinic in Texas, came to us with a partially completed Google Business Profile and outdated directory listings.
We optimized their profile, added 12 new photos, corrected their listings across 35+ directories, and launched a review campaign to encourage patients to leave feedback.
In just 90 days, they saw:
- A 3x increase in phone calls from their Google listing
- A 46% increase in website visits from local searches
- 42 new reviews, all averaging 4.8 stars
Their biggest win? A 12% increase in new patient appointments directly tied to local search discovery.
Take Action: Start with These 3 Steps
- Google Yourself – What comes up? Is your info correct and consistent everywhere?
- Claim & Complete Your Google Business Profile – Fill it out fully and start posting weekly updates or photos.
- Audit Your Listings – Use a tool (or partner with a team like MyAdvice) to find and fix inconsistencies in your name, address, and phone number.
Final Thoughts
Local search is no longer optional for small practices—it’s a powerful (and cost-effective) way to get found by real people looking for your services right now. By showing up in the right places, with the right information, you build trust, drive action, and grow your practice. MyAdvice’s Local SEO Feature can do it all for you!
Need help managing your local presence?
That’s what we do best. Contact MyAdvice to take the first step toward dominating local search.
