When it comes to dental surgeries looking to attract new patients to the dental surgery, there is a lot more to it than simply holding an open day at the surgery.

In the increasingly digital world, effective search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques are crucial for dental surgeries to enhance their online presence and attract a larger patient base. As the dental industry evolves, so do the strategies for optimising websites and reaching potential patients.

In this article, we will explore some of the best SEO techniques for dental surgeries in 2023, empowering them to rise above the competition and establish a strong online foothold.

What is SEO, and why does it matter?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which refers to the practice of optimising a webpage to improve the visibility of it,  ranking it higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Specifically for dental surgeries, SEO involves implementing strategies and techniques to enhance online presence, attract more organic traffic, and ultimately generate leads and increase patient bookings.

In the context of dental surgeries, SEO aims to ensure that when potential patients search for dental services or related information online, the dental practice’s website appears prominently in the search results. This requires understanding the factors that search engines consider when determining rankings and tailoring the website’s content, structure, and online presence accordingly.

In simple terms, if you have a dental surgery webpage that doesn’t have SEO linking it to Google, or social media, then you may as well not have the webpage.

So, what are some of the most effective dental SEO tips that your dental surgery can use in 2023?

Mobile-first optimisation

With the majority of online searches now conducted on mobile devices, dental surgeries must prioritise mobile-first optimisation. Make sure that your dental surgery website is fully responsive to mobile devices, loads within around three seconds and offers a seamless user experience across all devices. Optimie page load speed, improve navigation, and make sure all content is easily accessible on mobile screens. Consider implementing AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) to further enhance mobile performance and rank higher in search engine results.

Local SEO and Google My Business

 For dental surgeries, local SEO is paramount to attract patients in their target area. Optimise your website for local keywords, including location-specific phrases, and create location pages to boost visibility in local search results. Utilise Google My Business effectively by claiming and verifying your listing, ensuring accurate contact information, opening hours, and positive patient reviews. Regularly update your GMB profile with photos, posts, and promotions to engage with potential patients and improve search rankings.

High-quality and engaging content

To get to the top on your webpage, you need to be creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content on your blogs and landing pages. This is essential for dental surgeries to improve their SEO. Develop a content strategy that incorporates dental health tips, educational articles, and answers to frequently asked questions. Ensure your content is optimised with relevant keywords but also focuses on providing value to the reader. Consider incorporating video content and infographics to diversify your content offerings and improve user engagement. Be sure to regularly update your blog or news section to keep your website fresh and encourage return visits from patients and search engines.

Voice search optimization

With the higher usage of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice search optimization is gaining significance. Optimise your website for long-tail, conversational keywords that align with how people speak and ask questions. Focus on creating FAQ pages that address common dental queries and offer concise and direct answers. Structured data markup, such as Schema.org, can help search engines understand and present your content better for voice search queries, leading to increased visibility and traffic.

Backlink building and social media engagement

Building a strong backlink profile is crucial for dental surgeries in 2023. Develop relationships with authoritative dental websites and local business directories to earn quality backlinks. Engage with your patients and the wider community through social media platforms to increase brand visibility, drive traffic to your website, and encourage sharing of your content. Actively participate in dental forums and online communities, offering valuable insights and establishing yourself as an authority in the field.

Social media pages

 Having a social media page for a dental surgery can benefit SEO in several ways. First, it provides an additional online presence and a platform to share and promote the website’s content, which can lead to increased visibility and traffic. Second, social media engagement and

shares can generate backlinks to the website, improving its authority and search engine rankings. Third, active social media profiles enhance brand reputation and trust, which can influence search engine algorithms. Lastly, social media platforms often have high domain authority, and when the dental surgery’s page is optimised with relevant keywords and links back to the website, it can contribute to improved SEO performance.