Understanding Customer Reviews and the Role of Citations in SEO

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Darren Shaw, founder of Whitespark and one of the most trusted voices in local SEO. Darren breaks down exactly how dentists can dominate local search results—not just on Google, but also on emerging platforms like ChatGPT. He explains the three overlooked pillars of local SEO: optimizing your Google Business Profile, having a smart and consistent review strategy, and building citations that boost your online presence.   Darren shares practical tips on everything from uploading weekly photos and selecting the right categories, to responding to reviews and leveraging “best of” lists for AI visibility. He also explains how dentists can hold marketing teams or agencies accountable using real, measurable metrics. Whether you're doing it yourself or outsourcing, this episode is packed with next-level strategies to attract more patients through smarter online visibility.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://whitespark.ca
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast