Optimizing Local Dental SEO Presence with Darren Shaw
Dec 15, 2016
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Darren Shaw, Founder & President of Whitespark, discusses optimizing local dental SEO presence. Topics include: local SEO strategies, mobile-first design for dental websites, the distinction between regular SEO and local SEO, implications of canceling listings with service providers, citations and reviews in local SEO, and creating relevant and detailed website content for local dental SEO.
Local SEO focuses on ranking in the local pack results and local intent-based organic results, while regular SEO encompasses national or global keyword rankings that do not specifically target local intent.
Having a responsive website is vital for local SEO as Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, making responsive design a must for both mobile and desktop users.
Deep dives
Local SEO versus Regular SEO
Local SEO focuses on ranking in the local pack results and local intent-based organic results. It is crucial for businesses with physical locations. Regular SEO, on the other hand, encompasses national or global keyword rankings that do not specifically target local intent.
Importance of Responsive Websites
Having a responsive website is vital for local SEO. Responsive websites adapt to different screen sizes, ensuring a seamless user experience across devices. Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, making responsive design a must for both mobile and desktop users.
The Role and Value of Reviews
Reviews play a significant role in local SEO and can greatly impact a business. They not only influence local rankings but also serve as a powerful tool for attracting and converting potential customers. Implementing a review strategy and asking satisfied customers to leave reviews is essential for driving business growth.
Citations and Content for Local SEO
Besides content and backlinks, local SEO requires building citations and ensuring consistency of business information across multiple online directories and platforms. Citations are mentions of a business's NAP (name, address, phone number) and play a role in local pack rankings. Additionally, creating informative and comprehensive content related to specific services can establish a business as an authority and improve rankings.
Darren is literally the authority when it comes to LOCAL search. He's a frequent lecturer to others SEO's in the industry. Darren's company - Whitespark is almost completely focused on how to help businesses rank better locally. As we know, local search is what most brick & mortar businesses are concerned with. Ranking nationally is great but as dentists we have geographical limitations (i.e. we have to do business in our office and not online). There are some AWESOME tips and advice in this episode. I have know Darren and consume his articles and content but I was still taking notes during the podcast!
Key Takeaways:
Local SEO is about making sure your business appears in local search.
Google has become better at showing you relevant search results that are near your location.
Google is mobile-first. You need to design your website for mobile by either having a mobile-specific site or have a responsive site.
Organic SEO is based on the content and the links on your website. Local SEO adds reviews, citations (listing in business directory) and Google My Business listing.
Citations
Citations is anywhere in the web where your name and business address is mentioned. Be careful not to overdo or it will appear spammy.
Note: If you use Yext, cancelling it will have major impacts to your listings.
Reviews
You can ask people to write reviews for you in Google by sending them a link.
For Yelp, only ask active Yelpers for review. Otherwise, the review won’t be credited. Tip: Connect your Yelp account to your Facebook account to find active Yelpers among your friends.
Tips on how to check your local SEO
Ask your customers to write reviews for you in Google.
Build your listings online in the Top 50 directory website.