Have you ever taken the time to Google or use another search engine to see where your dental practice ranks?
Have you found it was a lot lower than you thought it would be? That’s not good, but more than likely, it is going to be due to your SEO plan,
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for dental practices looking to attract and retain patients. Search engine optimisation (SEO) remains a cornerstone of online visibility and patient engagement. In short, if you don’t have an up-to-date SEO plan, your website isn’t going to be spotted by potential patients, and your clinic won’t attract more patients.
Luckily, in 2023, there are some trends that you can use and follow to ensure that your website is up to date on its SEO, and here, the top 5 trends or tips will be explored.
Voice search optimisation takes centre stage
Voice search technology has been rapidly advancing, and its impact on dental SEO is expected to be significant in 2023. With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, more users are turning to voice commands for their search queries. Dental practices should anticipate this trend by optimising their content for conversational, long-tail keywords that mirror how people naturally speak. Additionally, creating an FAQ section addressing common dental questions can increase the chances of your content being featured in voice search results, provided that you use jargon-free language and make the language punchy and engaging.
E-A-T principles gain prominence
Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) have been crucial factors in Google’s search algorithms. In 2023, these principles are expected to be even more vital, especially for industries involving health and wellness, such as dental care. Dental practices need to focus on showcasing their expertise through well-researched and authoritative content. This can involve collaborating with reputable professionals, showcasing credentials, and providing transparent information about the practice’s qualifications and patient success stories.
Video content becomes a priority
Video content has been steadily growing in importance, and in 2023, it might become a vital component of SEO. Creating informative and engaging video content about dental procedures, oral hygiene tips, and patient testimonials can not only enhance user engagement but also improve search rankings. Video content often receives higher click-through rates and can help establish a personal connection with potential patients before they even step foot in the clinic.
If you can, it is worth ensuring that your staff members take part in these videos talking about your practice so that those who watch can see you and associate your team with the services. Or, if you don’t want to go in that direction, it can be worth investing in digital animations to showcase procedures, such as the fitting of dental implants or tooth whitening.
Core web vitals and user experience
Google’s emphasis on user experience is likely to continue growing with a focus on Core Web Vitals. These metrics assess the loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability of web pages. In 2023, dental practices should ensure their websites load quickly, offer smooth interactions, and avoid layout shifts that can disrupt the user experience. Google’s algorithm updates often prioritise websites that provide an excellent overall experience, so a seamless browsing journey can positively impact your search rankings.
AI and personalisation in SEO
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping digital marketing, and its potential impact on SEO for dental practices is significant. AI-powered tools can help analyse patient behaviour, preferences, and search patterns to provide personalised content and experiences. By tailoring your website content and recommendations to individual visitors, you can create a more engaging and relevant experience.
It can also help your website to have an AI-powered chatbot to respond to requests from potential patients at all hours, helping them navigate the site and look for services.
AI can also assist in optimising keyword strategies, improving content quality, and predicting trends.
The SEO landscape for dental practices in 2023 holds exciting opportunities for practices willing to adapt to new trends. Voice search optimisation, the emphasis on E-A-T principles, video content creation, Core Web Vitals, and the integration of AI for personalisation are likely to shape the SEO strategies of successful dental practices. However, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest developments and continually adjust your approach to align with the evolving digital landscape.
As before, this can be tricky to oversee by yourself, so if you are struggling, please contact an SEO or marketing team that specialises in dental practices to help you along.
