Your website needs to stand out from the crowd in a big way. There’s no better way to do that than with expert Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The first step to SEO success is to understand the ways in which your patients search for information. Run the searches below to see how well your practice ranks:

• Location-based search: The first, most common way a patient might search for you is through a location-based search, which might look something like this: “Dentist, Lansing, Michigan.” Since you are not the only dentist in Lansing, you will absolutely need SEO in order to stay competitive in location-based searches.

• General search: Patients might also use a general search that would appear as something like “Invisalign, Ann Arbor.” This kind of search will generate results similar to its location-based cousin, so again, SEO is vital in order to achieve the kind of results you want.

• Search by name: If a patient is searching for you by name, then they are likely already interested in your services. A successful Web presence requires that you be sure your directories are updated and accurate, and that you nurture good online reviews (and respond courteously to negative ones).

Above all else, be sure to have a plan. Since the algorithms in search engines are constantly evolving, what works today may not work tomorrow. Without constant vigilance, an SEO campaign can falter. But when your online presence is carefully monitored and SEO is used properly, it can bring a steady stream of new patients to your door. Do you have time to develop, implement and monitor an SEO campaign? If not, your MDA membership provides you with a solution.

The MDA endorses Officite for websites and online marketing. Officite has built thousands of websites that include expert search engine optimization; turnkey social media strategies; top-tier patient education; premium mobile websites; and reputation tracking. For more information, click here or call 888-244-4651.