SEO Link Building Strategies For Dentists
Link building is an essential search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that can help increase your dental practice's online visibility. Acquiring high-quality backlinks improves your website's authority and attracts more potential patients. Finding someone who wants to link to a dental website can be challenging, but you can use these tips to help brainstorm new link-building ideas.
Let's start with the easiest SEO tips!
We would consider the following tips the absolute minimum you should do for link-building. These would only be effective in an area with little competition. Because they are so easy to do - you can guarantee your competitors will have these opportunities in place as well.
Leverage Online Citations
Submitting your information to online citation sites is the starting point for every off-page SEO strategy. Focus on reputable directories, such as Yelp, YellowPages, or Google, that have regular monthly visitors and which can drive traffic to your site. Try to fill out each directory listing completely, if you can, but at a minimum, make sure your name, address, phone number and website are accurate. Check out our advice for a complete Google Business Profile. {link}
Reach Out to Suppliers
Manufacturers often have online databases for specific products or services, such as teeth whitening products or CAD/CAM technology. For example, if you're an Invisalign provider you can easily get listed on the Invisalign site. Many dentists ignore these simple opportunities, so having a completed profile can help you stand out from other providers in your area.
Check out Discount Directories
If your dental practice offers discounts, directories that cater to specific groups, such as seniors, students, or military personnel, might be a good fit for your practice.
Go Dental
Adding your practice to dental directories or joining dental-related member organizations is a great way to re-enforce your profile with Google.
Dental organizations, like the AGD, maintain public member lists where your practice can be featured. Plus we all know these organizations are great for connecting you with peers, providing CE, and keeping you informed on industry trends.
Get Involved in Your Community
These tactics require a little bit more effort or budget but they are well worth the investment. By getting involved in your local community, you’re telling Google that you’re an active business in the area.
Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce is another effective strategy. Membership often includes a listing on their website, which can serve as a valuable backlink. Additionally, participating in Chamber events provides networking opportunities that can lead to more link-building prospects through partnerships or sponsorships.
Throw A Local Event
If you’re feeling ambitious you can host your own dental-themed event like Halloween candy buy-back or celebrate National Tooth Fairy day. These give you an excuse to reach out to local businesses and newspapers to spread the word about your event - and your dental office.
Sponsor a Local Sports Team or Organization
Sponsoring local events is win-win. Not only do you get to do something kind, but many organizations will recognize your donation on their website or promotional materials. Plus if it’s local, you’ll be directly reaching your potential patients.
Sports fans may consider sponsoring a local sports team, or parents may consider taking an ad out for the drama team's latest production. Many local organizations recognize their sponsors with links to their websites. Not only does it feel good to help out, but a link from a local organization helps Google recognize your office as a part of the local community.
Collaborate with Other Businesses
Building relationships with local businesses takes you down roads you may not have considered. You could offer a joint promotion with the pharmacy to switch up your toothbrush every three months or share tips with movie-goers at the local cinema for flossing properly after eating a whole bag of popcorn. Be open to how you can work together to promote your fellow entrepreneurs, and be sure to ask for that link!
Connect with local newspapers or bloggers
There is something about local news that attracts people - and your patients are no different. Whether you take an ad out in local newspapers or reach out to a local blogger, these are great opportunities to generate more interest in your practice and strengthen your SEO.
Don’t forget about Building Listings
Many malls or building complexes have websites showcasing their renters. Take a look at your landlord's website and make sure your practice shows up. If they don't currently link to their tenants, why not reach out and suggest they update their website?
Use Job Postings to Your Advantage
Job postings can also be a powerful tool for link building. When you list job openings on your website, it creates fresh content that search engines can index. Many job boards and employment websites also allow you to link to your practice's website. This not only helps you attract talent but also generates valuable backlinks. Promote your job postings on social media and other platforms to maximize exposure and link potential.
Offer Dental Services to Your Communities
Are you a member of a cultural minority or offer services in another language? Cultural or language-based organizations often share information where people can support a particular community or get services in their native language.
A little research into your own communities can pay off.
Attract links
Create Quality Content
Producing high-quality, informative content is a natural way to earn backlinks. Consider writing blog posts about dental health tips, procedures, or community health issues. If your content provides value, other websites may reference it, linking back to your practice. This strategy builds links and positions you as an authority in your field.
Conclusion
Effective link-building is an ongoing process that requires creativity and dedication. Dentistry is super-competitive, so putting the time into creating link-building opportunities is essential.
Remember, quality over quantity! Focus on acquiring links connecting your practice to your local communities and the larger dental community.
Ready to boost your dental practice's SEO through strategic link building? Contact us at Optio Publishing we’re always happy to help!