Online visibility is essential for any business in the digital age. If people can’t find your contact information or website with a quick search, they are not likely to use your services. Because of this, it is important to consistently utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as a part of your marketing efforts. If you want to see your veterinary practice grow, you must master local SEO.

The Basics of Local SEO

In order to make the most of your SEO efforts, you have to focus on attracting more business for relevant, local searches. Doing this ensures that you can:

• Target Local Clients: You want your marketing dollars to reach people who are actually likely to use your services. This brings higher-quality leads from real potential customers.
• Become a Part of Google’s Local Preference: The search engine algorithms start to learn which businesses offer certain services in specific locations. If you target local SEO search results, the search engines will be more likely to learn what you do. This means you have a higher chance of showing up for searches like “vet near me” or “veterinary hospital in [your city].”

Taking Advantage of Local SEO

Knowing that local SEO is important is only half the battle. In order to really reap the benefit, you have to figure out how to put it into practice for your marketing needs. The following techniques will help you make the most of your local SEO efforts.

Update Your Google My Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is an incredibly important facet of your local SEO strategy. Be sure to do the following to optimize your profile and boost your visibility in local searches:

• Update the Information: Look through your profile and ensure that all of the information is up-to-date and accurate. This includes your contact information and hours of operation.
• Post Photos and Videos: Adding personal photography from your practice is a great way to engage users and put a human touch on your profile.
• Ask for Reviews: One of the first things users look for on a Google Business Profile is the review rating. Encourage your satisfied clients to leave positive reviews. Make an effort to respond to all reviews (even the not-so-positive ones). This shows you value feedback and are easy to reach.

Optimize Your Veterinary Website

It’s important your veterinary website is optimized for local SEO. Be sure that your site is:

• Mobile-Friendly: Your website should be responsive for mobile use. Not only does this improve your site’s accessibility score, but it also makes it easier for users to navigate, both of which can improve your visibility.
• Local Content: Blog posts, information about local pet events, and even job postings at your hospital will help you add some local flare to your site.
• Keywords: You should also include local keywords that a search engine will recognize. Terms like “veterinary clinic Atlanta,” or “veterinary dental care Charleston.” 
• User-Friendly Website Elements: The layout of your website should be clear and easy to navigate. You should also have fast loading times, and add contact information that is easy to find.

Leverage Local Backlinks and Citations

Backlinks are links from other (reputable) websites to your website. Citations are spots where your business name and details are listed on other websites. Both of these are very important for local SEO, and it is essential they are done well. When used correctly, they give your site more authority, which will improve your local search visibility.

Monitor and Improve Your Local SEO Performance

Unfortunately, SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it tool. It requires constant reviewing and tweaking to ensure it’s getting the most effect. You should continuously monitor and adapt your local SEO strategy to maintain your search engine advantage. It’s important to keep an eye on your rankings, traffic sources, and user behavior to reach the correct audience with your efforts.

Sometimes maintaining your veterinary SEO can feel like a full-time job, which is why Beyond Indigo Pets is here to help. Our proven digital marketing efforts allow you to improve your visibility, become a part of the local pack, and find new clients in your area. To learn more about our services, fill out this form or call (877) 244-9322.