The demand for dental services is high in the US, considering that one in four Americans struggle with tooth decay. That’s just the tip of the iceberg because problems like gum disease, injuries, and severe infections abound. Countless patients miss out on their regular checkups due to anxiety or laziness, landing with dire dental issues.

But even as dental expertise is in demand, the segment has stiff competition. According to recent statistics, there will be more than 185,000 dental clinics in the US in 2023, indicating a 1% increase from 2022. Whether you want to start a practice or move your clinic to a new location, you must consider the local competition.

While signage and word of mouth can get your practice off the mark, you cannot rely only on them in the early stages. You must have a credible online presence because a majority of potential patients use search engines to look for nearby providers. Being visible is the only way to inform potential patients about your presence in their vicinity.

Local SEO gets you on top of search visibility and a lot more. Here are some reasons why a robust local SEO plan should be a part of dental marketing strategy.

Extensive Local Outreach

American Dental Association’s data reports that the country had 202,536 professionally active dentists in 2022. The number translates into 60.77 dentists per 100,000 people, though ratios vary by state. While demand is apparently high, the local competition may still be stiff because every area has several clinics, and not all people are regular with dental visits.

Bringing patients to your clinic requires extensive local outreach, which is possible only by making your website and business listing visible on top. A dental marketing expert would recommend optimizing your site, and content for queries and phrases people use when searching for a dental clinic. Remember to add “near me” to the keyword tail to maximize local outreach.

According to Harris & Ward, dental practices should use a strategic marketing plan that emphasizes local SEO. At this point, you must understand that each clinic has unique needs and a distinctive target audience. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, you must work with a customized local SEO approach.

Engage With Clients Even Before the First Visit

Surveys show that 61% of patients expect better engagement from clinical providers. Dental patients are not an exception. A greater focus on engagement can help them deal with their anxiety and be more comfortable during treatment. Local SEO can help dental providers to engage with patients even before they step into the clinic for the first time.

The information you provide in your Google Business Profile is of great help in this context. Potential patients can check your address, contact details, map, opening hours, and clinic photos. Besides being helpful, these pieces of information make them feel connected. From the profile, they can access your website, which takes them to the next level of engagement.

Your website should have valuable content, easy navigation, and functional elements like appointment booking and payment options to ease the patient journey. An informative blog section is a plus.

Enhances Branding and Business Credibility

Like any business, dental clinics also need to build their brand and credibility in the local market. While local SEO may seem like a small part of the overall marketing strategy, it can be a game-changer when it comes to branding. The reviews on your business profile help people decide whether they should choose your clinic.

Surveys reveal that 72% of consumers check the online ratings and reviews of providers before booking with a new one. Positive feedback fuels your brand and nurtures trust and credibility for your dental practice. People are far more likely to trust the opinions of real patients with first-hand experience at your practice than paid ads and billboards.

Likewise, the top rankings on Google give your clinic an invisible badge of trust. If Google trusts your practice enough, you are likely to gain credibility for your brand. Together, rankings and reviews form a positive feedback loop that elevates your brand in a competitive market.

The Bottom Line

Local SEO is the cornerstone of dental marketing as it helps clinics capitalize on visibility, outreach, patient engagement, and credibility. These factors drive foot traffic and boost revenues for your clinic in the long run.

The best part is that local SEO is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies and ensures effective and sustainable outcomes. All you need to do is be consistent and creative with your dental local SEO plan.