Many patients search for doctors online before booking an appointment. If your name or clinic isn’t showing up on Google, you might be losing potential patients. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps you appear in search results and attract more people to your practice.

1. Set Up Google Business Account

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that helps doctors increase visibility by appearing in Google searches and on Google Maps. It provides essential information about your clinic, such as its name, location, phone number, and patient reviews.

Steps to Set It Up:

• Search for “Google Business Profile” on Google.
• Click on the official Google link and sign in using your Gmail account.
• Fill in your clinic details: Include the name, address, phone number, and working hours.
• Choose the right category: Select the most relevant category for your practice (e.g., “Dentist,” “Pediatrician,” or “Oncologist”).
• Craft a clear description: Write a concise and engaging description of your practice. Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on communicating your unique value to patients.
• Link your social media profiles: Make it easier for patients to connect with you across other platforms by linking your social profiles.
• Add your services: List the services you offer so potential patients can quickly understand your specialties.
• Verify your business: Follow the verification process Google provides to ensure your clinic is legitimate.
• Encourage patient reviews: Ask happy patients to leave detailed reviews. Tip: Take a photo with your patient and encourage them to include it in their review. Always ask patients to write a review instead of just leaving star ratings.

2. Get a Website

A professional website is your online clinic. It helps patients learn about your services, book appointments, and find essential information. SEO ensures that your website ranks high on Google, making it easy for potential patients to find you.

How to Choose the Right Agency:

• Expertise: Select an agency with proven experience in healthcare websites and SEO.
• Full Service: Choose one that handles everything from domain booking and hosting to design.
• Clear Requirements: Ensure the agency provides essential pages—Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact.
• Ongoing Support: Choose an agency that offers support for updates and technical issues.
• SEO-Optimized: Verify they integrate SEO plugins and optimize your website for search engines.
• Avoid Cheap Packages: Don’t fall for agencies offering low-cost packages ($300–$400). These agencies often finish their work quickly, but later, they charge you extra for small details that should’ve been included from the start. Instead, focus on agencies that provide quality work and are willing to support you long-term.

3. Write Blogs

A blog helps you share useful health information and keeps your website active.

How to set up a blog:

• Add a blog section to your website (your web developer can help with this).
• Choose topics related to your specialty that patients often ask about.
• Keep your articles simple and informative (e.g., “5 Signs You Should See a Cardiologist”).
• Post new articles regularly to keep your website fresh.
• Share your blogs on LinkedIn and social media to reach more people.

4. Get Backlinks

Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. They help Google see your website as trustworthy.

How to get them:

• List your clinic on doctor directories like WebMD or Healthgrades or local directories.
• Ask local news sites or medical blogs to feature you.
• Collaborate with other doctors and link to each other’s websites.

Final Thoughts

SEO can bring more patients to your clinic, but it takes time. Start by setting up a Google Business Account, having a simple website, writing useful blogs, and getting backlinks.

Not sure if you’re doing it right? ATCOM specializes in helping doctors with SEO and online visibility. Contact us today!