How Dentists Can Improve Google Places Listings
Many dentists and/or their webmasters already know how important it is to have their practice listed with Google for increased visibility on the Web.
What you may not know is that Google recently renamed its Local Business Center to the more brand-friendly Google Places.
Google Introduces Google Places »
These are the listings at top of the SERPS next to a local map that are often shown to prospective patients looking for a dentist, and some very visible Internet space too. No one (except Google) knows for sure just what percentage of clicks the local maps listings get, though I’m sure it’s substantial.
I think what dentists need to know is how the Google Places’ algorithm differs from Google’s organic algo — and importantly, how to use this insight to position their practice profiles higher within the Maps’ positioning hierarchy, especially in big city populations with more competition.
Insider Information Speculation
Word on the streets is that the more citations Google finds online for the doctor’s name (or the legal or assumed name of the practice), together with contact info, website, etc. the more weight given to their Google Places’ profile.
The citations, or online mentions, might be a blog post, a social media profile, a link from another website, or patient reviews on one or more of the many popular review sites (particularly those sites with a lot of link juice).
FYI, here’s a sortable list of review sites »
More crucial factors for improving your ranking in Google Places:
• use titles, descriptions and a website domain that include dental keywords which a prospective patient might use in a search query
• replicate the same name, address, phone number and email address for your practice as found on all the other mentions of your dental office online
• make sure to associate your listing with the appropriate categories
• link to your Google Places profile from your dental website, review site, social media profile, blog, or directory
• and last but not least, ensure that your Google Places’ profile is filled out completely, including photos and an introduction video, if you have one.
For A Few Dollars More
This post would be incomplete without mentioning that in addition to the new brand name, Google has also monetized Google Places. Doctors in select cities can buy their way to the top (similar to Adwords) for a $25 per month charge attached to your telephone bill.
How Local Businesses Can Enhance Their Listing »
Following the steps above won’t guarantee that your Google Places listing will exceed profiles for other competing dentists, though it’s likely to give you a much better chance. The first step is to create, or claim your profile today!
For The Visible Dentist, I’m John Barremore
May 30th, 2010 at 8:31 am
This is a very good basic start for the dentist who want to rank high on Google Places. However, Google Places is far more complicated than this for any dentist whose practice is in a major metro area. For a comprehensive website on how to optimize the site, go to http://www.GooglePlacesHelp.blogspot.com
May 30th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Hi Randy,
Since we don’t specialize in Google Places additions, the post here only highlights the main working parts — to help give our clients and other dentists a good head start. I looked over your blogspot info — good stuff.
John
May 30th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Good post John!
2 important things, especially for Dental practices who want to get good rankings at the top of Google for Cosmetic Dentist and other prime key phrases.
1) Check to be sure you don’t have multiple Google Place pages, which often happens with Dental offices. Google finds mentions of your practice around the net and may put up a Place page for Advanced Dental Associates, one for John Smith, DDS and one for Dr. John Smith - Advanced Dental Associates. I call this a fractured listing and it needs to be carefully repaired.
Duplicate listings are against the Google TOS and also divide up the trust points Google gives listings so can cause you to lose ranking or even get penalized.
I have a case study about a Chiropractor I took from #44 on Google to 1st place on Google. I was able to move him up in part by merging his duplicate listings.
Google Places Optimization: Tale of a Chiropractor that went from #44 to #1 on Google Local
To check to see if you have a fractured listing search Google MAPS (not regular search) for your phone number, check for dupes, then search again for your address.
2) Whenever you list your practice at places like Yelp or directories or yellow pages be sure your name, address and phone are entered EXACTLY as they are on your Google Places page. Each EXACT match counts as a vote of trust for your practice and can help your rankings. But if you enter Advanced Dental Associates some places and John Smith, DDS other places, you perpetuate the fractured data and cause more problems with your listing.
Hope this helps!
Linda Buquet
May 31st, 2010 at 12:18 am
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the tips. They pretty much resonate with what other people who specialize in Google Places say, especially the part about consistency of name and contact info across all profiles.
Odd though that duplicate content descriptions don’t appear to be a negative factor, as it does with organic SEO.
John
June 27th, 2010 at 11:22 am
More and more Dentists, and other types of Dr.’s, are really seeing the need for SEO services from a professional. Many are very overwhelmed by all the technology, as well as find that their web-savvy competitors are moving ahead with the expansion of their practice.
June 27th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
@Ed
I agree; dentists who have yet to even get a practice website, or opt for dental SEO are indeed missing out on improving their bottom line substantially.
jb
July 17th, 2010 at 5:50 am
NIce Posting
July 29th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Hi John!
Thanks for the post! Lots of good tips, especially for one just starting out….
I’ve also heard of a site called MapDentist.com that is offering premium search positioning on their website. It is a start-up company…but what are your thoughts on getting into something like this? It pretty much lets customers search for a dentist by Zip Code and gives companies a profile they can manage.
Thanks