Go Beyond Your Website with Local Directories in 2020

If you’re a local dentist, creating local business directory profiles is good for business.

What is a local directory profile?

Directory profiles are mini-profiles of you created on another website that allows for a link back to your website. You want as many quality profiles and links as possible linking back to your website. SEO for dental websites will always provide great ROI. Even Google admits that links help improve your local ranking.

Why is this good for business?

Local links from directories are a great way to boost your site’s SEO but more importantly when potential patients begin their online search for a dental provider, the discovery phase of their journey, they are looking for answers, resources, and insights from credible sources. Profiles that link to your site from credible sources can significantly increase your chances of acquiring more patients and generating leads.

Creating profiles and acquiring local links from business directories or review sites is key to building for awareness.

Some major business directories are Google My Business, Bing Places, Yelp, Four Square, etc.

In addition to directories, other local links opportunities usually include local blogs, local news, local community forums, and sponsorships.

Even if the searcher isn’t ready to decide on a dental provider now, links from these sites will lead back to your website and reinforce your brand awareness and instill trust and confidence.

Dos and Don’ts

· Do create a page or claim a current one if already created

· Do fix inaccuracies

· Do add website and social media pages

· Do make sure all business is consistent and accurate across all directories

· Do upload logos or professional headshots or office images

· Don’t use 1-800 numbers

· Don’t’ use P.0. Box as address

· Don’t create and forget

Hopefully, it’s obvious by now, you see the benefits of local seo for dentists and building out local business directory profiles and links to generate more patients and leads. If you’ve already created some business directory profiles, I bet you’ve already had patients mentioned that they found you on Google, Yelp, etc. If you check your Google Analytics, I would also bet that some of your website visitors are coming from the directories such as Yelp, Whitepages, ZocDoc, etc.