- By Camille Pace, BSN, RN
There are many benefits to a high Google ranking for healthcare businesses. By implementing optimization strategies, you can improve your Google ranking.
Fact. Google dominates the online search market. It generates 81% of searches in the United States and up to 96% in India. High rankings with the search engine guru can lead a healthcare business to success. Search queries that land on your website lead to impressions, clicks, and the possibility of new customers—the goal of every business.
The Significance of Google’s Ranking on the Healthcare Industry
Fact. In our digital media era, studies affirm that as much as 74% of people search online to inquire about a doctor, dentist, or medical care.
Fact. Users seek testimonials and informative content before purchasing goods and services. They also engage with videos and photos online.
Fact. Businesses build trust and credibility with potential customers by addressing user pain points. This strategy demonstrates “targeted content.”
The result. The impressions and information obtained from Google determine if the user becomes a customer.
The Benefits of a High Google Ranking for Healthcare Businesses
Google holds its websites to a high standard. Consequently, high-ranking sites can expect quality results when viewed. The following are some of the top benefits of a top Google ranking.
- Increased visibility and brand awareness. Intentional content increases traffic to your website. It also encourages customers to interact with your brand.
- Increased educational opportunities. Visibility on the first page of Google permits reaching a larger audience. This exposure allows for debunking myths and false health information with solid health advice.
- Increased credibility and trust. Google holds its websites to a high standard and only promotes sites people can trust.
SEO Strategies Healthcare Businesses Should Incorporate to Improve Their Google Ranking
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and what is its purpose? It’s the Google buzzword. In short, SEO is the multifaceted process used to optimize a website’s content. The ultimate goal is for the website to appear on the first page of a web browser. The most significant benefit of using SEO strategies is the chance to direct traffic to your website. For your site to be visible, relevant, and ranked on Google, it must be SEO optimized.
Common knowledge tells us that users rarely go past the first page of search results. You have little chance of discovery if your business does not rank in the top three queries on the first page. This ranking drastically impedes the clicks and impressions on your site. It also affects potential customers, profit, and, dare I say, your success.
The following are must-haves for successful business sites:
1. High-Quality Content
Creative, high-quality content to showcase on your website includes video tutorials, thoughtful blog posts, FAQs, checklists, listicles, and discounted items. While showing various creative content, the author must diligently ensure it is reliable. Google’s mission is to promote high-quality content that all people can trust. This quest led to the development of Google’s algorithm, Google E-E-A-T.
Google E-E-A-T
Search queries are founded upon Google’s E-E-A-T process. This process evaluates the credibility of authors and the quality of their content. Google constantly perfects these guidelines for ranking search queries.
- Experience. Experience refers to the skill and knowledge level of the content creator. Google users value knowing about the experiences with the products and services they are inquiring about.
- Expertise. Achieved education and credentials of content creators show mastery of a subject. Google users seek answers, advice, and guidance from a qualified expert.
- Authoritativeness. Authoritativeness refers to the solid command one has of a subject. Indeed, authority goes hand in hand with experience and expertise. Authoritative creators are recognized, respected, and reputable in their field.
- Trustworthiness. Obtaining reliable information is vital amidst the health misinformation spread by the media and internet. Google values information that its customers can trust.
2. Dynamic Content and Dynamic Remarketing
Dynamic content refers to the content that changes based on your site visitors’ behaviors, preferences, and data. A familiar example relates to when you watch YouTube videos. The next time you return to the YouTube site, you can see recommendations that match your preferences. Digital remarketing is connected with content. It allows businesses to show their ads to people who have previously viewed their business site or emails.
3. Images and Videos
Up-to-date pictures, videos, and infographics on a website speak volumes. They influence how people see the business’ mission and objectives. Web advertising enhances and adds depth to user engagement. Such advertising contributes to the authentic, first-hand experience of the products and services.
4. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a tool used to track a business website’s activity, such as how long a person is on the site. These facts provide a better understanding of an individual’s site behavior and experience. The results will allow the business to better optimize its site and content.
5. Social Media Platforms
Healthcare businesses benefit from having a social media presence. Google users of all ages use social media to obtain information before making inquiries or purchases.
6. Customer Reviews
Patient testimonials are beneficial in elevating your Google ranking. Positive and constructive reviews are not only the proof that potential clients seek. They also signal to Google that customers value your services, which will help increase your ranking. Acknowledge and be thankful for the positive reviews. Do not fear low-rating reviews; ignoring them can hurt your reputation. Apologize and make an effort to right any wrongs. Transparency goes a long way in building a positive brand reputation and increasing your Google ranking.
The following list includes processes businesses must consider to increase their Google ranking: crawlability (crawling is the discovery process in which search engines send out a team of robots, known as crawlers or spiders, to find new and updated content), good content, keywords, page speed, digital marketing, mobile-friendly web design, link-building, and an expanded web presence.
Google Ranking: Does it Really Matter for Healthcare Businesses?
Should healthcare businesses invest expertise, time, and finances to improve their Google ranking in search results? Should they ensure that optimizing their business sites is not just a one-time task but a process to be maintained? Yes, and an astounding yes!
Why? Higher ranking leads to more impressions, more clicks, and more customers! No doubt, the digital space is competitive. Be assured that diligence, intentionality, and endurance will land a business a top spot in the Google ranks.
Are you searching for nurse content writers who produce high-quality work you can trust? If so, WriteRN has highly skilled experts who can meet your healthcare writing needs.
References
Backlinko Team. (2023, September 29). Understanding & demonstrating Google E-E-A-T: A complete guide. Backlinko. https://backlinko.com/google-e-e-a-t
Bianchi, T. (2023, September 20). Share of desktop search traffic originating from Google in selected countries as of April 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/220534/googles-share-of-search-market-in-selected-countries/
PatientPop. (2019, September 10). Understanding Google search ranking factors for healthcare websites. https://www.patientpop.com/blog/healthcare-website-ranking-factors/
Muller, B., & the Moz Staff. (n.d.). How search engines work: Crawling, indexing, and ranking. Moz. Retrieved December 19, 2023, from https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo/how-search-engines-operate#:~:text=Crawling%20is%20the%20discovery%20process,content%20is%20discovered%20by%20links
About the Author
Camille Pace, BSN, RN
Camille Pace is a freelance health writer, NCLEX test Writer and owner of The Write Maverick, LLC. She has over 23 years of experience as a registered nurse, specializing in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care), and is accomplished in clinical instruction, teletriage, and adult medsurg. Camille writes to educate through various formats of articles and blogs.
Camille is a proud Calgarian-born Canadian, who moved to Florida in 2022. She is a busy mom who is immersed in her daughters’ schooling, one of whom is a Tumbling and Trampoline national gymnast. When Camille, her husband and two young daughters can catch their breath, they enjoy discovering Florida’s local and touristy gems.
