What many hospitals don’t understand is the power of Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) which is in fact a game-changer for hospitals, clinics and individual practitioners. Most of the patients search for medical services near them, and if the location is not optimized then the hospital won’t appear in the particular search result. If the location is mentioned incorrect or not marketed enough the engagement rate decreases automatically.
This blog will cover the importance of Local SEO, its impact on hospitals and the common mistakes hospitals make when handling their Google My Business (GMB) listings, website location details and social media pages.
Importance of local SEO
Local SEO helps hospitals by increasing the ranking of their hospital in the search engine. This is generally done by using keywords like “best hospital near me” thereby making it easier for patients to find them. When someone searches for “best hospital in Punjagutta” or “top orthopedic surgeon in Hyderabad” Google prioritizes businesses with strong local SEO.
Key Benefits of Local SEO for Hospitals:
- Higher Visibility in Google Search
- Increased Website Traffic & Appointments
- Better Engagement & Trust
- Competitive Advantage
Common Local SEO Mistakes to avoid
Though SEO is gaining importance, many hospitals don’t have exact idea on how to manage their local SEO be it in GMB or any online media.
- Incomplete or Inconsistent Google My Business (GMB) Profiles
Mistake: Many hospitals fail to fully optimize their Google My Business (GMB) profile, leading to poor search rankings and confusion for patients.
Missing key details like hospital address, contact numbers, website links and working hours.
Inconsistent hospital names- The main hospital name doesn’t match the name which is used in GMB.
Solution:
- Use only one and same hospital name, 2-3 phone numbers for people to reach out, and address across all platforms.
- Update working hours, emergency numbers, and special services regularly.
- Ignoring Location-Based Keywords on Website & Blogs
Mistake: Hospitals often fail to include their location based keywords in their website content, blogs, and service pages.
Also many hospitals mention in their website as- “We offer orthopedic treatments” instead of “We offer advanced orthopedic treatments in Punjagutta, Hyderabad.”
No location-specific landing pages for different branches or specialties.
Solution:
Use keywords like “Best hospital in Hyderabad,””Top cardiologist in Punjagutta,” etc.
Hospitals need to have separate pages for each location with relevant details so that it becomes easy for patients to understand.
- Neglecting Local Listings
Mistake: Many hospitals don’t list their services on trusted local directories like Justdial, Practo and Sulekha.
If the same hospital name is mentioned differently and with misleading numbers then it might create confusion in the minds of customers
- Duplicate or outdated listings in directories confuse search engines.
- Wrong contact details or missing services reduce credibility.
Solution:
- Regularly update hospital details on healthcare platforms.
- Encourage patients to leave reviews on these websites as this increases patient activity.
- Poor Online Reputation Management
Mistake: Hospitals often ignore Google reviews, Practo ratings and Facebook feedback, leading to a negative online reputation.
- Not responding to negative reviews or patient complaints.
- Lack of engagement with patients leaving positive feedback.
- Fake or paid reviews that Google eventually flags.
Solution:
The admin staff of the hospital needs to address both positive and negative reviews and also ensure that the reviews are passed onto doctors for them to improve their treatment method.
If you are looking for a trusted agency to look after your healthcare marketing needs, then contact the best Healthcare Digital Marketing Agency in Hyderabad experts KL Ads India Pvt Ltd in Punjagutta, Hyderabad.