If you want to succeed in the modern healthcare industry, you need a strong online presence. A great way to make your practice more visible online is to optimize your website for search engines (SEO). An important aspect of healthcare SEO is the strategic use of keywords. Including words that are relevant to your organization and that patients are searching for can help your website appear at the top of search results as well as make it more credible and trustworthy. Here are some of the types of keywords to include in your healthcare SEO strategy:
1. Specialty-Specific Keywords
Your healthcare SEO strategy should include keywords that are directly related to your practice’s specialization or specific medical field. Specialty-specific keywords such as “cardiologist,” “orthopedic surgeon,” “compounding pharmacy,” etc., can help potential patients find the right practice to meet their specific health needs.
2. Location-Based Keywords
You want your website to reach patients who can easily access your physical location. Including location-based keywords that specify where the practice is located allows patients to find local providers in their area. Some examples include “East Tennessee dentist,” “Dallas pharmacy,” “Michigan clinic,” etc.
3. Medication Keywords
Your healthcare SEO strategy can benefit from including medication keywords. Incorporate keywords related to the common medications that your practice prescribes or provides. This allows patients to find your practice when searching for information about specific medication treatments. For example, you could include keywords related to “semaglutide,” “Ozempic,” “birth control pill,” and others.
4. Treatment & Procedure Keywords
Include keywords related to specific treatments and procedures that your practice offers. This helps patients seeking those medical procedures find your practice. Examples include “colonoscopy,” “laser eye surgery,” and “hip replacement.” It may also be a good idea to incorporate keywords such as “personalized care” or “treatment plan” to attract patients looking for a comprehensive healthcare approach.
5. Preventive Care Keywords
If your practice offers preventive care services, you should include related keywords in your healthcare SEO strategy. These may include “vaccinations,” “immunizations,” “annual check-ups,” and other relevant keywords. This will help reach patients who prioritize preventive care and are searching for a provider who offers the care they are looking for.
6. Appointment Booking Keywords
You can include keywords related to appointment booking to make it easier for patients to contact your healthcare practice via your website. These may include keywords like “appointment scheduling,” “online booking,” “online appointment scheduling,” etc.
7. Disease & Condition Keywords
Does your practice specialize in treating certain diseases or conditions? If so, it’s important to include these types of keywords in your healthcare SEO strategy. Examples include “diabetes,” “heart disease,” “arthritis,” “UTI,” etc. This helps patients searching for treatment options for their conditions find a relevant practice who can provide the care they need.
8. Accessibility Keywords
To demonstrate that your practice is committed to serving all patients, make sure you incorporate keywords related to accessibility. These may include terms such as "wheelchair accessible,” “language services,” “handicap parking,” and others.
9. Affiliations & Certifications Keywords
Is your practice or its providers affiliated with any professional organizations, or are any certifications held by the providers? If so, mention these affiliations and certifications on your healthcare website. These keywords enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of your practice.
10. Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords should also be included in your healthcare SEO strategy. These are more specific phrases that target a narrower audience. They include longer search phrases, such as “best dentist for teeth whitening in Chicago,” or other popular search terms.
Improve Your Healthcare SEO with the Help of GrowthPharm
Do you want to improve your healthcare SEO but aren’t sure how to get started? The experts at GrowthPharm are here to help! We have experience in the healthcare marketing industry and can help optimize your website for SEO using keywords and other best practices. Schedule a free call with one of our consultants today to learn more and get started.
