When patients search for a “dentist near me” or “GP in my area,” does your practice appear on the first page of Google? Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process behind helping your website be listed higher in the search results. For healthcare practice owners, SEO isn’t just about clicks. It’s about attracting real patients who are actively looking for the services you provide.
How SEO improves your search ranking
Google’s mission is simple: show the most relevant, trustworthy results to users. SEO helps your website meet those standards, so you rank higher when patients search.
Factors that affect rankings include:
- Content relevance: Does your site clearly answer the searcher’s query?
- Keywords: Are you using the terms potential patients actually type into Google?
- Backlinks: Do other reputable websites link back to yours?
- User experience: Is your site easy to use on mobile and desktop?
- Technical SEO: How fast does your site load? Is it secure (HTTPS)?
These factors show Google that your site is reliable and useful, which can move it higher in the rankings.
Why is SEO important?
The data speaks for itself. Research shows that 68% of all online experiences begin with a Google search, and 75% of people never scroll past the first page of Google results. And when it comes to results, SEO drives over 1,000% more traffic than organic social media. For healthcare practices, this means patients are far more likely to find and book with you if you appear at the top of search results.
AEO and the rise of AI answers
As you’ve no doubt noticed, search is evolving. With AI tools and Google’s own AI-powered features, more answers are provided directly in search results. This is called Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO).
AEO builds on SEO by making sure your content is clear, structured, and directly answers questions patients ask, such as “What’s the best treatment for tooth sensitivity?” or “How often should kids see a dentist?”
By focusing on SEO and AEO together, your practice can appear not just in traditional search results, but in AI-powered snippets and answer boxes too.
SEO vs Google Ads
Both SEO and Google Ads help your healthcare practice attract patients, but they work different ways.
SEO builds long-term visibility and trust. Once your site ranks well, it continues to attract patients without ongoing costs per click. Google Ads, on the other hand, puts your practice at the very top of search results instantly, making it ideal for generating bookings right away for particular services, promotions or promoting a new practitioner. The most effective approach is to use both together: Google Ads for immediate results, and SEO for sustainable growth.
How SEO can work for your healthcare practice
With the right strategy, SEO can bring in more of the patients you want, whether that’s families, professionals, or retirees in your local area. At MedDigital, our SEO management services include:
- Keyword research and competitor analysis
- On-page optimisation for your website content
- Technical SEO improvements to boost speed, mobile usability, and security
- Content creation tailored to your patients’ questions
- Local SEO to strengthen your Google Business Profile and map rankings
- Optional AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) to improve visibility in AI-powered results and featured snippets.
- Monthly reporting so you know exactly how your practice is performing
Where does your practice rank on Google?
Want to know how your practice is ranking right now on Google search? Click here to get your free local search ranking and SEO report today. And if you’d like support with improving your results, contact the MedDigital team to learn how we can help grow your healthcare practice with SEO that works.
