Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
After you have launched a well designed website, you will need a clear attack plan for getting your website recognized. There are numerous consulting firms willing to provide these services. Consulting companies typically offer a menu of choices, allowing you to choose the areas in which you feel you need the most help. For instance, you can pay a company to submit your website to search engines, set up pay per click advertising, research keyword competition in your area and find useful links for your particular site. As with all things in the internet business world, prices will vary tremendously. Consult with colleagues for referrals to optimization companies and request estimates from at least three different companies.
Search Engine Optimization Checklist
- Submit your website URL and sitemap to the major search engines.
- Obtain local business listings from Google (www.google.com/local/add), Yahoo! (http://listings.local.yahoo.com) and Bing.
- Assess the competition. Perform your own searches on the major search engines to
determine which sites are consistently appearing high and the reasons they are doing so. (For example, if you are a Los Angeles dentist, simply search for “Los Angeles dentist,” “cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles,” etc.) Repeat this research often. Using a tool like the ones provided on www.KeywordSpy.com makes this research easier to perform.
- Research online directories that appear high in keyword searches for your practice.
- Research possible sites which can link to your website. The number and quality of links to a
website are key factors used by search engines to determine whether a site is relevant to searchers. - Consider starting a simple pay per click campaign with Google, Yahoo and Ask if you desire more immediate results while your website builds up its online visibility.
- Submit articles to relevant online sources. Free article submission directories include
www.ezinearticles.com and www.goarticles.com. Make sure to include a link to your
website in the biography or signature section. - Continue to update the content on your website, possibly through the addition of articles or patient case descriptions and photographs.
- Consider starting a blog through a free blog provider such as Google Blogger or Wordpress. It is best to incorporate this blog into your website domain. Look for free blog directories to submit your blog feed.
- Monitor your website statistics on a monthly basis to determine what is working and what
requires improvement or elimination. - Examine social media marketing avenues such as Facebook and Twitter.