Local SEO for Therapists

Capture Local Search Traffic

An optimized Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business – GMB) can appear in multiple search results. These search categories include: Organic Search, Local 3-Pack, and Google Map results.

Google prioritizes Google.

In the above example, Margo Levi’s therapy practice’s Google listing appears in the Google Map and Local 3-Pack results.

When a user selects “More places” from the Local-3 Pack, a total of 20 websites display. To increase your chances of appearing in these results, optimize your listing.

Google’s Search Result Categories

1. Google Map – Identified with a red marker on the Local Map.
2. Local 3-Pack – Business listings displayed below the Local Map.
3. Organic Search – Results displayed below the Local 3-Pack.
4. Paid Google Ads – Displayed above all search results.

Incorporating location specific keywords is essential for therapists. This is true for practices operating in a single location or in several locations.

Local SEO for Therapists & Google My Business

Implement a free Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business – GMB) as part of your local SEO strategy. Attract new visitors to your therapy website with optimized online profiles.

Google Business Profile Optimization
Use keyword optimized filenames for images. Include both interior and exterior photos of your office.

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Local SEO & Multiple Service Areas

Many therapists are licensed in more then one state. In your Google My Business listing, each location can be identified as a separate service area. This is a great way to attract near me and location-based search queries for each location.

Note: Select your service area(s) based on the main geographic areas you serve clients. Instead of choosing the state of California, select Los Angeles and Santa Monica if your office is located in Santa Monica.

Google Business Profile Reporting

Google provides monthly insights on how people find and engage with your listing.

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Insights also highlights how users engage with your content. Showing the number of times your listing appeared in Google Search or Google Map results. It also shows customer engagement. Number of clicks through to your therapy website and calls to your business.

Client Testimonial

I can already start seeing an influx of calls from our work together.

Local Search & Google Business Profile Client

Client Results

The SEO Scorecard below shows results for a group practice in a large metro area. Within 30 days of optimizing their listing, monthly views of their profile increased by over 100%.

Local SEO for Therapists

Google identifies unique businesses based on their contact information. If your website and Google Business Profiles are inconsistent, Google won’t know what to present to users.

The Importance of Name, Address, & Phone (NAP)

Make it easy on Google. Maintain a consistent NAP.

Name

Address

Phone Number

Your NAP must be identical across all online platforms (website, social channels & directories). Below is an example of NAP inconsistencies. In Google’s eyes they represent two unique listings.

Google Business Profile NAP	Website NAP
Dr. Jane Smith, PhD 123 Main Street City, State Zip 450-123-4567 www.drjanesmith.com	Jane Smith 123 Main St. City, State Zip (450) 123-4567 drjanesmith.com

Be sure the NAP is consistent across your:

• Private Practice Website
• Google Business Profile
• Directories (Psychology Today, Good Therapy, etc.)
• Social Media Profiles

If you have moved offices or changed phone numbers, double check that the information has been update online.

Social Media Profiles

Google often displays social media profiles within a Google Business Profile listing. Unfortunately, Google dictates if your social media profiles appear in your Google listing.

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Sign up for Online Course

Course includes video tutorials, step-by-step instructions, checklist, tips, and more.

Learn how to optimize your profile.

Enroll for only $49.

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Interested in Learning More?

Read Savvy’s blog for additional marketing tips for therapists.