Getting Listed on Top Local Business Directories (Yelp, Healthgrades, etc.)
Local citations are online mentions of your orthodontic practice's name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites, typically in online business directories. Citations play a critical role in local SEO because they help search engines validate the accuracy and consistency of your business information across the web. This, in turn, improves your local search visibility, making it more likely that people in your area will find your practice when searching for orthodontic services.
Top local business directories like Yelp, Healthgrades, Yellow Pages, Angie's List, and Google Business Profile (GBP) are prime places for getting listed. Being included in these directories is a key factor in improving your local SEO and reputation.
Steps to Get Listed on Directories
Claim Your Listing: For sites like Google Business Profile and Yelp, make sure you claim and verify your listing. This ensures you can control the information and make updates as needed.
Submit to Additional Directories: In addition to the top directories, submit your practice to local niche directories related to healthcare, dentistry, or orthodontics. These sites often rank highly in local searches and can provide a valuable citation.
Fill in All Details: Ensure that your practice’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all listings. This consistency helps search engines trust your information and boosts your local rankings.
Consistency of NAP Data Across Directories
Consistency is crucial when it comes to NAP data (Name, Address, Phone Number). Inconsistent information across online directories can confuse search engines and hurt your SEO rankings. For example, if your practice’s phone number is listed as “(123) 456-7890” on one directory and “123-456-7890” on another, Google might view these as separate entities, which can dilute your local SEO efforts.
To maintain consistency, use tools like Moz Local, Yext, or BrightLocal to monitor your NAP data across multiple directories and ensure that it’s uniform everywhere.