You’ve probably heard about search engine optimization (SEO), which is a content strategy that helps your practice website stand out in search results when a new client is searching for a practice online.

Search engine optimization and organic search results are one of the most trustworthy ways to drive traffic to your website. But this is not the only way.

Online directory listings give you even more opportunities to stand out in search engine results. The most popular business directory is Google My Business.

Directories Get Top Results

When searching for a local practice, Google My Business Listings appear at the top of search results, second only to paid advertisements. This listing contains photos of your practice, operating hours, and reviews from your clients.

These local search results can be an effective way to get new clients through the doors of your practice. 88% of people that search for a business on a mobile-device visit or call that business within 24 hours.

Consistent Information Helps Search Engines (And Clients)

To take advantage of your Google My Business directory listings, you first need to claim it. After you claim your listings, be sure to standardize your name, address, and phone number (often called NAP). You want to make sure this information is consistent everywhere your practice is listed across the web.

Inconsistencies in your information, even if they seem insignificant, can confuse both prospective clients and search engines.

Online Reviews Attract New Clients

Most business listings allow people to leave a review of the business. Online reviews carry a lot of weight with prospective clients. 88% of them report that they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

This shift from in-person to online recommendations should be embraced by enabling and responding to reviews on various directory platforms across the web.

When your Google My Business listing appears in the search results, the star rating appears with it. To make sure your listing has good reviews, encourage your happy clients to leave you a review on your listings. Some social media sites, like Facebook, also enable users to rate and review a practice they have visited.

Don’t ignore the power of these reviews. Social media profiles of businesses are likely to show up in search engine results when a client searches for a practice in their area on Google or  Facebook.

Give Every Review a Response 

You must respond to all reviews, whether they are positive or negative. When responding to a positive review, make sure that your client for taking the time to leave that review.

Responding to a negative review can be tricky. Before responding, investigate the claims made in the review and draft a response based on the findings. Be careful not to place blame on the unhappy client and offer a solution to rectify their grievances. While you may not see that client again, this allows you to showcase your brand and your character to potential clients.

Expand the Reach of Your Practice

Search engine optimization combined with directory listings can be an effective and powerful way to expand the presence of your practice in search results. To check your listings or to learn how to use online business directories to expand the reach of your practice, contact TherapySites.