How do I build local citations for my dental clinic

Okay, so I just opened a new dental clinic in downtown Austin, TX. It’s called "Austin Smiles & Shine" and our address is 123 Main Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701. Our phone number is (512) 555-1212.

I know I need to build local citations to help with our local SEO, but I’m honestly overwhelmed. I’ve heard it’s important, but I’m not sure where to even start.

Specifically, I’m looking for advice on:

• What are the best local citation sites for dentists? I’ve seen lists with tons of sites, but which ones will actually make a difference for my business? Like, are Yelp and Google Business Profile the only ones that really matter?
• How do I ensure NAP consistency across all citations? This seems like a huge challenge given how many different sites there are. What’s the easiest way to keep track of everything?
• Are there any tools that can help me automate the citation building process? I’m willing to pay for a service if it saves me a ton of time and ensures accuracy.
• Is it okay to build citations slowly over time, or do I need to do it all at once? I’m worried about looking spammy if I create too many citations too quickly.
• Anything specific I should keep in mind for a dental clinic when building citations? Are there niche directories or industry-specific considerations I should be aware of?

Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated! I’m really trying to get this right from the start.

Answer

Building local citations is crucial for improving your dental clinic’s online visibility, attracting local patients, and boosting your search engine ranking. Here’s a detailed guide on how to build local citations:

I. Understanding Local Citations

A. Definition: A local citation is any online mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). These citations appear on various websites, directories, and platforms.

B. Importance:

1. Improved Local SEO: Citations signal to search engines like Google that your business is legitimate and trustworthy in your local area.
2. Increased Visibility: More citations mean more opportunities for potential patients to find your clinic online.
3. Enhanced Credibility: Being listed on reputable websites builds trust with potential patients.
4. Referral Traffic: Some citations can drive direct traffic to your website.

C. NAP Consistency: It’s vital to ensure your NAP information is consistent across all citations. Inconsistencies can confuse search engines and negatively impact your ranking. Double-check spelling, abbreviations, and formatting (e.g., "Street" vs. "St.").

II. Finding Citation Opportunities

A. Core Citation Sites: These are the foundational directories every local business should be listed on:

1. Google Business Profile (GBP): Claim and optimize your GBP listing. Ensure all information is accurate and complete, including photos, services, hours, and a compelling description. Encourage patient reviews.
2. Bing Places for Business: Similar to GBP, claim and optimize your Bing Places listing.
3. Apple Maps: Verify and update your business information on Apple Maps.
4. Yelp: Create or claim your Yelp profile. Respond to reviews (both positive and negative) professionally.
5. Facebook: Create a Facebook Business Page. Keep it active with updates, photos, and engaging content.
6. Yellow Pages (YP.com): List your business on Yellow Pages.

B. Industry-Specific Directories:

1. Healthgrades: A popular directory for healthcare professionals.
2. Zocdoc: Allows patients to book appointments online.
3. Vitals: Provides patient reviews and ratings for doctors.
4. WebMD Doctor Directory: A well-known and trusted source for health information.
5. RateMDs: Another platform for patient reviews.
6. American Dental Association (ADA) Find-a-Dentist: If you are a member, ensure your listing is accurate.
7. State and Local Dental Associations: Check if your state or local dental association offers a directory.

C. Local Directories and Chambers of Commerce:

1. Local Chamber of Commerce: Join your local Chamber of Commerce and get listed in their directory.
2. Local Business Directories: Search online for "local business directory [your city/region]" to find relevant directories.
3. City and County Websites: Some city and county websites have business directories.
4. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Consider accreditation and listing with the BBB.

D. Data Aggregators: These companies collect and distribute business information to a wide network of websites. Updating your information with them can significantly expand your reach:

1. Data Axle (formerly Infogroup): One of the largest data aggregators.
2. Neustar Localeze: Another key data aggregator.
3. Foursquare: Popular location-based social networking app.

E. Review Sites:

1. Google Reviews (via GBP): Focus on getting positive reviews on your GBP listing.
2. Yelp: As mentioned above, Yelp is a significant review platform.
3. Healthgrades, Zocdoc, Vitals, RateMDs: These also function as review sites.

F. Social Media Platforms:

1. Facebook: Crucial for local businesses.
2. Instagram: Good for showcasing your clinic’s atmosphere and dental procedures with visually appealing content.
3. LinkedIn: Can be used for professional networking and establishing credibility.

III. The Citation Building Process

A. Preparation:

1. Create a NAP Template: Standardize your business name, address, and phone number format. Use this template for all citation submissions.
2. Research Keywords: Identify relevant keywords that patients might use to search for a dentist in your area (e.g., "dentist [city]", "cosmetic dentistry [city]", "emergency dentist [city]"). Use these keywords in your business descriptions and on your website.
3. Gather Assets: Prepare a high-quality logo, photos of your clinic, and a compelling business description.

B. Citation Submission:

1. Prioritize Core Citations: Start with the essential directories (Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Apple Maps, Yelp, etc.).
2. Claim and Optimize Existing Listings: Search for existing listings of your business. Claim them (if they haven’t been claimed already) and optimize them with accurate and complete information.
3. Submit to New Directories: Systematically submit your business information to relevant directories, industry-specific sites, and local resources.
4. Be Consistent: Use your standardized NAP template for all submissions.
5. Add Unique Content: Where possible, customize your business description for each directory. Avoid simply copying and pasting the same text.

C. Citation Tracking and Management:

1. Create a Spreadsheet: Track all the citations you create. Include the website name, URL of your listing, username, password, and submission date.
2. Regular Audits: Periodically check your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency. Update any outdated information.
3. Citation Management Tools: Consider using citation management tools like BrightLocal, Yext, or Moz Local to streamline the process. These tools can help you find citation opportunities, submit your business information, and monitor your citations.

D. Link Building (Related to Citations):

1. Local Partnerships: Partner with other local businesses (e.g., pharmacies, doctors’ offices, local community centers) and ask them to link to your website on their websites.
2. Sponsorships: Sponsor local events or organizations and get a link on their website.
3. Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for local blogs or websites and include a link back to your dental clinic’s website.

IV. Ongoing Maintenance

A. Monitor Reviews: Regularly monitor your online reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Respond to reviews promptly and professionally.

B. Update Information: Keep your NAP information, hours, services, and other details up-to-date on all your citations.

C. Encourage Reviews: Encourage satisfied patients to leave reviews on Google and other review platforms.

D. Track Progress: Monitor your website traffic, search engine rankings, and patient inquiries to measure the effectiveness of your citation building efforts.

V. Things to Avoid

A. Inaccurate Information: Never submit inaccurate or misleading information to any directory.

B. Spammy Tactics: Avoid using spammy tactics, such as keyword stuffing or creating fake reviews.

C. Ignoring Reviews: Don’t ignore negative reviews. Address them professionally and try to resolve the patient’s concerns.

D. Neglecting Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website and listings are optimized for mobile devices, as many patients will be searching for a dentist on their smartphones.

By following these steps, you can effectively build local citations for your dental clinic, improve your online visibility, and attract more local patients. Remember that citation building is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and attention to detail.