How is your dental practice ranking on Google for common search terms? Would you like to improve your ranking? There are many ways to get your dental practice website ranking higher on search engines.
One of the most powerful ways – that dentists are often not aware of – is through something called back linking. A solid back linking strategy can dramatically increase your website’s relevance – and give you wider reach on the web.
Keep reading for more information on how to implement this for your dental practice website!
What Is Back Linking?
Back linking is the process of getting your website’s URL – www.mydentalpractice.com – listed on other websites. It’s especially helpful when it’s listed on other highly trafficked websites, and sites where your potential patients may visit. This tells search engines that your website is important, and will work to increase your site’s ranking for common search terms.
Here are some examples of back links:
- If you are a provider for a company who has a doctor locator – such as Invisalign, Cerac, Clear Correct, Damon, Straumann – and you are listed on their website.
- If you have an article published and are able to include your dental practice website URL at the end with your name and information.
- If you provide any educational content or are a faculty member at an educational institution and they allow you to include your practice website.
- If you participate in community services or philanthropy and are listed on the organization’s website.
- If you write a guest blog for another website.
- If a someone blogs about your practice, such as a patient or colleague, and includes your website.
How Can I Use Back Linking for My Dental Practice Website?
One of the most effective ways to start back linking your dental practice website is to look for guest blogging opportunities. Check with patients who run their own blogs, and ask if you could write a blog for their audience. Think of common dental publications you read regularly, and contact their marketing department about submitting a guest blog – this isn’t a place where your patients are likely to visit, but it will still help your ranking. Check with your dentist colleagues in other areas who run their own blogs, and ask to swap guest blogs with them.
Manage the external websites your practice website is listed on, such as companies where you are included on their doctor locator, articles you’ve published, educational websites, or philanthropy. Make sure that all your links are included on the page and current.
Start Your Back Linking Strategy
Now that you know how important these links are to your dental practice website’s search engine ranking, you can get started on a strategy! It’s important to target specific websites where you’d like your URL listed. It’s also a good idea to keep a simple list or spreadsheet of your current back links. This allows you to see how widely your site is covered on the web, and you can ensure that your links are current.
If you’d like help implementing a back linking strategy for your dental practice, contact us today! We can help you manage these, and all other aspects of your practice marketing. At ClearEdge, we’re up to date with the latest trends in online marketing, and can help your dental practice with a strong online presence.