7 Map Pack Strategies Dental Practices Should Implement

The success of any local business relies heavily on their online visibility. With more and more people turning to the internet to find dental care, showing up in search engine results, especially in the coveted Map Pack, has become crucial. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of ranking in the Map Pack for dental practices and discuss strategies to help you crack into your local pack.

What is a Map Pack?

Before diving into the benefits of appearing in the Map Pack, let's first understand what it is. The Map Pack, also known as the Local Pack or 3-Pack, is a prominent feature of Google's search engine results page (SERP) when a user conducts a local search query. It typically displays 3-5 local businesses relevant to the user's search and includes their name, address, phone number, and a link to their website. It's accompanied by a map, which shows the locations of these businesses.

For dental practices, this means appearing in the Map Pack can significantly impact their online visibility and, consequently, their patient acquisition efforts.

Why is it so important for a dental practice to show up in the Map Pack? 

1. Enhanced Visibility

The Map Pack is one of the first things users see when searching for local services, making it prime real estate for dental practices. Ranking in the Map Pack increases your visibility to potential patients who are actively looking for dental services in your area. This enhanced visibility can lead to more clicks, website visits, and, ultimately, new patients.

2. Trust and Credibility

The Map Pack will include a highlight of your practice’s Google reviews. If those reviews are positive, it lends an air of trust and credibility to your dental practice. Location also helps. Potential new patients tend to trust practices that appear at the top of search results, as it signals that Google has recognized your practice as an option that gets clicked. This trust can encourage potential patients to choose your practice over another practice in your community.

3. Mobile Engagement

The Map Pack is especially prominent on mobile search results, and the details of the listing often include your hours of operation and your phone number. If your listing has positive reviews and is close to the searcher, they can call your office directly from the search engine results page, without clicking through to your website.

Strategies to show up in the Map Pack

Now that you understand the importance of Map Pack ranking, let's delve into strategies that dental practices can implement to improve their chances of showing up in this prime location.

1. Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile

Your Google My Business profile is the cornerstone of your Map Pack ranking. To optimize it:

• Ensure that all information, including your practice name, address, phone number, and website, is accurate and up to date.
• Choose the most relevant category for your dental practice.
• Upload high-quality photos of your practice, staff, and facilities.
• Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews on your GMB profile.

2. Local SEO Optimization

Implementing local SEO strategies is essential to improve your chances of showing up in the Map Pack. Key steps include:

• Targeting local keywords in your website content and metadata.
• Creating localized content, such as blog posts related to dental health in your area.
• Building high-quality backlinks from local websites and directories.
• Ensuring your website is mobile-responsive for users searching on smartphones.

3. Consistent NAP Citations

NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency is crucial for local SEO. Ensure that your practice's NAP information is consistent across all online platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and local directories. Any discrepancies can negatively impact your Map Pack ranking.

See where your practice ranks against practices in your community with our Evaluate My Practice tool. Simply enter your practice information and we'll be in touch to discuss your rankings.

4. Online Reviews and Ratings

Positive online reviews and high ratings can significantly boost your Map Pack ranking. Encourage satisfied patients to leave reviews on your GMB profile and other relevant review platforms. Respond to both positive and negative reviews professionally and promptly to demonstrate your commitment to patient satisfaction.

5. Website Optimization

A well-optimized website is essential for both search engine rankings and user experience. Make sure your website is:

• Fast-loading and mobile-friendly.
• Informative, with clear calls to action for appointment scheduling.
• Secure with an SSL certificate.
• Structured with schema markup to provide search engines with detailed information about your practice.

6. Local Citations and Directories

Listing your dental practice in local directories and citation sources can help improve your local SEO. Ensure that your practice is accurately listed on platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories. Consistency in your citations is critical.

7. Regular Updates and Monitoring

Your Map Pack ranking may fluctuate over time. To maintain a strong presence:

• Regularly update your GMB profile with new information and photos.
• Monitor your online reputation and address any negative feedback promptly.
• Stay up to date with Google's algorithm changes and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Showing up in the Map Pack for dental practices can be a game-changer. It offers enhanced visibility, trust and credibility, a competitive advantage, and access to mobile users actively seeking dental services. By implementing the strategies, you can improve your chances of securing a spot in the Map Pack, and ultimately, grow your patient base. Remember, the power of showing up in the Map Pack lies in your ability to optimize your online presence and provide valuable patient-focused services that keep your practice relevant even in the most competitive market.  

Interested in more SEO strategies to increase your online presence? Read this post The Dentist’s Roadmap to SEO Success: A Guide to Organic Practice Growth.