Universal Analytics & Google Analytics 4: Understanding Key Differences

Google and the tools used to track essential website metrics have evolved a lot over the years, and one of the biggest upcoming transitions will take place on July 1st, 2023. That change is the discontinuing of Universal Analytics and migration to exclusive use of Google Analytics 4 for all Google Analytics properties. This may sound Greek to you. But, today we are going to be talking about some of the key differences between the two, and what you need to understand before this transition.

Data Collection Changes

Historically, Universal Analytics has used a session-based data model that makes use of different “hit types.”

Google defines hits as “an interaction that results in data being sent to Analytics.” There are a variety of hit types, such as social interactions, a user loading a new page, or clicking on a link. Google reports these interactions by breaking them down into categories, actions, and labels. Universal Analytics collects and processes data based on the number of sessions on your site. Due to how the data is collected, the same person may visit the site more than once, but it will count as multiple sessions, even though it’s just one person visiting your site multiple times. As a result, tracking sessions can sometimes report less accurate data in terms of understanding how many users are actually viewing your site.

Understanding Categories, Actions, and Labels

Universal Analytics reports different kinds of events on your site by breaking them down in a way that separates them into different categories, actions, and labels. Because of this, it can become difficult for the average user to understand how to track the correct categories, actions, and labels so they can capture the specific data they want from their site. An example of this could include a clinician wishing to track every time a visitor clicks on the “contact” button, or visits their scheduling page. Generally, more technical knowledge is required to create triggers to get the data you want since these are not automatically captured by Universal Analytics.

Google Analytics 4, everything is an event

As previously mentioned, of the biggest changes in how Google Analytics 4 approaches capturing data. Google Analytics 4 uses machine learning and automated data collection. It also uses a different model from Universal Analytics that is centered around events rather than sessions. Everything is seen as an event; every page view, every time a person loads up a new page, every click on a link, etc. By transitioning to this approach, things become a bit more streamlined when tracking important data, and setting up other triggers to track additional events. Instead of having to remember each category, action, and label for each event you want to track, there are now four main types of events that can be tracked within Google Analytics.

The first set of events is automatically collected events

These are events that are automatically recorded by GA4 once they occur on your site. These events may include:

When users click on an ad
Loading up a new page
Starting a new brand new session on the site
Users the bottom of the page for the first time
A variety of other collected events.

The second type of event is enhanced measurements

A graphic of a laptop screen with the text “web analytics” representing how to rank on Google for therapists. Learn more about private practice SEO and SEO for psychotherapists today. These are measurements for more specific things you want to track on your site. This could include events like when someone downloads a file from your site. Or, clicks on an external link leading to another site. With Universal Analytics, only page views were tracked originally, and capturing other important events would be something that must be set up using categories, actions, and labels. But with GA4, this process is automatic, so you don’t have to worry about setting it up yourself! You can simply choose to enable Enhanced Measurement when creating a data stream (which we will get to in just a bit).

Next, we have recommended events

Events of this type are those that Google suggests you implement on your site. Events like these often need a bit more background information to implement fully, which is why they are recommended by google instead of automatically recorded. Adding these can provide additional features and extra data on reports. Google will offer a predefined name for specific events that are common, such as when a user submits a form or requests information. In this case, Google would likely recommend setting up an event that is titled “generate_lead.”

Finally, we have custom events

These are events that you define. This means that you must set up the parameters to collect information yourself. As a result, it can be a bit harder to implement properly. These types of events won’t usually show up in most standard Google Analytics reports, so you will need to take a few extra steps to set up custom reports with this data.

Data Tracking Changes

Both Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4 use properties. Properties are websites, mobile apps, blogs, etc. with a unique tracking ID. For both UA and GA4, you will have to add this unique id in order to start tracking data on your site. But, tracking the data will differ for each. With Universal Analytics, data is tracked using a “view”, which is a set of specifications for tracking traffic on your site. You can set up multiple views in order to filter out data, track certain data, or set up different goals.

Google Analytics 4: Goodbye views, hello data streams

Unlike views in Universal Analytics, Google Analytics 4 uses data streams. Views are no longer used in GA4, which means you can’t create new views to filter your data. Instead, data streams are used to allow you to collect data from multiple sources in the same property. Unlike in Universal Analytics where you would have to have multiple properties to track data from your site and a companion app, you can instead create data streams for both your site and app to track each of them on the same property. For most private practice owners, you likely won’t have to worry about including apps with Google Analytics. But, it is still worth knowing how things are changing between UA and GA4.

Data Metric Changes

Finally, we are going to address how metrics have changed between UA and GA4. In Universal Analytics, you are likely familiar with the metrics “bounce rate”, “pages per session”, and “average session duration”. Bounce rate is the rate at which people only visit one page of your site before ‘bouncing’ off your site. Since GA4 has moved away from a model centered around sessions and page views, these metrics haven’t been available until recently. Instead, new metrics have been implemented to track how engaged users are with your site.

A hand points to a graphic that reads “analytics”, surrounded by technical symbols. Learn how to rank on google for therapists by contacting Simplified SEO Consulting. We offer seo services for therapists and other services. The new metrics used with GA4 won’t show you data like how long someone is staying on your site. Instead, these metrics aim to focus on how engaged users are with your site. One of the main metrics is “engaged sessions”, which are the number of sessions that:

Have lasted longer than 10 seconds,
Have a conversion,
Or have had 2 or more screen/page views

Other related metrics include “engaged sessions per user,” “engagement rate”, and shift the focus from “how fast are people leaving my site” to “how long are people staying on the site”. In essence, the engagement rate is essentially the inverse of the bounce rate. But, it can still tell us vital info about how engaged people are with your site. using

Why these changes matter

The upcoming migration to Google Analytics 4 isn’t something that can be avoided. As a result, SEO specialists and therapists alike must understand how things are changing to accurately collect, track, and report site data. Taking the time to understand how to adapt to the new processes implemented in Google Analytics 4 will be vital in continuing to keep track of important data. Our team is here to offer support during this transition.

Begin Improving Private Practice SEO with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team is preparing for the upcoming transition, and honing in on the data we need to focus on most. By doing so, we hope to ensure we are providing the best insights for our clients. We would be happy to offer support in cultivating your site’s SEO and helping you get to the first page of Google. To start your journey with Simplified SEO Consulting, please follow these simple steps:

Apply to work with Simplified SEO Consulting
Meet with an SEO specialist
Begin SEO services for therapists

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

SEO is an ever-changing field. This is why we are happy to offer a number of services in support of your private practice. We are happy to offer support with our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program as well. Please visit our blog to read other informative posts today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He integrates what he learned in school into his work as an SEO Specialist with Simplified SEO Consulting. Sterling prides himself on helping current clients & alumni problems solve difficult SEO issues. He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation. And, responding in a timely manner to client concerns. Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

October 17, 2022/0 Comments/by Sterling Humburg-Cage

SEO Basics, SEO Tips

SEO for Medical Practices

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, where digital presence is increasingly vital, mastering the art of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become paramount for medical practices. As a healthcare professional, you understand the importance of reaching your ideal patients effectively. After all, you can’t treat patients until they reach out and ask for or at least accept your care. That’s precisely where SEO steps into the spotlight.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide, “SEO for Medical Practices.” In this journey, we will navigate the intricate realm of healthcare SEO, unraveling its significance, best practices, and actionable strategies. Whether you’re a functional medicine doctor, a family medicine doctor, a chiropractor, a speech-language pathologist, or any other healthcare specialist with a private practice, this guide is your compass to enhancing your online visibility, building trust with your patients, and empowering your practice to thrive in the digital age. So, let’s embark on this transformative SEO journey, where your medical practice’s success is the ultimate destination.

What is SEO and how does it works?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a digital marketing strategy aimed at improving a website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Basically, anything you do on or off your website to try to help it show up more often in search results counts as “SEO.”

The goal of healthcare SEO is to increase organic, non-paid traffic by optimizing various elements on your website, so it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO involves a series of strategies and techniques that help search engines understand the content and relevance of your website, ultimately leading to better rankings.

Is SEO Free on Google?

While SEO refers to organic rankings, making it technically free in terms of ad spend, it often requires a significant investment of time and/or money to achieve substantial results. Achieving high rankings for relevant keywords can be complex and competitive, necessitating a well-thought-out strategy, quality content creation, and ongoing optimization efforts to attract your ideal patients consistently. Investing in SEO tools and expertise, or even partnering with a healthcare SEO agency, is essential and can promote and produce more efficient and sustainable results.

What is local SEO for doctors?

Local SEO is a subset of SEO that focuses on optimizing a healthcare practice’s online presence to attract local patients. It’s crucial for medical professionals with physical locations, such as doctors’ offices, clinics, or healthcare facilities. Local SEO ensures that your practice appears in local search results when patients in your area search for services related to your specialty. It involves strategies like optimizing your Google My Business listing, local citations, and creating location-specific content to establish your practice’s presence within the community.

What does a local SEO company do?

Local SEO companies specialize in helping healthcare providers enhance their visibility in local search results. They achieve this by ensuring that your practice’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistently and accurately listed across various online directories and platforms. They also identify opportunities to optimize your website’s content to make it more location-specific, increasing your chances of ranking higher for local search queries.

Is doing local SEO worth it?

Absolutely. Local SEO can significantly benefit healthcare practices with physical locations. However, on its own, it may not be sufficient to achieve high rankings. An effective SEO strategy typically involves a broader approach, including comprehensive keyword research, content strategy, on-page SEO, and, most importantly, local SEO. This combination builds trust with search engines like Google, contributing to overall SEO success.

What are some examples of SEO?

SEO encompasses various strategies and practices that work in harmony to enhance your online presence and reach. Examples of SEO components include on-page SEO, off-page SEO (link-building), technical SEO (website structure and performance), and local SEO. Each element plays a crucial role in improving your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines. When all these elements work together seamlessly it ultimately attracts more patients and establishes your practice as a trusted authority in your medical field.

What is an example of on-page SEO practice?

On-page SEO involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines. It includes practices such as specifying an SEO meta description, optimizing images, integrating keywords, using keyword-rich subheadings, implementing schema markup, and including internal links to relevant pages on your website. These strategies collectively enhance the visibility of your healthcare practice online.

What is the SEO strategy for Healthcare industry?

Because there are over 200 factors search engines like Google will consider when they’re trying to decide how to rank your website on Google, the truth is that there are a lot of different ways you can craft your SEO strategy.

And the truth is that every website should have a unique SEO strategy crafted based on the specific needs of your practice. But we have found that a successful SEO strategy for healthcare professionals involves several key components:

Technical Soundness: Start with a technically sound website that accurately represents your practice’s brand.
Quality Content: Create high-quality content that demonstrates your expertise and addresses your ideal patients’ questions and concerns.
On-Page SEO: Optimize your web pages with relevant keywords and on-page SEO techniques to establish a strong foundation for search engines.
Regular Blogging: Maintain a consistent blogging schedule to provide fresh, informative content that appeals to both patients and search engines.
Local SEO: Optimize your online presence for local searches to build trust with search engines, especially if you have a physical location.
Building Backlinks: Acquire high-quality backlinks to establish authority and credibility within your healthcare niche.

What are the best practices for healthcare SEO?

To excel in healthcare SEO, prioritize the needs of your patients and create informative content for your medical website that is easy to understand. In addition to following Google’s guidelines, consider conducting regular website audits to identify technical issues or areas that might affect user experience. Mobile optimization and fast page loading times are critical factors to ensure your website caters to the needs of users. Also, staying updated with industry changes involves keeping an eye on emerging healthcare trends and adapting your content strategy accordingly which can help maintain your healthcare SEO’s effectiveness. Ethical, patient-focused SEO practices are not only the key to long-term success but also help build strong patient relationships and promote your medical practice as a trusted authority in the healthcare field.

Why is medical SEO important?

Medical SEO is crucial because it helps healthcare professionals attract and engage with their ideal patients online. And these days, your patients are looking for you online. That’s simply where people look for healthcare providers these days. Even if they’re getting recommendations from someone else, they may still do a Google search. And when they find your practice online easily, it helps confirm that you are indeed the practice they should reach out to. In other words, by optimizing their digital presence with effective SEO in the healthcare industry, practitioners can build trust, credibility, and visibility within their field. This is where experienced medical SEO companies come into play, offering specialized expertise to ensure your practice’s online success. Medical SEO is a powerful tool for staying competitive in the healthcare industry, ultimately empowering practices to grow and serve their patients effectively.

Can I do SEO on my own for free?

Yes, you can learn and implement SEO on your own, even on a limited budget. However, be prepared for a significant time investment and a learning curve. While it’s possible to start with minimal expenses, you may need to invest some money in resources like books, webinars, or tools.

In fact, I initially did my own SEO for my business. I’m the founder of Simplified SEO Consulting and also own my own group private pay mental health counseling practice, which allowed me to apply these SEO strategies directly into my own clinical practice. I started learning SEO on my own. And I did invest some money in books and some paid webinars. But it was pretty minimal. I will tell you I spent hours and hours every week for months to start moving the needle on my SEO, but it worked. And it worked on a budget. It wasn’t easy, but it absolutely worked.

If this is where you are, take a look around our website. We have a ton of helpful information on here completely free! Join our mailing list. You’ll get free tips for 7 days and then a few times a month we’ll send you free SEO tips. Put those into practice and it’s a great starting place. We also offer SEO training options such as working 1:1 with our team for 12 weeks of completely individualized SEO training and support.

On the other hand, many people do find the process overwhelming. This is NOT because you can’t do it. It’s because your time is simply too valuable to spend the hours and hours it takes to effectively learn and implement a good SEO strategy. In that case, outsourcing becomes important.

How do I find a good company for SEO?

When selecting an SEO company, consider factors such as their understanding of the healthcare field, their clear optimization plan tailored to your practice, their receptiveness to your needs, budget alignment, and realistic timeframes for results. Simplified SEO Consulting specializes in SEO for healthcare professionals, providing expertise and tailored strategies to help you succeed.

Honestly, I always recommend talking to at least two different companies so you have a couple of options. Here are some questions you may want to ask as you speak to them:

Does this SEO company understand the healthcare field?
Do they have a clear plan for optimizing your website that will help you grow your business?
Are they listening to you when you describe your work and your ideal patients?
Are they within your budget?
Can you commit to the timeframe they’re saying it will take to get results?

Simplified SEO Consulting as an SEO Agency for Small Businesses in the Healthcare Industry

Our journey into the realm of SEO for functional medicine doctors and healthcare professionals is driven by a passion deeply rooted in our understanding of the healthcare landscape. From our inception, we’ve been dedicated to crafting digital strategies tailored to small healthcare businesses, with a primary focus on mental healthcare services. Our commitment extends beyond mere technicalities; it’s about nurturing the profound impact your practice has on the lives of your patients.

Over the years, we’ve proudly extended our expertise to an array of healthcare providers. We’ve worked with a variety of healthcare providers including psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and various other professionals in private practice. This diversification allowed us to appreciate the unique nuances of different healthcare fields while harnessing the common thread that unites them all – the dedication to helping people live healthier lives. As a dedicated healthcare SEO agency, we are committed to tailoring our strategies to each healthcare specialty, ensuring that your practice succeeds in the digital landscape.

What Makes Simplified SEO Different as a Medical SEO Agency?

What sets us apart in the realm of SEO for functional medicine doctors and other healthcare experts is our unwavering commitment to ethical, effective, and results-driven strategies. We don’t just aim to boost your online visibility; we aim to connect you with the patients who genuinely need your expertise and care. Our approach to SEO for small local businesses is equally reliable, ensuring that your practice thrives within your local community.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we’re not just an agency; we’re your partners in success. We understand that your mission is more than just a business; it’s a calling to serve your community. Together, let’s embark on a journey to reach the pinnacles of search engine rankings, attract the right patients, and make a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. Join hands with us as we empower you with SEO strategies that align perfectly with the heart and soul of your healthcare practice.

SEO for Medical Practices with Simplified SEO Consulting

Now that you’ve uncovered the essential insights into SEO for medical practices, as well as learned about some SEO for medical practice examples, it’s time to take the next crucial step towards enhancing your online presence and patient outreach. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we’re not just passionate about optimizing your digital strategy. We’re dedicated to helping your healthcare practice flourish through offering effective SEO services.

Our specialized expertise in SEO for functional medicine doctors and healthcare professionals places us at the forefront of the industry. We’ve crafted tailored solutions that resonate with the unique needs of healthcare businesses. So, whether you’re a mental health counselor, a psychiatrist, or any other healthcare provider in private practice.

With us, you’re not just a client – you’re a valued partner in your journey towards online success. We prioritize your goals, ensuring that every aspect of our strategy aligns perfectly with your practice’s ethos and mission. Together, we’ll harness the power of ethical, effective SEO to connect you with the patients who truly need your services.

Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your healthcare practice and reach new heights of visibility and patient engagement. Take action today, and embark on a seamless SEO journey with Simplified SEO Consulting. It’s time to let your practice shine and empower more individuals with your invaluable healthcare services. Set up a free Zoom consultation with one of our team members now to begin your SEO services and witness the remarkable growth of your healthcare business.

October 15, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

SEO Basics, SLP private practice

Keyword Research Tips for Speech Therapists in Private Practice

Looking for help with keyword research as an SLP? As a speech therapist in private practice, keyword research is a vital aspect of your SEO strategy. Proper keyword research ensures that your website and content are found by your target audience, leading to more traffic, higher conversions, and better ROI. Here are some tips on how to conduct effective keyword research for your speech therapy practice.

Understand Your Target Audience

Before you start researching keywords, it is essential to understand your target audience. Who are your ideal clients? What are their needs and pain points? What are their goals and motivations? Knowing your target audience will help you identify the right keywords to use in your marketing efforts.

Brainstorm Relevant Topics for Keyword Research

Once you have a clear idea of your target audience, brainstorm topics that are relevant to your practice. For example, if you specialize in pediatric speech therapy, relevant topics might include language development in children, speech delays, or phonological disorders. These topics will help guide your keyword research.

Use Online Keyword Research Tools

There are many online tools available to help you with keyword research. Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs are all popular options. These tools provide valuable information such as search volume, competition, and related keywords. Use these tools to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords that are relevant to your practice.

My personal favorite keyword research tool is Mangool’s KWFinder. I like that I can choose to look at a specific area. I usually look state wide at keyword data even if I’m targeting a more specific part of the state. Occasionally, I’ll use another tool and I’ve tried out tons of other tools. My second favorite is probably SEMRush, but it’s honestly a lot steeper learning curve to get to where you really use that one effectively.

Understand the competition

Analyzing the top-performing websites in your niche will give you an idea of the kind of content they are ranking for, the keywords they are using, and the level of competition. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz to get detailed information about your competitors’ strategies. Mangools also has some helpful tools for this competitor research such as their SERP Checker & Link Miner.

Analyze and evaluate your keywords

Keyword research isn’t a one-time activity. Keep evaluating the performance of your keywords, and keep an eye on how your website is ranking for them. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to measure your website’s traffic and monitor your keyword rankings.

One really important thing to keep in mind is the user intent of specific keywords. Sometimes, you may find that lots of people are searching for a keyword related to your topic. However, you may realize that they aren’t very likely looking for your services if that’s the keyword they’re using. So, use common sense. And when you identify a keyword to target ask yourself what the person who searches for that is most likely really looking for.

Optimize your website for long-tail keywords

Long-tail keywords are phrases that contain three or more words and are highly specific. They have lower search volume than short-tail keywords, but they also have lower competition. Use long-tail keywords in your website content to target a more specific audience and improve your chances of ranking for those keywords.

Long tail keywords are essentially golden opportunities. These lower volume but easier to rank for keywords are often your perfect next client. Why? Because they know what they’re looking for. Their language is more specific in their query. These clients are more often really ready to get started.

Use location-specific keywords

If you’re targeting a local audience, use location-specific keywords in your website content. Include the name of your city or region in your keyword research to improve your chances of ranking for location-based searches.

Local SEO is becoming more and more important for private practices. If you’re anything like me, you may have searched a number of times recently for a keyword and a specific location. For example, I asked Siri this evening for the 10 day forecast in Barcelona, Spain because I’m planning a trip and wanted to know the weather in that specific place. And over the weekend, I asked Siri for the best restaurants in the Topeka, KS area when I was going to be traveling through.

This isn’t uncommon for your potential new clients either. So, read some of our blog posts about local SEO and find ways to target location-specific keywords as well.

Use keyword variations

People use different variations of keywords to search for information online. Use keyword variations in your website content to capture a broader audience. You can also use keyword variations to optimize your website for voice search.

Using keyword variations involves using synonyms, related words, and long-tail keywords, which are phrases containing three or more words. For instance, instead of just “speech therapy,” you can use long-tail variations such as “speech therapy exercises for children,” “speech therapy for adults with autism,” or “speech therapy for stroke patients.” By using different keyword variations, you increase your chances of appearing in voice search results and attract more potential clients to your private practice.

Create quality content

No matter how much keyword research you do, it won’t matter if your content isn’t high quality. Focus on creating informative, engaging, and unique content that resonates with your target audience. Make sure your content is easy to read, well-structured, and free of spelling and grammatical errors. This means having service pages that clearly lay out your services and any specialties you may have. And, it generally means blogging regularly as well.

Use keywords naturally

When incorporating keywords, write for your audience, not just for search engines. Use variations throughout your content. Consider the user’s intent when optimizing your page for a particular keyword. Do not stuff your content with keywords, or it may be penalized. Ensure your content is high-quality, relevant, and engaging. Utilize related terms and synonyms to support the primary keyword instead of saying the same word over and over again.

Keep track of your progress

Monitor your website’s ranking and traffic regularly to see the impact of your keyword research efforts. Keep tweaking and adjusting your strategy based on the results you see.

I can’t emphasize this enough. So, so often I see private practice owners tell me they’re working so hard and not seeing any SEO results. They’ve been reading our blog posts and my emails and trying to follow along but are frustrated it’s not working. Then, I ask about how they’re currently ranking and how they’re tracking their rankings. Quickly they sheepishly say that they aren’t tracking their rankings.

Tracking your rankings is SO important. It’s the first sign SEO is working. Often, you’ll rank for a term for weeks before enough people start landing on the website that you have a noticeable increase in calls. Without tracking your progress, you could get discouraged that it’s “not working.” In fact, it is working and you are ranking. OR you can see that you’re moving up and what you’re doing is working but you’re still on that annoying page 2 or 3. So, you know to keep it up until you get to that page 1 spot.

Don’t Overlook Keyword Research…But Don’t Obsess Either

Keyword research is an essential part of SEO, and it’s very helpful for speech therapists in private practice to use it to their advantage. By understanding your target audience, analyzing your competition, and optimizing your website content, you can improve your website’s visibility and attract more clients to your practice.

However, keep in mind that keyword research is an ongoing process. It requires constant monitoring and adjustment to stay relevant. And, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. As helpful as I think Keyword Research is when you’re doing super intense optimization, if you find it overwhelming then start with just writing really great, client-focused content. You’ll naturally use some keywords. Or just pick one keyword you *think* people are using even if it’s not perfect.

Imperfect action is certainly better than no action when it comes to SEO!

Your Next Steps Optimizing Your Private Practice Website

Read more about our SEO Services for SLPs in private practice or move on to one of these next steps:

Read my Ultimate Guide to SEO for SLPs blog post
Sign up for KWFinder and start doing some keyword research using these tips!
Start one of our Do-it-Yourself SEO courses
Join our next Small Group Mastermind
Apply for a call with one of our SEO Specialists to chat about your SEO needs

October 10, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

Local SEO, SEO Basics, SEO Tips

The SEO Benefits of Writing Local Blogs for Your Therapy Website

You may wonder what a local blog is and why we would suggest writing one. Local blogs are not as hard to write as blogs about treatments or mental health struggles, but they are equally beneficial for your SEO! So, what does writing a blog about your locations and places around it do for SEO? Actually, a lot!

They Tell Google Where Your Therapy Practice Is to Boost SEO

Writing local blogs can help you to tell Google where your therapy practice is located. Writing these blogs that are centered around your location, lets Google know where you’re practicing therapy and providing services. This allows Google to use that knowledge to suggest you and your services to people in your area. Especially ones that are searching for a therapist or other related services that you provide.

For example, if you’re writing a blog about “Places to Relax in Little Rock, AR for People with Anxiety”, make sure to fit “AR” and “Little Rock” in the blog as much and as naturally as you can help Google realize that you are IN FACT in Little Rock, AR. 3D illustration with the words "You are Here" on a map. This represents how blogging about local locations can help therapists boost their SEO.

Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Area

For local blogs, you’re also going to want to use locations that are local to your area. So, if you are writing that blog about “Places to Relax in Little Rock, AR for People with Anxiety” you can mention specific parks in parts of Little Rock that are peaceful and great to go to if you’re wanting to get away when feeling overwhelmed by your anxiety.

Adding additional locations that are located near the places you are writing about is a great way to show clients that you know the area. It also gives them an idea of where this place is but also shows Google that you know the area because you’re located there.

For example, you can write about the War Memorial Park in Little Rock, AR. When writing, you can mention that it’s close to highway 630 and right by the Little Rock Zoo. This demonstrates your knowledge of the area, highlights other places near there, and shows the client where this place is. This also allows Google to know where you’re talking about, as well.

Back-Up that Knowledge and Add External Links for SEO

Another benefit of writing these location blogs is that it makes it easier for you to fit in external links. Putting links to the websites of the locations you use will help boost your SEO and credibility. By linking to the location’s website, it gives the client more information about the location but shows Google verifies that the place you are talking about is located near you and that you’re someone who might be an expert on the area.

Local Blogs Help Target Keywords for Your Practice’s Therapy Services

These blogs are also great and a somewhat easy way to boost rankings for keywords you are targeting for your mental health services. You will easily be able to mention “couples” and “couples therapy” or “anxiety” and “anxiety therapy” when writing a blog about “6 Romantic Locations for Couples to Reconnect in Ontario” or “5 Calm Places in Ontario for People with Anxiety”.

When writing about those locations, you can talk about what makes them great for couples to reconnect with each other or what makes the locations calming for people with anxiety. These are easy ways to drop keywords naturally while still stating information that is relevant. Plus, it will show Google you know something about couples and anxiety but also show that same knowledge to potential clients.

Segue Into Your Therapy Services for an SEO Boost

When wrapping up the blogs, you can always talk about the services you offer. Such as, mentioning how these locations may help them and their partner focus on themselves but if there are deeper struggles that couples therapy may be something they may consider.

Then, of course, you include your information on how to go about setting up a consultation and starting therapy. Or, for anxiety, you can talk about how these calm places are great to reduce stimuli that can make anxiety even more overwhelming. But, adding in if it’s affecting their everyday life they may need to consider anxiety therapy in Ontario, Canada.

Local Blogs Will Help Target Your Preferred Audience

Lastly, writing local blogs will show Google where you are wanting to see clients, which is a vital part of building your Local SEO presence. It will let Google know that you are practicing in Little Rock and probably would prefer clients near this area. Of course, that will be different if you are offering online therapy for the whole state or are solely offering online services, so your targeted audience may be broader.

Being specific about locations in your area will help Google know to show your information to people searching for services or therapists in your area. This will help ensure that at least two check boxes for these clients are checked: they are located in your area and are looking for therapy or services.

Let’s Get Started Writing Your Local SEO Blogs

Are you a private practice owner looking to improve your online presence and attract more clients? At Simplified SEO Consulting, we understand how important it is to have a strong SEO strategy. That’s why we recommend incorporating local SEO blogs into your website. By writing blog posts that target your local area, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract clients in your community who are searching for therapy services. Don’t worry if you’re not a confident writer – we’re here to help! Our team is here to support you in writing SEO-friendly content that resonates with your audience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your online presence and attract more clients to your private practice!

Please apply to work with us
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Other SEO Services At Simplified SEO Consulting

If you feel as if you need more support, there are other services you can use as well! We offer options such as our 12-week training, small group intensives, and courses. Our strategy session can be a great option if you need support getting started with SEO or doing a site move or redesign. These can also be helpful to find better keywords, evaluating your current SEO performance, and more. Or, if you’re ready to work with a passionate and skilled team, our Done for You Program may be a great following approach.

About the Author:

Lynsey is an SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. At Simplified, Lynsey enjoys writing content that is beneficial for the clients but also writing about important topics. Especially when they are used as resources within the mental health field. Her goal is to create quality content for clients to use as resources to help potential patients and learn as much as she can along the way. She is passionate about providing copywriting services for psychiatrists and therapists.

Apply to work with us if you’re ready to see how Simplified can serve you!

October 6, 2022/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

SEO Basics, SEO Tips, SEO Tools

What are Some Keywords for Healthcare Private Practices?

In today’s digital age, the success of a healthcare private practice often depends on its online presence. One crucial aspect of that digital presence is optimizing your website and content to rank well on search engines like Google. This process is known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and at its core are keywords. Keywords are the words and phrases that people type into search engines to find information, products, or services.

For healthcare private practice owners, understanding how to research and use keywords effectively is essential for attracting potential patients. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of healthcare keywords, providing an overview of how to conduct keyword research as a practice owner, and offering sample keywords tailored to different types of healthcare professionals who might have a private practice.

Keyword Research Basics

Before we dive into specific healthcare SEO keywords, let’s grasp the fundamentals of keyword research. Keyword research involves identifying the words and phrases your potential patients are likely to use when searching for healthcare services online.

Starting Your Keyword Research Journey

Keyword Research means trying to figure out what words the patients you are trying to help are typing into search engines. When they need your help, what terms are they using? What do they think they’re looking for?

This may seem simple at first. However, the truth is that patients aren’t always searching for what we as healthcare providers think they are. I know this is true for me as a mental health professional. I went to school for years and learned a lot of terms related to specific mental health disorders and types of treatments. So, those are the terms I think in. But the patients I help think in terms of their pain. And so do yours.

So, to really know how to optimize your website, we need to understand what your patients are thinking, feeling, and saying when they go to look for a new healthcare provider.

Understanding Your Niche

Your healthcare private practice likely specializes in a particular area of medicine or therapy. The truth is that most medical providers, but especially those in private practice, tend to have their favorite types of clients or, issues or ailments that they work the best with. There are certain things that you are just really knowledgeable about, really compassionate in treating, or just have more experience around. Most likely, these things are your niche. Identifying your niche is crucial because it helps you tailor your keywords to match your practice’s specialties.

List of Keywords: Examples of Keywords for Doctors & Other Healthcare Professionals in Private Practice

In all honesty, I don’t love giving people sample keywords. I feel like when I do this, people just go with these lists and don’t do enough research on their own. But I also get asked things like, “What are some keywords for health and wellness” a LOT. So, I’m going to give you some sample lists to give you an idea of the type of things your patients might be looking for. But please view these lists as a starting place, not a final destination. I’m not considering your specific area of expertise, the location of your practice, etc. when I write this list. I highly recommend diving a lot deeper into the needs of your own patients when you determine what words to target on your own website, especially if you’re looking for what keywords are trending now. Because relevancy at the moment matters when it comes to SEO. These are simply marketing keyword examples for the healthcare field.

Sample Keywords for Family Medicine Doctors

If you’re a family medicine doctor, your target audience is diverse, ranging from children to seniors. Therefore, the keywords you might target can vary a great deal as well. So, please keep in mind that any keyword list I could create for family medicine doctors is really just the tip of the iceberg. But if you’re looking for SEO keyword examples, I wanted to list at least a few.

Here are some sample keywords that can resonate with potential patients seeking family healthcare:

Family doctor near me
Family practice near me
Family medical center
Primary care physician
Primary care doctor
Family physician near me
Wellness check-up
Pediatric care
Geriatric medicine

Sample Keywords for Pediatricians

Pediatricians cater specifically to children’s healthcare needs but still offer help for a wide range of health concerns. Here are some sample keywords to attract parents and caregivers looking for pediatric services:

Pediatrician in [Your Location]
Pediatrician near me
Pediatric doctor near me
Pediatric clinic
Private pediatrician near me
Pediatric dr near me
Pediatric care
Natural pediatrician
Child vaccinations
Infant healthcare

Sample Keyword List for Chiropractors in Private Practice

Chiropractic care is another important area of the healthcare field and chiropractors are turning more and more to SEO for their marketing. What this means is that SEO is getting to be more competitive for chiropractors To attract individuals seeking chiropractic services, consider these keywords:

Chiropractor near me
Family chiropractic
Walk-in chiropractor near me
Chiropractic adjustment
Prenatal chiropractor near me
Pediatric chiropractor
Back pain relief
Spinal adjustment
Holistic chiropractic care
Chiropractic wellness center

Sample Keywords for Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists help individuals with communication disorders. I previously wrote a longer blog post specifically with ideas for long tail keywords for SLPs, or here are more examples of some shorter tail keywords for SLPs:

Speech therapist in [Your City]
Language disorder treatment
Speech therapy for children
Stuttering therapy
Communication skills improvement

Sample Keywords for Acupuncturists

Acupuncturists offer alternative medicine therapies. To attract those interested in acupuncture, consider these keywords:

Acupuncturist in [Your Location]
Traditional Chinese medicine
Acupuncture for pain relief
Holistic healing center
Acupuncture therapy session

Sample Keywords for Holistic Medicine Doctors

Holistic medicine doctors focus on whole-body health. These keywords can engage holistic healthcare seekers:

Holistic doctor near me
Integrative medicine practitioner
Natural healing therapies
Mind-body wellness
Holistic health assessment

Sample Keywords for Massage Therapists

Massage therapists provide relaxation and pain relief services. Optimize your keywords for individuals seeking massage therapy:

Massage therapist in [Your City]
Deep tissue massage
Swedish massage spa
Sports injury therapy
Relaxing massage session

Keyword Implementation Strategies

Once you’ve identified your keywords, it’s time to incorporate them into your online content strategically. Ensure that your content remains valuable and patient-centric while optimizing for keywords.

Monitoring and Adapting

Keyword research is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor the performance of your selected keywords and be prepared to adapt your strategy based on real-world results.

Keyword Pitfalls to Avoid

While keywords are essential, healthcare private practice owners must avoid common keyword research mistakes, such as overthinking it, spending more time researching than optimizing, and not considering user intent.

In conclusion, effective keyword research is the foundation of successful SEO for healthcare private practices. By understanding your niche, selecting relevant keywords, and implementing them strategically, you can improve your online visibility and attract more potential patients.

Keyword Research as a Journey

The keywords I included here are great examples. But that’s all they can be – a few health-related keywords to get you started. I can’t even claim they’re the most searched health keywords on Google, because that list will constantly change. So doing up-to-date keyword research to see what the current Google trends are related to your specific niche and in the area you practice is really important.

SEO for Your Healthcare Practice with Simplified SEO Consulting

Ready to take your healthcare private practice’s SEO to the next level? Want to learn more about SEO for functional medicine doctors? Contact us at Simplified SEO Consulting for personalized guidance and comprehensive SEO solutions. Schedule a free Zoom consultation with our team today, and let’s grow your practice together.

October 1, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

SEO Basics, SEO Tips

In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month: Why Inclusivity & Diversity Matter in SEO

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th in the United

States. It is a time when we reflect on the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to our country and culture. This year, we’d like to take a moment to talk about inclusive SEO practices. When you optimize your pages for search engines, it’s important to be aware of how your content can be accessed and enjoyed by all audiences. Diverse representation matters, and we hope that by following some simple SEO for therapists, you can help make your website more inclusive for everyone!

Photos

Photos are always a great way to add visual interest to your content. But did you know that they can also help make your site more inclusive? When choosing photos for your website, be sure to select images that represent a diverse range of people and cultures. This will send the message that your site is welcoming to all visitors. In addition to photos, you can also use videos, infographics, and other types of visual media to add variety to your content.

Keywords

When you’re brainstorming keywords to include in your content, be sure to think about inclusive language. For example, if you’re writing about Hispanic Heritage Month, you might want to consider using the keyword “Latinx” in addition to “Hispanic.” By using inclusive keywords, you can help your content reach a wider audience.

Inclusive language isn’t just about race and ethnicity. It can also refer to gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, and other forms of diversity. When choosing keywords, think about how you can be inclusive and intentional with this.

Language

The language you use on your website can also be a factor in inclusive SEO. If you’re targeting a global audience, you may want to consider translating your content into different languages. This will help ensure that everyone can access and understand your message.

In addition to translation, you should also be aware of the tone and style of your language. Be sure to avoid using offensive or exclusionary language. Instead, opt for a language that is welcoming and inclusive.

By following these inclusive SEO tips, you can help make your website more accessible and enjoyable for everyone! Inclusive SEO for therapists doesn’t need to be overcomplicated.

Pages

Service pages that are only in English can exclude non-English speakers from accessing your content. If you’re targeting a global audience, be sure to provide translations of your page into different languages. This will not only make your site more inclusive, but it will also help you rank higher in search results. One great page to add for inclusivity reasons is a Spanish-speaking page or therapy in Spanish page.

The strategy behind this involves writing content that can be translated into Spanish and then finding the corresponding Spanish keywords so that when someone who is a non-English speaker search, the barriers to mental health support are reduced. Know that SEO-wise, you may not get a huge return on investment for building it out, but it is necessary if we want to help open access to others.

Blogs

Blogs are a great way to connect with your audience and share your message. When writing blog posts, be sure to keep inclusive SEO in mind. Use keywords that represent a diverse range of people and cultures. You can also link to other inclusive content on your site to help show your commitment to inclusivity.

Is your website designed with inclusivity and representation in mind?

If not, now is the time to start making some changes! By following these inclusive SEO tips, you can help make your site more welcoming and accessible for everyone. Latinos are the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States, making up 17 percent of the population. And yet, they are often underrepresented in media and marketing.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s commit to doing better! By creating inclusive content and using inclusive keywords, we can help make sure that everyone feels welcome on our websites.

What are some other ways you can think of to make your website more inclusive? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you need support reach out for a consult or talk with one of our SEO specialists.

Start Making an Impact Effectively with SEO for Therapists!

Our skilled and passionate team of SEO specialists is here to make sure your SEO journey is tailored to your brand and identity. Simplified SEO Consulting would be excited to help you on your SEO journey. To get started with our service follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consult with our Client Success Specialist or Consult Team
Learn more about our wonderful team of SEO Specialists.
Start connecting better when you learn more about SEO for therapists

Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

Simplified SEO consulting offers a wide range of services that can help you begin working with your people. We offer. Done for You SEO Service packages, online courses, and SEO training opportunities. Our most popular course includes our “Top of Google” Online course, and we have 12 weeks (about 3 months) of intensive SEO for therapists who want to learn with a guide. Additionally, we are offering a limited-time SEO Mastermind group if you want a great training opportunity for a steal, this is for you. For those looking for a more specialized package, we also offer an SEO strategy package. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Client Success Specialist today!

About the Author

Jasmine is an SEO Specialist, Counselor in Training, and is our Client Success Specialist for clients just starting with SEO and learning. Jasmine works to help people with a strategy with national rankings, eating disorder specialties, sports psychology, and much more. If you’re looking for additional support, schedule a consult with the consulting team to see who can help you and how.

October 1, 2022/0 Comments/by Jasmine Jaquess

SEO Basics, SEO Tips, SEO Tools

What is the Best SEO Tool to Use for Personal Injury Attorneys?

In the world of SEO for personal injury attorneys, much like in a courtroom, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. The same principle applies to your online presence. As personal injury attorneys navigate the digital landscape, the question arises: What is the best SEO tool to use to ensure success in this competitive arena? While there are a plethora of SEO tools available, ranging from Google Search Console to KW Finder by Mangools and SEMrush, the key to effective SEO lies not just in the tools themselves but in how they are wielded.

SEO Tools of the Trade: More Than Meets the Eye

Imagine you’re a seasoned personal injury attorney. Your success in the courtroom doesn’t solely hinge on having the most advanced legal textbooks; it depends on your ability to apply that knowledge strategically, argue your case persuasively, and adapt to the unique circumstances of each trial. Similarly, in the digital realm, SEO tools are only as valuable as the expertise behind them.

Consider Google Search Console, for instance. It’s a powerful tool that provides insights into how Google views your website, but interpreting and acting upon the data it provides requires a deep understanding of SEO principles. Without this expertise, you might find yourself overwhelmed by a sea of metrics and charts, unsure of how to navigate the intricate landscape of search engine optimization.

KW Finder by Mangools: Unearthing SEO Treasure

Keyword research is the bedrock of any successful SEO strategy. Just as an experienced investigator meticulously examines evidence to build a strong case, KW Finder helps you uncover valuable keywords to target in your content. It provides data on search volume, keyword difficulty, and even suggests related terms, allowing you to fine-tune your content strategy.

But here’s the twist: finding keywords is one thing, but knowing how to use them effectively is another. Personal injury attorneys wouldn’t just present evidence without crafting a compelling narrative around it. Similarly, the best SEO keywords for lawyers must be seamlessly woven into your content, enhancing user experience and signaling to search engines that your content is not only relevant but authoritative.

SEMrush: Your SEO Swiss Army Knife

SEMrush is often considered a Swiss Army knife of SEO tools for law firms. It offers a wide array of features, from competitive analysis and keyword tracking to site audit and backlink analysis. In essence, it’s like having a comprehensive legal library at your disposal, complete with precedents, legal research tools, and expert commentary.

However, just as a library doesn’t automatically transform someone into a lawyer, SEMrush doesn’t guarantee SEO success on its own. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it requires a skilled hand to yield the best results. Understanding which data points matter most, how to interpret them, and, most importantly, how to turn insights into action is where the magic truly happens.

What is an Example of On-Page SEO?

Imagine you’re crafting a web page for your personal injury law firm that focuses on “car accident claims.” Effective on-page SEO involves optimizing various elements to make your page more appealing to both search engines and human visitors. First, you’d strategically place your target keyword, “car accident claims,” in essential areas such as the page title, meta description, and headings. This signals to search engines that your content is relevant to this keyword.

Next, you’d ensure that your content provides valuable information on the topic, offering insights into the legal aspects of car accident claims, what clients can expect, and why they should choose your firm. This not only satisfies user intent but also establishes your authority in the field. Additionally, you’d optimize your images by adding descriptive alt text, making your content more accessible and enhancing your SEO.

Effective on-page SEO also involves creating a user-friendly experience, which includes mobile responsiveness and fast page loading times. A well-structured layout with clear headings and concise paragraphs makes your content easy to read. By implementing these on-page SEO practices, you improve your chances of ranking higher in search results, attracting more potential clients to your personal injury law firm’s website.

The Most Important Tool: SEO Expertise

In the legal world, clients seek attorneys not only for their access to legal knowledge but for their ability to apply that knowledge effectively. Similarly, when it comes to SEO, the most crucial tool in your arsenal is SEO expertise.

Consider on-page SEO, a practice that involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines. It’s like preparing a compelling legal argument. You might have the facts and the law on your side, but presenting them in a persuasive and structured manner is what wins the case.

An SEO expert knows precisely how to optimize on-page elements, from meta titles and descriptions to headings and image alt text, to not only make your content more search engine-friendly but also enhance user experience. They understand the delicate balance between keyword optimization and readability, ensuring that your website attracts both search engine bots and real potential clients.

How to Improve SEO: Seek Expert Guidance

In the courtroom, you wouldn’t expect to win a complex case without the guidance of an experienced attorney. Similarly, in the digital world, achieving SEO success often necessitates the guidance of experts who understand the nuances of the landscape.

While tools like Google Search Console, KW Finder by Mangools, and SEMrush are undeniably valuable, they are most effective when wielded by individuals with in-depth SEO knowledge. Personal injury attorneys seeking to improve their online presence and attract more clients should consider partnering with trusted SEO professionals who not only have access to these tools but also possess the expertise to maximize their potential.

Consider Your SEO Partners

In the legal profession, collaboration and partnership are key to achieving success. The same applies to SEO. If you’re a personal injury attorney looking to improve your digital footprint, Simplified SEO Consulting stands ready to be your trusted SEO partner.

Our team of SEO experts understands the unique challenges and opportunities that personal injury attorneys face in the digital landscape. We don’t just offer access to SEO tools; we provide the knowledge, experience, and personalized strategies necessary to drive results.

Begin SEO Services with Simplified SEO Consulting Today!

Don’t let your online presence be determined by the tools you use alone. Elevate your SEO strategy with the guidance of experts who can help you navigate the complexities of digital marketing. Contact Simplified SEO Consulting today to embark on your journey toward improved visibility, increased traffic, and, ultimately, more clients. Here’s all you have to do!

Book a consultation here.
Learn more about SEO packages & meet with our SEO Specialists.
See your law firm grow by reaching ideal clients and growing your online presence!

Other Services Simplified SEO Consulting Offers:

Simplified SEO Consulting offers a range of services to help you improve your website’s online presence. We offer Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses, which are customized to enhance your search engine rankings and attract your ideal clients. We also have a 12-week Done With You Intensive Program for comprehensive training. Our Content Networking service can help you boost your online presence and attract more of your ideal clients. Check out our blog for more tips and guides on SEO.

September 20, 2022/0 Comments/by Danica Wolf

SEO Basics, SEO Tips

10 More Common SEO Terms

Keeping up with relevant SEO terms can feel like a losing battle at times

As SEO specialists, we understand there are many terms that may be a bit too technical for the average practice owner. In the past, we’ve covered ten of the most common SEO terms, but there are still many terms that should be addressed! So, today we are going to cover ten more common terms to help you better understand search engine optimization.

What is Structured Data?

Structured data is an SEO term that refers to the act of organizing data about your site to help search engines better understand how to display content. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using Schema.org. This site has a standardized list of markup languages that are used consistently across search engines. JSON-LD is one of the most popular, and the format preferred by Google.

Using structured data helps provide richer search results for Google. For many practice owners, improving off-page elements like how structured one’s data is can offer many SEO benefits. This is why addressing both on-page and off-page parts of your site is so important in an effective SEO strategy.

What is Search Intent?

Search intent is another one of our SEO terms that refers to the reason a person is searching for something. It is the purpose of an online search, and there are a few common types that people fall into. The four main types of search intent include:

Informational intent
Navigational intent
Transactional intent
Commercial intent

Searches with informational intent involve visitors looking for information about a specific topic. This may be something as simple as a dinner recipe, or information about therapy services in their area. Visitors with navigational intent on the other hand are more likely to be searching for a specific website. People likely already have a website in mind, and they are searching for that website in the search results.

The third type of search intent is transactional, which is when people search for something they would like to buy at that moment. Commercial intent is very similar. But, it generally means a person isn’t ready to buy something yet. Instead, they are likely doing more research on which products or services before they decide to buy. This intent may turn transactional in nature, but it is still worth mentioning the distinction between the two.

What is Keyword Stuffing?

Keyword stuffing is when an unnatural amount of keywords are included on a page in order to try and improve rankings. This is an outdated SEO strategy that can result in penalization from Google. Google prefers to see content that is focused, but still written for people to read. But, it can be difficult at times to avoid keyword stuffing when optimizing for specific keywords.

You always want to ensure your main keywords are going to be included throughout the page. But, overachieving in this sense can often be seen as a red flag to Google. The search engine is focused on providing helpful content for humans. So, including a large number of keywords in the text can be seen as a sign that you are only worried about ranking well instead of providing the best content and services for your ideal client. So, it’s important to always create content with them in mind!

What is A Directory?

In the context of SEO, a directory is an aggregate that lists private practice listings. Some of these may be more general, and others may be created around specific services or niches. Think of how Yelp and Google My Business collect the name, addresses, and phone numbers of a variety of different services. But, most directories also serve another important purpose. They often offer opportunities for high-quality backlinks on your site. Having multiple links on your site can serve as a signal that your site is reputable. But, the quality of every backlink will differ. So, each directory should be inspected before deciding to post anything to it.

What is Guest Blogging?

Guest blogging is another way to help build credibility through external links. By offering to write content for another site, you can potentially get a link from their site pointing back to yours. By featuring your content and linking back to your website, you can help improve how Google views your expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Thus, improving your chance of ranking well on the search engine.

What is Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)?

AMP is a framework for creating web pages that load faster on mobile devices. It helps make sites that may have been originally created for a computer screen conform to the smaller screens of phones and tablets. Since so many people search using their phones these days, Google has given more focus to AMP. This means that ensuring your site is optimized for a mobile experience can help you rank higher in the SERP.

What is A Heatmap?

Scrollmap or website scroll heat map tool. Learn how Simplified SEO Consulting can offer support with therapist SEO and more. A heatmap is an SEO tool that shows a visual representation of the most viewed and overlooked parts of a page. These are often depicted using a color gradient going from blue to red. But, this will depend on the type of heatmap that is being used. Some heatmaps can provide valuable information about the content on your site. Others may be used in relation to geographical location.

What is a Keyword Research Tool?

This SEO term is self-explanatory but important. Keyword research is the foundation of SEO. They are the tools that one can use to identify stats about particular keywords you want and are trying to improve rankings for. Most tools offer a variety of estimations. These often include how much a given keyword is being ranked for, competition, and related keyword recommendations for a specific keyword and others similar to it. There are many free and paid options on the internet, so it’s important to take the time to find the tool that fits your needs best.

What are Impressions and Clicks?

Impressions are the number of times you’ve shown up in the search results for the keywords you are working to improve rankings for. While you may show up in front of people in google’s search results, this doesn’t mean they are clicking on the site to visit it. This is what is referred to as a click in the world of SEO. When people actually visit the site

What are Bounce Rates and Exit Rates?

A bounce rate is the percent of those that have visited a page and then left the site without visiting another page. Once a person has finished with a page, instead of visiting more pages on the site, they bounce back to Google. Then, they continue their search to find the right search result for their situation.

On the other hand, exit rates indicate where visitors are exiting your site after visiting more than one page. This can offer support in understanding the pages most people are leaving the site from. It can also help reveal content problems on the site. You may not have to worry about people leaving the site after reading a lengthy blog post, but you may want to take another look at your site if they are exiting important pages such as your contact page. Doing so can help you better understand which pages have these issues.

Begin Improving Counselor SEO With Simplified SEO Consulting

Keeping track of the ever-evolving list of SEO terms can be hard to deal with at times. But, our trained SEO specialists can offer support from anywhere in the country. We would be happy to offer support in helping you achieve your SEO goals. To start your SEO journey with Simplified SEO Consulting, please follow these simple steps:

Apply to work with us
Meet with an SEO specialist.
Start improving your SEO!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

You don’t have to keep track of SEO terms when working with an SEO specialist. Our team would be happy to offer support in improving your SEO with a variety of SEO services. We offer Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses, and a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program. Feel free to read other posts from our blog for more helpful information!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He integrates what he learned in school into his work as an SEO Specialist with Simplified SEO Consulting. Sterling prides himself on helping current clients & alumni problems solve difficult SEO issues. He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation and responding in a timely manner to client concerns. Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

September 19, 2022/0 Comments/by Sterling Humburg-Cage

SEO Basics, SEO Tips, SEO Tools

What is the SEO Strategy for the Healthcare Industry?

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, understanding the SEO strategy for the healthcare industry is paramount. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the cornerstone of your online presence and can significantly impact the success of your healthcare practice. It’s important to note that SEO is a multifaceted endeavor that involves a range of factors and techniques tailored to the unique needs of healthcare businesses. Google considers many, many different things when determining which websites to rank at the top of search results.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we have garnered extensive experience working with private practices in the healthcare sector. This blog post delves into the SEO strategy that has proven most effective for healthcare professionals and practices based on our wealth of experience and success stories.

What does SEO mean in simple terms?

Simply put, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), is the process of optimizing your website to improve its visibility on search engines like Google. The goal is to rank higher in search results for relevant keywords, making it easier for people to find your website and the services you offer.

What are the top SEO strategies for business?

When it comes to SEO, there’s no shortage of strategies and tactics that claim to boost your online presence. However, at Simplified SEO Consulting, we believe in simplifying the process and focusing on the factors that truly make a difference for healthcare businesses. Our approach to SEO emphasizes the essential elements that drive results, ensuring that your practice stands out in the competitive healthcare landscape.

How do you do SEO on a website: A 7-Step Plan as an SEO Strategy for Private Practices in the Healthcare Industry

1) Start with a technically sound website that really represents your practice

The foundation of any successful SEO strategy begins with a technically sound website. Your website serves as your digital storefront, and it should reflect your brand identity accurately. Ensuring that it’s well-designed, user-friendly, and optimized for both desktop and mobile devices is crucial.

2) Keyword Research

Keyword research serves as the foundation of a successful healthcare SEO strategy. It’s the process of identifying the precise words and phrases potential patients enter into search engines when seeking services like yours. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we recognize the significance of personalized keyword research that aligns with your individual practice and the unique characteristics of your patient base.

When delving into healthcare SEO keywords, it’s essential to consider the specifics of your medical practice. Each healthcare niche and specialization has distinct keywords and phrases that resonate with potential patients. For example, if you’re a chiropractor, your keyword research should pinpoint phrases like “chiropractic care for back pain” or “spinal adjustment in [your location].” This level of customization ensures that you’re targeting the most relevant and effective keywords to attract patients genuinely interested in your services.

Blog posts throughout our website further explain the process of identifying healthcare SEO keywords using practical examples. But the bottom line is, we emphasize that this tailored approach to keyword research is instrumental in elevating your online visibility and connecting with patients who genuinely need your expertise.

3) Create and consistently post great content that demonstrates your expertise and speaks directly to your ideal clients

Content is king in the digital realm, and it’s no different for healthcare practices. Creating high-quality, informative content that showcases your expertise and directly addresses the needs and concerns of your ideal patients is paramount. Regularly posting valuable content not only engages your audience but also strengthens your website’s authority in the eyes of search engines.

4) Excellent on-page SEO

On-page SEO optimization is the fine-tuning process that ensures each page of your website is primed for search engine visibility. Basic on-page SEO practices include optimizing meta descriptions, strategically incorporating relevant healthcare SEO keywords, using subheadings to structure your content, optimizing images, and including internal links to other relevant pages within your website. Discover why on-page SEO is important for your healthcare practice’s success.

5) Regular blogging

Blogging is a powerful tool in your SEO arsenal. Consistent, informative, and engaging blog posts not only keep your website fresh and up-to-date but also provide valuable information to your audience. Blogging helps establish your authority in your healthcare niche and keeps your practice relevant in the digital landscape.

6) Local SEO

Local SEO is particularly crucial for healthcare providers with physical practices. It encompasses a range of strategies aimed at helping Google understand your practice’s location and relevance within specific geographic areas

What is Local SEO for doctors & other healthcare professionals?

Local SEO for doctors and healthcare professionals is a specialized strategy that focuses on optimizing online visibility for specific geographic areas. It involves various techniques to ensure that your practice appears prominently in local search results when potential patients search for healthcare services in your vicinity. This includes optimizing your Google My Business listing, managing local citations, and tailoring your content to target local keywords and patient needs in your area.

7) Building High Quality Backlinks

High-quality backlinks are the digital votes of confidence that your website receives from other reputable websites. They play a pivotal role in enhancing your website’s authority and boosting your search engine rankings. Our comprehensive SEO strategy includes building a network of valuable backlinks to solidify your practice’s online presence.

What does an SEO agency do?

SEO agencies like Simplified SEO Consulting offer a myriad of services to help businesses navigate the complex world of search engine optimization. Our services range from intensive SEO training programs for those looking to take a hands-on approach to basic strategy sessions for individuals seeking expert guidance. However, our most sought-after service is our “done for you” SEO services, where we provide assistance for every aspect of your SEO strategy to deliver tangible results.

What type of marketing strategy is SEO?

SEO falls under the expansive umbrella of digital marketing strategies. While it can be utilized as a standalone approach, it is often most effective when combined with other digital marketing techniques. By integrating SEO with other strategies like pay-per-click advertising, email marketing, and social media, you can create a comprehensive marketing plan that maximizes your online visibility.

If you are interested in combining SEO with other digital marketing strategies, we’re happy to recommend a great website developer with experience in healthcare, a healthcare PPC agency, a colleague that helps set up email marketing campaigns, or other digital marketing resources.

SEO Services for Medical Professionals in Private Practice

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we have a unique perspective on the world of SEO. Founded by a therapist in private practice, our journey began by offering SEO for functional medicine doctors and later expanded to include various healthcare professionals. We hold a deep appreciation for the invaluable work of healthcare providers and the positive impact they have on their patients’ lives.

Our SEO strategy for healthcare businesses is more than a service – it’s a commitment to your success. We understand the significance of ethical, effective SEO in the healthcare industry, and we are passionate about connecting the right patients with your practice.

If you’re ready to embark on a transformative SEO journey and witness the remarkable growth of your healthcare business, reach out to Simplified SEO Consulting today. Begin your SEO services with us, and together, we’ll take the next steps to get you more clients, help grow your impact and of course grow the profits of your business.

September 1, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

Content, SEO Basics, SEO Tips

Call to Action Writing: SEO Tips for Therapists

After writing and finishing the main content of your blog, it can seem daunting to think of how to tie everything together. You may not know what to write. Or, you may be struggling with how to motivate the potential client to continue on their journey to make an appointment with you.

That’s where your “call to action” comes in. This section is a great way to summarize the pain points throughout the blog in a neat little paragraph. It also allows you to empower the client to take the next step in their journey to healing with your support.

What is the “Call to Action” Part of a Therapy Blog?

The “call to action” part of your blog is where you sympathize with your potential client. You do this by letting them know you and your team understand their struggles. It also summarizes their pain points in a neat paragraph so that they are not overwhelmed at the very end of the blog. It also lets them know that you, your team, and your practice are here to support them through their struggles and their healing journey.

After you let your potential client know that you’re there to support them, that’s when you put how they should reach out to you to begin your services. Or, even set up a consultation. This is great to have because sometimes when potential clients search for questions late at night regarding their pain points, it will pull up your blogs rather quickly compared to your website. For example, if someone is looking for answers about trauma then having a blog about trauma can answer their questions but with the call to action, they can proceed to book a consultation with you.

This means, that having your contact information and how to go about starting the process to make an appointment or consultation is a great piece of information to have in your blog. It makes it easier for clients to make an appointment after reading about the topic they are struggling with. Especially, if they contain backlinks to your contact forms and service information.

What Does a “Call to Action” for a Therapy Blog Look Like?

As I sort of mentioned above, the call to action is made up of four parts:

Summarizing the potential client’s struggles
Sympathizing with your potential client about their struggles
Reassure the potential client that you, your team, and your practice are there to support them
Instructions on how to reach out to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Remember, a call to action’s main goal is to summarize the reader’s pain points, let them know there is support available, and give instructions on how to reach out to you. This will help motivate your client to book a consultation or appointment with you. This is what the end goal of a call to action is!

Here is an example of a call to action for a therapy blog:

Begin Anxiety Therapy at Lovewell Therapy in Ontario, Canada

Our team here at Lovewell understands how hard it can be to cope with your anxiety symptoms alone. That’s why we are here to support you. Our caring therapists are here to help you find the best coping mechanisms for you and empower you to live the life you want. To start anxiety therapy today:

Fill out a contact form on our website.
Meet with one of our caring therapists.
Start overcoming your anxiety and living the life you want!

This example has all four parts. It summarizes the potential client’s struggle. Sympathizes with them and their struggles because let’s be real, anxiety (or any mental health struggle) is hard! Then it lets the potential client know that we are here to help and support them. It also has information on how to contact the practice for an appointment and further information. Now, not all calls to action have to look like this. Some therapists prefer not to have bullets and incorporate their backlinks into a paragraph. That’s okay, too! As long as it contains the same information and lets the client know how to reach you, it will be fine.

Backlinks are Key for Your Therapy Pages

Now, your therapy page’s blog posts will have backlinks that connect to your contact forms and practice’s service pages for easier access for the client. This is to help streamline the process for them to make a consultation or appointment. But, it’s also so that Google will recognize that you are affiliated with that practice and knowledge about the topic the blog is speaking about. For example, putting backlinks throughout your blog linking to your services, your other blog posts, or to your “About Me” page can help potential clients connect with you. But, it also allows Google to know more about your experience and knowledge, too!

Needing Some Support? We Offer SEO Services for Therapists!

If you’re looking for support with your SEO, we can help! We offer a variety of SEO options designed to meet the needs of therapists. When you’re ready to begin optimizing your therapy website, please follow these steps:

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with a member of the Simplified SEO Consulting team
Learn more about our SEO services and training opportunities
Start optimizing your webpage and watch your site rank better on Google!

Other SEO Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting there is a wide range of SEO services that we provide to support therapists. Despite what phase they are in at their practice, we are here to help! ]We have different training options for therapists who want to learn how to optimize their websites with the help of our team members. For SEO one-on-one training, our 12-Week SEO Intensive program is a great option for those who want to work one-on-one with a specialist. Our Small Group SEO Intensives is perfect for helping professionals and therapists who would prefer to work in groups with other professionals. Another option is to purchase our DIY Online SEO Courses to learn SEO by yourself and at your own pace. Then, for therapists who are wanting to outsource their SEO, we offer Done-For-You SEO services.

If you’re not entirely sure what would be right for you, book a free consultation with one of our team members!

About the Author:

Lynsey, SEO Content Writer for Simplified SEO Consulting Lynsey is an SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. At Simplified, Lynsey enjoys that she is writing content while making sure that the content sounds personal and has the client’s words and voice embedded, but also writing about important topics that will be used as resources within the mental health field. Her goal is to create quality content for clients to use as resources to help potential patients and learn as much as she can along the way. She is passionate about providing copywriting services for psychiatrists and therapists.

Apply to work with us if you’re ready to see how Simplified can serve you!

September 1, 2022/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett