What is Medical SEO?
TL;DR
Seo specifically for healthcare practices, doctors, dentists, therapists, and medical facilities. Medical SEO must balance patient acquisition with HIPAA Compliance and YMYL content standards. Strategies include Local SEO for practice visibility, E-E-A-T signals from credentials, and content that provides value without crossing medical advice boundaries.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Medical SEO
What makes medical SEO different from regular SEO?
Medical SEO must navigate HIPAA compliance, YMYL content standards requiring higher E-E-A-T, and patient review challenges. You need to demonstrate medical credentials, avoid making medical claims, and be careful with testimonials and before/after photos.
How important is local SEO for medical practices?
Critical. Most patients search for providers near them, 'dentist near me,' 'pediatrician in [city].' Google Business Profile optimization, local citations, and review management drive the majority of new patient inquiries for most practices.
Can I use patient testimonials for SEO?
Carefully. You need proper consent, and you can't make testimonials appear to guarantee outcomes. Many healthcare marketers use general reviews ('great experience, friendly staff') rather than specific outcome testimonials to avoid regulatory issues.
How do I show E-E-A-T for medical content?
Display provider credentials prominently, have doctors/practitioners author content with bylines, cite medical sources, keep content medically reviewed and updated, and earn links from medical associations and educational institutions.
Should I write content about conditions I treat?
Yes, but carefully. Provide helpful, accurate information without promising cures or making diagnostic claims. Include clear disclaimers and calls to 'consult a healthcare provider.' Educational content attracts patients researching their conditions.
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