Hiring a Healthcare SEO Agency

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the significance of search engine optimization (SEO) in healthcare cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, medical facility, or a related service, optimizing your online strategy is pivotal in reaching and engaging your target audience.

However, navigating the complexities of the healthcare sector requires a specialized approach, and finding the right healthcare SEO agency can be its own challenge.

In this article, we will explore the key considerations and benefits associated with entrusting your digital visibility to experts in healthcare SEO, and we’ll offer tips on how to find a healthcare SEO agency that aligns with your marketing goals.

How is SEO used in healthcare?

Unlike the traditional reliance on referrals, today’s healthcare consumers increasingly turn to online searches to find medical services. This shift necessitates that healthcare providers have a wide-reaching online presence that is only achievable through a well-implemented SEO strategy.

Having a strong SEO strategy not only enhances visibility, but it also fosters trust and long-term relationships with potential patients, meeting their increasing expectations for transparent and mobile-friendly experiences. Thus, effective SEO in healthcare is not just about being visible; it’s about being accessible and reliable to those in need of healthcare services.

What does a healthcare SEO agency do?

Healthcare SEO agencies stand apart due to their specialized knowledge in navigating the healthcare industry. This expertise encompasses an understanding of medical terminology, strict adherence to healthcare regulations, and a keen sensitivity towards patient privacy laws.

These elements are crucial in developing an SEO strategy that respects the delicate nature of healthcare information while also effectively communicating it to your target audience. A proficient healthcare SEO agency is adept at balancing these industry-specific requirements with general SEO best practices, ensuring that a healthcare provider’s online content is both authoritative and accessible.

What are some best practices for healthcare SEO?

Healthcare SEO best practices revolve around creating a strategy that is both effective and compliant with industry standards. Some key best practices include:

• Local SEO Optimization: Focusing on local SEO helps healthcare providers appear in searches by potential patients in their vicinity.
• Strategic Keyword Use: Implementing medical and healthcare-specific keywords can significantly improve visibility.
• Creating Trustworthy Content: Developing authoritative and informative content that aligns with healthcare guidelines is crucial.
• Optimizing for Mobile Users: With a growing number of people accessing healthcare information via mobile devices, mobile optimization is essential.
• Building Quality Backlinks: Establishing backlinks from reputable sites enhances credibility and boosts SEO rankings.
• Consistent, Accurate Listings: Ensuring that all online directories and listings are accurate and consistent aids in improving SEO performance.
• Monitoring and Adapting to Algorithm Changes: Staying abreast of search engine algorithm updates and adapting strategies accordingly is vital for maintaining SEO effectiveness.

Implementing these best practices can significantly enhance a healthcare provider’s online visibility and patient engagement.

Evaluating a healthcare SEO agency’s expertise

Choosing the right healthcare SEO agency involves assessing their expertise in crucial areas. When determining an agency’s expertise in healthcare SEO, you’ll want to understand their use of search engine algorithms and their proficiency in keyword research and content optimization. It’s also vital to ensure they have a strong track record in handling healthcare SEO.

Above all, we recommend evaluating an agency’s performance through client testimonials and case studies. Doing so can provide you insights into their effectiveness and ethical practices. Evaluating an SEO agency’s expertise is an essential step in making an informed decision.

Questions to ask a potential healthcare SEO agency

It’s important to ask questions that can help you understand whether a potential agency’s approach aligns with your goals and how they plan to drive tangible results for your business. Discovering the right questions to ask is key to finding a healthcare SEO agency that meets your needs.

Before selecting a healthcare SEO agency, consider asking the following questions to gauge their suitability.

1. What types of SEO services do you offer?

Understanding the types of SEO services offered by the agency, especially as they pertain to the healthcare industry, is vital for determining their capabilities and ability to elevate your online presence. Ask about an agency’s specific SEO services: do they cover on-page and off-page optimization, technical SEO, content creation, and other essential aspects? The more comprehensive their suite of services, the better equipped they will be to handle your healthcare entity’s online presence.

2. What customized strategies can you provide?

Inquiring about customized strategies is crucial as it highlights the agency’s commitment to tailoring approaches specifically for your healthcare business. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t suffice in the healthcare sector. Customized strategies demonstrate the agency’s adaptability, understanding of your unique needs, and dedication to crafting solutions that align with your healthcare brand’s goals and challenges.

3. How long will it take to see results?

Asking about the expected timeframe for seeing tangible results sets realistic expectations. SEO is a gradual process, and timelines can vary based on factors like competition, website condition, and strategy complexity. A transparent response from the agency helps manage expectations and fosters a more informed and collaborative partnership focused on the long-term success of your business.

4. What is your approach to mobile SEO?

Given the increasing use of mobile devices for healthcare information, you will want to understand a potential agency’s strategy for mobile optimization. A strong mobile strategy ensures your healthcare website is optimized for users on various devices, contributing to improved user experience, search rankings, and overall online performance. Mobile SEO is integral for reaching and engaging a diverse audience in the healthcare sector.

5. What methods do you use for keyword research?

An agency’s methods for keyword research is fundamental to effective SEO. It sheds light on their depth of analysis, tools utilized, and whether they align with current search trends. A strategic and comprehensive keyword approach ensures that your healthcare business ranks for relevant terms, driving targeted traffic and enhancing online visibility.

When evaluating what a strong keyword strategy looks like, consider

• Do they include information about search intent, keyword difficulty, and search volume?
• Do the keywords align with your services, expertise, and goals?
• Is the keyword research used to inform a broader content strategy (such as through the execution of an editorial calendar, for example)? And can they explain clearly how the SEO research supports deliverables they are suggesting?

6. What SEO tools do you use?

Discuss the tools and technologies the agency uses for SEO management and analytics. Doing so will help you better assess their technical capabilities. Reputable tools aid in analytics, keyword research, and website optimization. Knowing the tools in an agency’s arsenal provides insight into their proficiency in data-driven decision-making, which is a key factor in executing a successful healthcare SEO strategy.

Here’s our toolkit just to give you an idea of what to look for:

• SEMRush
• Screaming Frog
• HubSpot
• Google Bard
• Google Keyword Planner
• GA4
• Google Search Console
• Google Tag Manager

7. How will you report progress?

A reporting structure with clear KPIs and goals is essential to the success of any healthcare SEO strategy. A good agency should be able to illustrate how they track and communicate progress, ensuring you stay informed about the impact of their efforts. Ask for examples of regular, comprehensive reports that they used to enable data-driven decision-making and foster a collaborative approach to refining and optimizing their healthcare SEO strategies.

8. What level of involvement do you expect from me?

Clarifying the agency’s expectations regarding client involvement is crucial for a successful partnership. It ensures alignment on responsibilities, collaboration, and communication channels. Understanding your role in the process fosters a more efficient working relationship, empowering both parties to contribute effectively to the healthcare SEO strategy’s success.

How much do healthcare SEO agencies cost?

SEO pricing varies widely depending on the scope and complexity of the services, but expect to spend anywhere from a couple hundred dollars for a single backlink to $1,000-$1,500 for a basic technical SEO audit. SEO content marketing packages can start around $3,000 and cost up to $20,000 a month or more.

Some agencies offer tiered pricing models, while others may provide custom quotes based on your specific needs. Because monthly costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, it’s essential to consider the value and potential return on investment when evaluating pricing options.

Timeframe for SEO results in healthcare

SEO is a long-term strategy that requires patience and continuous effort. Immediate results are rare, and significant improvements typically become evident over several months. At Big Sea, for the first 1-6 months, we focus on growing impressions and topical authority in the areas we’ve identified through our discovery process. After making necessary adjustments and optimizing content, we estimate that most clients will see website’s traffic increases follow increases in impressions about 4-6 months in.

It’s important to understand that SEO success is a gradual process, involving ongoing optimizations and adjustments based on performance data. Understanding the SEO timeline can help set appropriate expectations for your healthcare practice’s SEO journey.

FAQs on hiring a healthcare SEO agency

Is professional SEO worth it in healthcare?

Investing in professional SEO services can be highly beneficial, especially in the competitive field of healthcare. A skilled SEO agency can significantly improve your online visibility, attract more patients, and enhance your overall digital presence. While it requires upfront investment, the long-term benefits of increased traffic and patient engagement often justify the expense.

Can I do SEO myself?

While it’s possible to manage some aspects of SEO on your own, the complexity and ever-evolving nature of SEO make it challenging for individuals without specialized knowledge and experience. Healthcare SEO, in particular, requires a nuanced understanding of the industry’s unique demands and regulations. Engaging with a professional SEO agency ensures that your strategy is both effective and compliant with industry standards.

Work with an agency that knows healthcare SEO

Partnering with Big Sea for your healthcare SEO needs guarantees a dedicated approach to your digital success. Our seasoned team understands the intricacies of the healthcare sector and provides tailored strategies to help you elevate your online presence. If you’re looking for a partner committed to your healthcare brand’s growth, contact Big Sea!