Getting your veterinary clinic to rank on the first page of Google search results boosts your visibility and helps your website reach more local pet owners. Ranking in the Google Map Pack brings even better web traffic because it displays your clinic as one of the top three results when people search for local veterinarians.
At New Wine Digital, we help veterinarians improve their Google rankings with professional SEO services. Continue reading to learn more about the Google Map Pack and how to get your vet clinic ranking in it.
How Ranking in the Google Map Pack Helps Veterinarians
The Google Map Pack, which has also been called the Google Local Pack or Google 3 Pack, refers to the top 3 ranking Google Maps results. The Google Map Pack is a separate set of local search results that is displayed above the rest of the standard search results. These results featuring local businesses are displayed alongside a map and list each business’s name, address, rating, and photo.
Because of Google’s recent “vicinity” update, businesses can no longer rank in the Google Map Pack for search results from users located beyond a certain distance from the business’s address. However, that doesn’t mean veterinarians can’t still benefit from ranking in the Google Map Pack.
Pet owners in need of a new vet who turn to Google are more likely to click on the first few search results. In fact, 60% of mobile users have used search results to contact a business directly. When your clinic is one of the top three local results, pet owners that live nearby have an easier time finding your clinic and are more likely to choose your services. If you’re looking to generate more business for your clinic, ranking in the Google Map Pack is crucial.
Three Tips for Improving Your Vet Clinic’s Google Map Pack Ranking
1: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that displays information about your business when people search for your vet clinic. It’s also the information displayed when someone clicks on your clinic’s Google Map result. Keeping your profile up to date and optimized for search helps you improve your overall Google ranking and gives you a better chance at ranking for the Google Map Pack.
To claim and optimize your Google Business Profile, follow these steps:
- Enter your clinic’s name in the business profile manager and claim your profile. (You can click “add your business to Google” if your clinic isn’t listed.)
- Verify your address via phone, text, email, or video. (This allows you to start editing your profile.)
- Choose the best categories to describe your business, such as “veterinarian” or “animal hospital.”
- Write an optimized description of your clinic using relevant local keywords like “emergency vet in Austin.”
- Add high-quality photos of your clinic and staff.
2: Optimize Your Online Presence
Your Google Business Profile isn’t the only way pet owners can find your veterinary practice. You should also claim and optimize your business profiles on other online directories such as Facebook, Yelp, Foursquare, Yellow Pages, and Bing Places. Designing a modern, user-friendly website with optimized content also helps improve your Google ranking.
To further maintain your online reputation, you need to monitor reviews, comments on social media, and other mentions of your vet clinic on the internet. Regular monitoring ensures that you’ll be able to catch any negative comments or reviews so you can address them quickly and professionally.
3: Engage with Reviews
Having plenty of 5-star reviews shows Google and pet owners that your vet clinic is trustworthy, leading to a better ranking and more clients. Make sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews to show pet owners that their feedback is appreciated.
Although it’s important to respond to negative reviews quickly to prevent the reviewer from becoming more upset, it’s just as important to respond to positive feedback. Thanking someone publicly for their suggestions or for sharing their experience builds loyalty and confidence.
Local SEO Services for Veterinarians
Ranking for the Google Map Pack takes time, which can make it difficult for veterinarians to balance their patients with good SEO practices. Luckily, the experts at New Wine Digital can help your vet clinic rank higher on Google with our wide range of SEO, content marketing, and web design services. Give us a call at 480-516-1819 today to get started.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/18/2022). Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay