Google Changes The Rules – Again!

About six months ago, Google changed the format of their search engine results page (SERP). The page previously had been dominated by a listing of websites arranged and ranked organically by some algorithm that recognized relevance relating to original content, new content, and new information. The challenge has been to use multiple techniques and strategies called search engine optimization  (SEO) to try to move your site to the top of the page.

Currently when you type a request into the Google search bar, the page looks totally different. The top seven spots (A through G) are from the Local Google Business Map. The Map is now the dominant feature. The SERP  results are now placed BELOW  the map results. So unless you are in the top three or four of the SERP, you all of a sudden find yourself demoted to the second page. And we all know that unless you are on the first page, you might as well forget about being found.

The good news is that it is much easier to get to the top of the Local Google Business Map than it is to reach the top of the SERP. Placement on the map seems to be most influenced by favorable patient reviews. I am in love with a company called Demand Force that makes the process of obtaining patient reviews an extremely easy one. And they magically get a lot of these reviews read by Google fairly quickly, thereby moving your practice to the top of the map.

The density and competitive environment of your particular marketplace will of course be an influencing factor as to how quickly you progress. And it is still absolutely essential to be optimizing your site with new content and not be solely dependent upon patient reviews. But I can report that in the last 16 months I have referred over 40 clients to Demand Force- in big towns and small towns–and every single practice–usually within 4 to 6 months–is middle to top of the business page.

So go check out this amazing company.