Optimizing for “Treatment + City” Keywords: Is Location Really a Limiting Factor?
In the realm of local SEO, many businesses grapple with the question: Can you still rank for “Treatment + City” keywords if your business isn’t physically located in that city? This concern is especially relevant for clinics and service providers operating in smaller towns near larger metropolitan areas.
Understanding Local SEO Dynamics
Traditionally, search engine algorithms prioritize proximity when delivering local search results. As a result, businesses often believe that being physically present within a city is a prerequisite for ranking highly for that area’s keywords. However, the evolving landscape of local SEO offers nuanced opportunities for clinics and service providers located outside their target cities to still achieve visibility.
Case Example: A Plastic Surgery Clinic near a Larger City
Consider a plastic surgery clinic situated in a smaller town near a major urban center. Over the past 16 months, the clinic has experienced a significant decline in web traffic, prompting a reassessment of their SEO strategy.
Strategies to Improve Ranking Without a Physical Location in the Target City
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Rich, Localized Content Creation
Develop targeted content that addresses the specific treatments offered and appeals to potential clients in the larger city. This could include detailed blog posts, patient success stories, and FAQs relevant to the metropolitan area’s residents. -
Utilize Location-Specific Landing Pages
Create dedicated pages optimized for “Treatment + City” keywords, emphasizing your service availability for residents and emphasizing your expertise in the area, even if your actual business address is elsewhere. -
Leverage Google My Business and Local Listings
While physical location is influential, proper management of your GMB profile, including accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data, reviews, and updates, can boost your local visibility. Consider creating location-specific profiles or service pages linked to your main site. -
Build Local Backlinks
Acquire backlinks from local directories, news outlets, and community organizations within the target city to enhance authority and relevance. -
Engage in Local Outreach and Advertising
Participate in local events, sponsorships, or online advertising campaigns targeting residents of the larger city to increase brand awareness and signal local relevance. -
Use Schema Markup and Structured Data
Implement structured data to help search engines understand your service areas and offerings more effectively.
Final Thoughts
While being physically located within a target city provides advantages, it is not an insurmountable barrier to ranking for “