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SEO & Website Advice Required

by aussietanker
13 replies
Hi ... i hope that i have posted this in the correct area ...

I own a multidisiplinary health care clinic in Australia

We have several different "related' specialists working in the clinic. At the moment we have a fairly pathetic "group" website ... I need to rank much better for local search results, but need to do it for ALL of the 3 or 4 specialist professions that we employ ....

i was initially advised that it is almost impossible to rank well in google for 3 different professions using one website and therefore need to set up seperate websites/blogs for each of these specialist professions ... as well as keeping a "group" website ..

i was then advised that google places will only allow 1 listing per location... so i needed to register 3 seperate business names, one for each profession, then select 3 seperate URL's, build 3 seperate websites, get 3 seperate phone lines into the premises and register each business as suite 1, suite 2 etc etc

However, i have now been advised that all this is wrong, that i should just do the one website (which i prefer cause its a lot less work and cost) .. and have one page for each profession on the one website (along with the usual "Home Page" ... "About Us" etc etc and have it set up with good content etc .... i was also advised by this person to NEVER try to do multiple Google Place listings (for the same address) as google will possibly punish me .....

We also has wanted to change the name of our business slightly to better reflect the "multi disiplinary" aspects ... and to also select a name that is perhaps a little "keyword" richer ... but have been advised against this due to our existing website have sveveral hundred (i think) natural links. The original site is only a few years old

i am really ONLY interested in patients that live within the immediate vicinity of the clinic

I feel that i really need some independant opinions from experienced experts in local search SEO as to how accurate this advise is and which is the best path to take ....

in particular, i would like the thoughts of any experienced "bricks and motar" SEO experts ...

1. do we keeping our existing business name (and URL) or changing it ... if so, what options are open to us ... how hard is it to "make up" for "natural" links that a 2 year old website has ...

2. can we have an url that is different from our business name, or is that confusing to patients and to google

3. one website (for all 3 professions) or three seperate ones

4. if 3 websites how can i do Google Places for all 3


any advice is greatly appreciated

regards
A|T
#advice #required #seo #website
  • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
    This is a good place to come. Talk to 10 different marketers and you could get 5-10 different plans.

    I personally prefer the one money website (main biz) and then leverage additional websites. But you have to have a plan, know why you're doing what you're doing, and how it works for your whole marketing mix. Such as landing pages for those different specialists.

    It can be easier to rank sites devoted to one specialty vs. a site that may only have one page devoted to it. But, it's not necessary.

    Changing the name can be tricky, you don't want to cause confusion in the marketplace. Depending on how much brand recognition you've built up, locally and online, I consider this carefully.

    Yes, you can use urls that reflect what you do, or what searchers use rather than the practice name. Those are great for landing pages as well.

    I imagine that you rely on customers in the immediate area, like a 5-10 mile radius. Your specialties probably bring in folks from other areas, meaning your a destination in these specialties. Beyond that, it probably depends on traffic patterns, and then referrals for fringe. Based on this, I defer back to the one primary site, with multiple landing pages under other urls to target a defined search volume (like a combination of 1,000 searches a month).

    For Google Places, there are many more knowledgeable and experienced GP marketers on here who can help you.
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    • Profile picture of the author aussietanker
      Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions ... i really do appreciate your help ....

      i would also greatly value other experineced seo "experts" suggestions ... and am keen to know if most people here would strongly suggest 3 different sites ... or would most feel that one site would be able to get onto page one for local search over the 3 professions (i am using wordpress thesis theme with a blog and am currently creatinh heaps of content, videos etc )

      and any opinoins about the google places issue?

      regards
      A|T

      ps - i have a feeling that i should have posted this in the "websites" section ... any idea on how to get it moved?
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  • Profile picture of the author QuelThalas
    You can do everything on your site.even it is doesnt make people understand what do you talking about in it.so the best for SEO is you have a lot of fresh content.
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    • Profile picture of the author aussietanker
      Originally Posted by QuelThalas View Post

      You can do everything on your site.even it is doesnt make people understand what do you talking about in it.so the best for SEO is you have a lot of fresh content.
      Hi and thanks for the comment - i do understand the necessity for fresh content - & we are creating oodles of it - my question is more of a strategic one - do i use 3 websites - one for each profession, or do i put all 3 professions on one website - which is most likely to give me the better outcome ?

      Anyone - other thoughts, reasons, experiences please
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  • Profile picture of the author SiteSmarty
    I am doing this right now for a local client in Costa Rica. They have a doctor, dentist and nutritionist in their office. They are re branding because of the three different professions.

    You should have one website. In days gone by we called the organization of such a site a "silo". All that means is that you categorize each discipline separately and internally link strategically within each discipline. That would need more explanation, but the idea is to have an overall theme, in my clients case it's the overall theme is "medical".

    Inside that theme are professions, products, information or whatever that are related to medical. Doctors, dentists and nutritionist relate to medical, so one site works.

    If one of the professions was a auto mechanic that worked out side the clinic, then you would have two sites. One for medical related, one for auto related.

    Bottom line in your case you need one awesome, relevant, fast site, WordPress site and you'll rule your niche.
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    • Profile picture of the author aussietanker
      Originally Posted by SiteSmarty View Post

      I am doing this right now for a local client in Costa Rica. They have a doctor, dentist and nutritionist in their office. They are re branding because of the three different professions.

      You should have one website. In days gone by we called the organization of such a site a "silo". All that means is that you categorize each discipline separately and internally link strategically within each discipline. That would need more explanation, but the idea is to have an overall theme, in my clients case it's the overall theme is "medical".

      Inside that theme are professions, products, information or whatever that are related to medical. Doctors, dentists and nutritionist relate to medical, so one site works.

      If one of the professions was a auto mechanic that worked out side the clinic, then you would have two sites. One for medical related, one for auto related.

      Bottom line in your case you need one awesome, relevant, fast site, WordPress site and you'll rule your niche.

      thank you for taking the time to reply ... this is very similiar to our site ... we have chiros, physios, massage therapists all working together in th esame clinic ... and to a certain extent (not totally) they "compete" against one another for the same patient base ... ie ... patients with back pain, headaches, etc etc ...

      the logistics of running 3 websites + a group website + all the social media are scary ... if it can be done from one website i would much prefer that..

      we are currently creating a ton of very good, unique content as well

      if everyone however, said that seperate websites would be much better, then we would bite the bullet and just do it ....

      is there anywhere that i can find out more about the silo thing?

      regards
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      • Profile picture of the author SiteSmarty
        Hey Aussie: Everyone is wrong. You don't need 3 websites. You need one good website like I mentioned. Just Google "silo linking" or words to that effect something will come up.

        This is how it would work for your site:

        1. Use WordPress and create PAGES (pillar content) of around 500 words for each profession and place the description in the nav bar on your site. Unique content is good but make sure you use language people are searching for or your unique content is worthless because it can't be found.

        2. Create categories for each profession. Post your great content and file it in the appropriate category. Every time you post, file under the specific category and link one article to the next using anchor text. And have one link from one profession to the other.

        The other thing you could do is create a quick links page for each profession. On your home page or sidebar you'd have links to that page. From that page visitors would go to each professions posts.

        Over time you'll have one great site instead of three lousy sites. The other thing to keep in mind is that the internet is made up of pages, not websites in Googles eyes. They look at the pages. If they are relevant and visitors can get to those pages/post fast, they give the overall site points.

        Relevance, original, organic, language and speed is what will help you rule your niche.

        Go with one site and save yourself time, money and aggravation.
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        • Profile picture of the author aussietanker
          Originally Posted by SiteSmarty View Post

          Hey Aussie: Everyone is wrong. You don't need 3 websites. You need one good website like I mentioned. Just Google "silo linking" or words to that effect something will come up.

          This is how it would work for your site:

          1. Use WordPress and create PAGES (pillar content) of around 500 words for each profession and place the description in the nav bar on your site. Unique content is good but make sure you use language people are searching for or your unique content is worthless because it can't be found.

          2. Create categories for each profession. Post your great content and file it in the appropriate category. Every time you post, file under the specific category and link one article to the next using anchor text. And have one link from one profession to the other.

          The other thing you could do is create a quick links page for each profession. On your home page or sidebar you'd have links to that page. From that page visitors would go to each professions posts.

          Over time you'll have one great site instead of three lousy sites. The other thing to keep in mind is that the internet is made up of pages, not websites in Googles eyes. They look at the pages. If they are relevant and visitors can get to those pages/post fast, they give the overall site points.

          Relevance, original, organic, language and speed is what will help you rule your niche.

          Go with one site and save yourself time, money and aggravation.


          Thank you ...... that has been extremely helpful ....... i also appraciate your comments about making the content itself searchable etc

          I am not actually creating the websites myself.... i will stick to what i know best and let the experts do that bit ... i just wanted some advice on the best "strategic direction" so as to get some clarity of thought on the issue ...

          thank you to every one for the contributions ... it has been greatly appreciated

          regards
          A|T
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  • Profile picture of the author Sabrina178
    create an ebook or if applicable video tips
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  • Profile picture of the author andy56
    There is Open Secret !!! Dont try to mess up with Google. You can submit multiple places in Google places. If you have multiple specialties . Yes, You can do that .

    It is not possible to fool G for long time. They are tracking IP's , user behavior and you can have trouble in short time.

    I have done lots of stuff like this. PM me if you need further assistance.
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  • Profile picture of the author commoditytrainer
    Most of the website in the medical field are truly pathetic. The medical professional know medicine, etc. and the web people know websites. One of the things I have seen most of the time is the medical profession doesn't realize the benefit of a good website. As to pertain to your questions, you would need good consulting, (that is what seo people are suppose to be) and someone to understand your business to tailor your specific needs, rather than the "I will create new website with backlinks" and you will get more business. It doesn't work that way, I am afraid.
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    • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
      Originally Posted by commoditytrainer View Post

      Most of the website in the medical field are truly pathetic. The medical professional know medicine, etc. and the web people know websites. One of the things I have seen most of the time is the medical profession doesn't realize the benefit of a good website. As to pertain to your questions, you would need good consulting, (that is what seo people are suppose to be) and someone to understand your business to tailor your specific needs, rather than the "I will create new website with backlinks" and you will get more business. It doesn't work that way, I am afraid.

      Well said.
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  • Profile picture of the author razerlycosa71
    as i read your post i have no idea what to say but when i read the replies i can say that these people answering your post are experts.
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