Local search today is an important marketing element of veterinary online marketing. While there are a number of other elements of building a robust local SEO strategy such as on-page SEO and generating genuine client reviews over Google+ Local among others, in this post we take a look at 5 ways in which veterinary practices can acquire local citations to boost their practice reputation via their marketing efforts.

Organize Local Events

Local events can be great marketing ground with excellent local SEO benefits for veterinary practices. Syndicate with event listing sites such as Eventzilla, Facebook Events, Yelp Events, and Festivals.com among others as they can feature links to your website. These can serve as local SEO citations which help in validating your veterinary practice in local searches.

Join a Cause/ Local Charity

If you are going to sponsor a local charity or throw your weight behind a cause you need to have a genuine interest in the issue of course. Most charities maintain websites which list out events and sponsors; a link from a local charity website is again a relevant local citation.

Use your Local Press

Your regional radio and television stations as well as your regional news websites, and press carry local news about people and businesses. Getting featured in news stories or getting interviewed provides excellent exposure not just for you but also for your practice. A link with the feature is a great way to gain local citation for your local SEO efforts.

Get Listed on Location-based Mobile Check-in Services

Getting your veterinary practice listed with location-based check-in service such as Foursquare, Facebook Local, Yelp, among others can boost marketing and help improve client engagement. Claim your business’ listing and make sure your practice name, address and phone number (NAP) are identical to what is featured on your Google+ local listing and website.

Get Active on Social Sites

Social media is integral to online marketing today; veterinary practices can use their social networks to connect with their local clients, or the local press, as well as bloggers and other practices and build a local following. You can highlight your offers, or challenges that you have overcome, causes and events you are part of to showcase your practice personality. Participate or start conversations that are locally themed to boost your social presence.