🔍 LinkedIn Engagement: What Works Now

A recent LinkedIn study analyzed over half a million posts and found:

• Posts with links get 13.57% more interactions and 5% more views.
• Carousels drive the highest engagement (45%).
• Polls double engagement rates.
• Pure text posts perform worst.

Takeaway: Next time you post about your practice, add value with links, try interactive polls, or experiment with carousels to stand out!

🦷 Google Business Profiles: Watch for Review Bugs

A pesky bug is causing old, fake, or previously removed reviews to show up again in Google Business Profiles. Google has acknowledged this, but fixes may take time.

Tip: Double-check your online reviews and report persistent fakes. Stay vigilant, as these issues can resurface unexpectedly.

🤖 AI Search & Overviews: How Dentists Can Stay Visible

AI is changing how people search—and how Google decides which practices get seen. Organic search traffic is seeing a shakeup, but not all drops are bad news for patient acquisition. Here are Ross’s top tips:

1. Add Structured Data (Schema Markup)

• Think of it as a roadmap for search engines. Highlight key info like services, staff credentials, or new technology for richer search results.

2. Target 'Long Tail' Search Terms

• Use natural language phrases, especially for voice search. Patients are searching with full, detailed questions more often.

3. Use Authentic Images & Videos

• Regularly create and share office videos or patient experiences (with permission). Batch filming can create months of content in a single day!

4. Prioritize YouTube

• Repurpose videos for YouTube. High-quality, authentic dental videos can boost local visibility.

5. Encourage (But Carefully Manage) Interaction

• Discussion and comments can signal valuable content, but moderation is key to avoid spam or headaches.

6. Update Key Content Regularly

• Refresh cornerstone pages when you upgrade technology, add staff, or change locations. An up-to-date site signals life to both Google and potential patients!

🚩 AI Content & Google’s Quality Standards

Google’s new Quality Rater Guidelines are here. Key points:

• Don’t publish generic, low-effort AI content. Always edit, personalize, and expand with your expertise.
• Avoid misleading claims. Double-check AI-generated facts.
• Add value above the basics. Your unique perspective and local reputation matter!

🛡️ A Look Ahead: Controlling AI Access to Your Content

There’s early buzz around a new standard, LLMs.txt, which seeks to let site owners better control how AI crawlers (like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini) use your content. While still in the proposal phase, it's something to watch—and First Dentist will be ready to implement when it’s industry standard.

💡 Final Thoughts from Ross

SEO and search are moving targets—especially with AI in the picture. But with the right strategy, dental practices can keep growing. For personalized help or to get your next question answered on the podcast, drop us a line at [email protected]!

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