How to rank for “near me” and “best” keywords in SEO
As a health and wellness professional, standing out in search results can be a real challenge, especially if you’re in a larger metro area with many other similar service businesses. Learning how to rank for near me keywords in SEO is an essential part of showing up in local search.
Clients seeking immediate and nearby services, like yoga classes or therapy, often turn to search engines with “near me” inquiries. Optimizing your online presence for these search queries can significantly increase your visibility and attract more local clients who are ready to hire you.
When someone searches for “doula near me” or “chiropractor near me,” they’re not just browsing. They are looking, with intent, for services that can best meet their needs close to home. As a local health and wellness business, appearing in these search results helps you generate more great leads. By optimizing your online presence for these searches, you make your services more accessible to potential clients precisely when they need them.
What is a “near me” keyword search?
We do “near me” searches all the time. Restaurants near me, emergency plumber near me, pharmacy near me, pizza near me… We use “near me” together with whatever it is we are needing because our brains tell us that this is the simplest way to fine-tune our search and get the results most likely to match what we’re looking for. Because who wants a pizza place that is 100 miles away, or an emergency plumber in the next state over?
“Best” keywords are also often used in local search, and sometimes together with “near me” when we not only want a service or product that is nearby, but also highly ranked. You’ll often see the businesses that are ranking well for these included in “best of” lists and blog posts. We imagine that businesses that rank for “best of” are inherently better – though in truth they have simply done a better job at ranking for “best” terms!
New parents looking for lactation support? They’re using the keywords “lactation consultant near me” or “breastfeeding help near me”.
A pregnant woman wanting to try out yoga for the first time? They’re typing in “pregnancy yoga near me”…
A couple struggling in their relationships? They’re typing in “best couples therapist near me”.
“Near me” keywords are at the heart of local search engine optimization (SEO). When people search for a product or service that they need, Google essentially sorts through all the information online related to that search to find local businesses that are the closest match.
When we type them in, we often will see what’s called the “local pack” pop up. it will look something like this:
We usually haven’t even typed in our location at all! Google knows where we are (creepy, but helpful) and is always customizing our search results to our location.
4 Core Rules for Using “Near Me” Keywords
- You have to actually be located near that place. A therapist in Chicago will not rank for therapist near me in Omaha, even if they also offer virtual services.
- Your reviews matter. Make sure you have great reviews on sites such as your Google Business Profile and Yelp – and keep getting new reviews.
- Find creative ways to weave “near me” and “best” keywords into your content (I’ll share more ideas on this below!)
- If you do have a physical location for your business, make sure you are consistent with your Name, Address and Phone Number (NAP) details on all of your online listings.
Have a physical location? Be consistent with your NAP details.
NAP stands for Name, Address and Phone Number. These are key trust factors for Google. So if your business name is Cherish Birth Services, but some online listings you include the Services and some places you skip it, that confuses Google. If your address is on Main Street, either ALWAYS write Main Street, or ALWAYS write Main St., but don’t switch between them. Basically make sure that every detail of your location and phone number are written identically in all online listings.
If your office has ever moved, I can almost guarantee you have a bunch of online listings that are still using the old address. Do a google search for your business name + your former street name and you’ll see them show up in search results. This is confusing for Google AND for new clients trying to find you! I missed out on a much-needed haircut at a stylist I was excited to visit once because the online listing I found for them had an old address…
Using “near me” keywords if you don’t have a physical location
No, you don’t need a physical address to target a “near me” keyword. Instead, make sure your location and region are mentioned in your website copy, website footer, blog posts, testimonials, and your primary page headers.
Embed a Google Map in your footer
Including a map of your location or service area from Google is another simple way to reinforce your location for Google’s algorithm.
Use your FAQ to optimize for voice searches with “near me” keywords
Voice searches often include “near me” phrases. To optimize, create conversational content and FAQs that match how users speak, such as “Where can I find a doula near me?”
Include “near me” keywords in blog posts
An easy way to optimize for local search by using “near me” keywords is in blog posts. For instance, write posts like “How to find the best doula near me”, or “Looking for a midwife near you? Here’s how to choose.” That said, you don’t actually HAVE to use the phrase “near me” all over your site (because that could get really awkward!) – simply making sure your location is radiantly clear throughout your site content can be enough.
Creating Locally Relevant Content
Developing content that speaks directly to your local audience can boost your relevance in “near me” searches. This might include blog posts about local health events, collaborations with other local health practitioners, or guides specific to health and wellness concerns in your area. Such content not only improves SEO but also establishes your practice as a connected and informed member of the local community.
Create and nurture your Google Business Profile
If you don’t have a Google Business Profile yet, hurry up and make one! This is the simplest way to begin building an online search presence in your local area. Be sure to complete all the details you can, from your service area to your business characteristics, open hours & more.
Set a reminder in your calendar to reach out for new reviews at least once a month if not weekly. Your profile quality is a key signal to Google of your value as a local search result. Having lots of great reviews both encourages potential clients to reach out, and builds trust and authority for your business in the Google algorithm.
Regularly updating your profile with posts about events or promotions can also keep your listing active and engaging to prospective clients. Be sure to check out my blog post on how to optimize your Google profile for more tips!
Use your reviews to help you rank for “near me” and “best X in…” keywords
Scan all of your reviews on public sites such as Google Business Profile, Yelp or Doula Match and look for the keyword phrases you want to rank for. For example, if Jenny writes “Cherish Doulas is the best doula agency in Denver” on your Google Business Profile make sure you include that review on your site.
Strengthen your local SEO through backlinks
Backlinks from reputable local sources like the Chamber of Commerce websites or a feature on a local news outlet show can significantly enhance your search engine credibility. Participate in local events or sponsor community activities to increase your visibility and chances of being featured on these sites. Make sure you are included in local business directories or best of lists. Each local backlink not only drives direct traffic but also boosts your local search rankings.
Simplifying Local SEO
Boosting your local visibility on “near me” searches doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little know-how and some smart tweaks, you can make real strides in getting noticed by the clients who matter most.
Feeling stuck? That’s normal – SEO is kind of like learning a new language. You could choose an SEO package with The Website Doula, or hire another SEO consultant to guide you, or take it one step at a time and work these practices into your routine at your own pace. Even the smallest updates can help position your business as the trusted name in your community.
You’ve got this—and your future clients are already searching for you!
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
Hi there, I’m Sarah Juliusson, and yes I really am a Website Doula. I support your practice growth with creative website design, seasoned business guidance, and plenty of great resources to help you find your way. With 13 years in web design, and another 20+ years as a health & wellness pro, I believe in the value of your work as much as you do. Explore your options for a custom website today.
