A robust digital presence is no longer a “nice-to-have,” it’s an absolute must-have. A key component of this presence is Search Engine Optimization (SEO), particularly understanding and utilizing SEO keywords effectively.
With the right keywords, you can amplify the digital presence of your senior living community without breaking the bank. This blog details how and why SEO keywords are an integral part of your marketing success.
How Google Ranks Websites
Google’s search algorithm for ranking websites is complex and multifaceted, but it fundamentally focuses on relevance and authority.
Relevance
Relevance refers to how well your website content matches certain search queries. For example, if someone searches “memory care community in Baltimore,” then your website should only appear if you offer memory care and you’re located in Baltimore.
When a user is searching on Google, Google wants to give them the best information possible. It reads your website content to match users with the information they’re looking for. So, if you talk about memory care lifestyle options on your website, but you don’t offer that service, it could harm your rankings because users are not finding the right information they are when they come to your website.
Authority
Authority is gauged by the number and quality of links to your site. This is where SEO keywords play a pivotal role. They are the chain that connects what people are searching for to the content you provide.
Taking the same example as before, if someone is searching for “memory care in Baltimore,” then you want to ensure you have an individual lifestyle option page, or “service” page, with the right keywords in your headings and web content.
Best Keywords for Senior Living Communities
The landscape of keywords is ever-changing, but there are constants in the senior living industry. Keywords like “senior living communities,” “assisted living in [CITY],” and “senior care options” often top the list. These keywords are not just popular; they reflect the real-world queries of your target audience.
You can read more about the best keywords for senior living here.
Tools to Strategize and Improve SEO
- Google Keyword Planner: This tool helps you find the right keywords by showing search volumes and trends.
- SEMrush: It offers a comprehensive suite of SEO tools, including keyword research, site audits, and competitor analysis.
- Ahrefs: Known for its backlink analysis capabilities, Ahrefs is also great for uncovering keywords your competitors are ranking for.
What About Blogs?
Blogs are the perfect opportunity to answer the questions of your target audience. You can use the SEO tools listed above, or even your Google Search Console, to figure out what users are searching that you can answer.
For example, a great blog for your audience could be, “What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?” or “How Do I Know Which Community is Right for My Parents?” Your blog helps establish you as credible both to Google and your audience by accurately and empathetically answering their questions, also known as “long tail keywords.”
The Patience in SEO Strategy
It’s crucial to acknowledge that SEO changes take time to manifest. Unlike paid advertising, the effects of SEO are gradual. As Google’s algorithms continue to update and your website’s authority grows, you’ll begin to see shifts in your rankings. This process can take 6+ months, but the results are often worth the wait, leading to sustainable, organic traffic growth.
Next Steps
In summary, understanding and effectively using SEO keywords is a critical aspect of your senior living community’s online strategy. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint, and the rewards are in the sustained effort.
For help with your SEO strategy, contact our experts at CITIZEN.
