External links are one of the most coveted SEO strategies and tools. Not only can they drive traffic to your website when well placed, but they can also increase website authority in the eyes of search engines. The benefits of backlinks are so powerful that some website owners turn to black hat methods to obtain them, or outright pay for them. However, neither of these measures is necessary when you have the know-how to obtain free backlinks instantly through online directories. Here are the top 10 best directories for your plastic surgery practice website.
#1: Real Self
Most plastic surgeons and providers within the aesthetic field have a Real Self profile.. Real Self is free and offers a free backlink to your website. While the initial profile creation is free, there are other paid options that take your link further. Still, it is worth creating the profile and responding to a few questions (with more links to your website embedded) to earn some free and easy backlinks.
Another benefit is that Real Self allows users to search by location. Thus, this can help establish your practice within your local market.
#2: Vitals
Vitals is one of the largest doctor directories. Along with offering a directory of doctors in several specialties, patients also leave reviews of specific doctors, practices, and facilities. LikeReal Self, the initial profile creation is free, but Vital works under a “claim your page” model wherein, most practices and doctors will likely have an automatically generated page. If you don’t, you can request when it is created.
Once claimed, you can customize the page, including the links, biography, photos, and manage reviews. The versatile Vitals platform is another must-have due to its high authority score and trustworthiness among potential patients.
#3: Surgeon Network
Surgeon Network is a directory specifically for plastic and cosmetic surgeons in the United States. The directory is organized by city as well as specialty. It is easy for surgeons to sign up and create a profile. Since it is specific to the plastic surgery specialty, this directory is important for plastic surgeons to take advantage of. The website has been around for over a decade, making it an authoritative directory to add to your list of external links.
#4: Yellow Pages
Like the traditional phone book, the Yellow Pages collects local business information and makes it easy to search. However, instead of searching online, it is now as easy as entering a few keywords into a search bar on the website. It is not difficult to add your practice to the Yellow Pages. Along with your basic contact information, you will get to add a backlink.
As one of the most trusted directories in the world, a Yellow Pages backlink is exceptionally high quality and good for your website. Along with the technical benefits, many people do still use the Yellow Pages to find local businesses like yours.
#5: Society/Board Websites
Whether you are board certified through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or The Aesthetic Society, they should list you on their website. All of the certification boards have their own directories that they maintain. Thus, if you are not listed, contact your board and have them add you, along with a link to your website.
These websites are highly trusted by both consumers and search engines. This offers you a quality backlink that helps increase the authority of your website.
#6: LinkedIn
LinkedIn may not be an intuitive choice when considering directories to register your business and website. The platform is largely used by individuals to network and find jobs. However, LinkedIn also allows for the creation of business profiles where you can add a link to your website, your employees can link to on their pages, and run ads. It is completely free to create a business profile on LinkedIn.
#7: Citysearch
Citysearch is a city-specific online directory. While it initially was aimed at tourists for retail, restaurants, and attractions, the scope has expanded to include professional services such as plastic surgery and medical spas. More and more people are leaving their city, state, or country for plastic surgery. Thus, this helps people explore all possible plastic surgeons in a particular city—whether it be their own or one they want to visit for surgery.
#8: Yelp
Primarily a review platform, businesses do have some control over their Yelp pages such as their website link, hours of operation, and contact information. Not only should your monitor your Yelp page closely for new reviews, but make sure to update the page with accurate links and information. Yelp is a great way to earn an authoritative backlink.
#9: Yext
Yext is a brand management company. As part of their offerings, Yext provides businesses the opportunity to register on their free online directory. Like with many other directories, there are further paid options, but just curating the backlink is completely free.
Yext is exceptionally important for reputation management and gaining online authority. Your website should be listed on Yext because it also lets you add answers to frequently asked questions about your business.
#10: Grand Local
Grand Local runs a free plastic surgery directory organized by state. When you click on a state, you are taken to an exhaustive list of plastic surgeons in that state. Grand Local is organized alphabetically and will contain your competitors. Thus, making sure you create your listing is important for beating the competition as well as gaining a backlink and website authority.
Final Thoughts
Adding your business to online directories can be tedious and time-consuming. There are some tools such as Semrush can help cut down on the number of directories you need to manually enter. However, doing your research and due diligence is necessary for a successful backlinking strategy and making your website stand out above the rest.
There are hundreds of other directories out there. The best way to find them is to simply search. Of course, some are more authoritative than others and you can often identify these based on your own knowledge and if third parties recognize them. With that said, even lesser known or local directories are great opportunities as long as they are legitimate.