Patients increasingly search Google before choosing a doctor or clinic: "dentist near me", "skin specialist Colombo", "eye clinic Kandy", "IVF centre Sri Lanka". Healthcare is also one of the industries where Google applies the highest quality standards, so getting SEO right takes care.
Why healthcare SEO is different
Health is a "Your Money or Your Life" (YMYL) topic. Google wants to show accurate, trustworthy information from qualified sources. That means:
- Content should be written or reviewed by qualified medical professionals
- Credentials must be clear
- Claims must be accurate and responsible
See E-E-A-T explained.
1. Google Business Profile comes first
Most patients choose from the Google Maps results. For each clinic location:
- Choose the most specific category: Dentist, Dermatologist, Medical clinic, Eye care center
- Add opening hours, including channelling hours and holidays
- Add photos of the reception, treatment rooms, equipment and team
- List services and specialities
- Encourage reviews from patients, without offering incentives
Full guide: Google Business Profile for Sri Lankan businesses.
2. A page for each treatment or service
Patients search for specific treatments: "dental implants Colombo price", "laser hair removal", "physiotherapy for back pain". Each main service should have a page explaining:
- What the treatment is and who it's for
- What to expect before, during and after
- Typical duration and recovery
- Price range or "from" price, where appropriate
- Which doctor performs it, with credentials
- How to book
3. Doctor profile pages
Create a page for each doctor or specialist:
- Qualifications (MBBS, MD, MRCP, BDS and so on) and registration with the Sri Lanka Medical Council
- Specialities and experience
- Hospitals affiliated with
- Channelling days and times
- Languages spoken
Patients search for doctors by name, and these pages build trust.
4. Helpful health content, done responsibly
Answer common patient questions: "How much do braces cost in Sri Lanka?", "When should you see a dermatologist?". Every article should:
- Be reviewed by a named doctor
- Show a "medically reviewed by" line and date
- Avoid exaggerated claims and guarantees
- Encourage patients to consult a doctor for their individual case
5. Make booking easy
- Online appointment booking or a clear channelling process
- Click-to-call and WhatsApp on mobile
- Clear directions, parking information and a map
- Track bookings and calls in GA4. See tracking WhatsApp clicks.
6. Technical and privacy considerations
- HTTPS everywhere, especially on forms. See HTTPS for SEO.
- Medical structured data: MedicalClinic, Dentist or Physician types with address and hours
- Patient privacy: never publish patient information without written consent; don't collect sensitive health details in basic contact forms
- Fast, mobile-friendly pages
7. Reviews: handle with care
Respond professionally to reviews without confirming that the reviewer is a patient or discussing their treatment. Thank them, and invite them to contact the clinic directly for anything specific.
8. Multi-location clinics
Each branch needs its own Google Business Profile and its own location page. See multi-location SEO.
Get help
We help clinics and medical practices across Sri Lanka appear in local search while meeting medical content standards. See SEO for healthcare and clinics and our local SEO service.