Why do some doctors attract patients like a magnet, while others barely get noticed online? It’s not about being better—it’s about being better . And that’s where off-page SEO comes in. If you’re a medical professional hoping to grow your online presence and credibility, understanding off-page SEO isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Here’s how you can leverage it strategically and ethically to attract the right kind of patient attention—without sounding like a used-car salesperson.
Off-page SEO is everything you do your website to improve its ranking in Google’s eyes. Think of your website as your digital clinic. Off-page SEO is the reputation-building that happens beyond your four walls—what others say about you, where you show up online, and how trusted sources connect to your name.
For doctors, this can include:
Off-page SEO signals to Google that —and that trust translates into search engine credibility.
If your clinic relies on word-of-mouth, you already understand the value of reputation. Off-page SEO is the digital version of that—except it works 24/7.
And in competitive metro areas like Sydney or Melbourne, this difference can mean dozens of new patient leads per week.
Backlinks are like digital referrals. The more respected the site linking to you, the stronger the signal to Google.
: Don’t buy shady backlinks. Google’s not stupid—and your reputation is too valuable to risk.
Real patients vouching for you = social proof. And social proof is pure gold.
Encourage happy patients to leave reviews on:
You’re not asking for flattery—just honest experiences. Even one sentence makes a difference. And yes, negative reviews happen—what matters is how you respond.
: Loss aversion works here. Patients are more likely to leave a review if they’re reminded how helpful it is to .
Local SEO is a subset of off-page SEO, and it’s crucial for doctors. Make sure your practice is consistently listed across:
Mismatch your practice name or phone number across sites? You’re confusing Google—and patients. Consistency builds trust.
You don’t need to spend hours on Reddit, but answering health-related questions on platforms like:
…can boost your authority and sometimes earn natural backlinks.
No jargon, no selling. Offer advice like you would at a weekend BBQ—friendly, practical, helpful.
You might not be aiming for a 60 Minutes segment, but local exposure counts. Think local parenting blogs, community newspapers, or even your city’s “Top Doctors” list.
A media mention with a link to your website? That’s a huge credibility and SEO win.
: When local media quotes or features you, it reinforces that you’re a recognised expert—not just another option on Google Maps.
Off-page SEO should feel like reputation-building, not digital graffiti.
Off-page SEO isn’t a quick jab—it’s more like a course of antibiotics. Done right, results start to appear within 3 to 6 months, especially if paired with consistent content updates and solid on-page SEO.
But unlike paid ads, the results compound over time. One backlink from a reputable site today could still be helping your rankings a year from now.
Think of them as siblings. On-page SEO (what’s on your website) gets your house in order. Off-page SEO is how your neighbours talk about you.
Both are critical for your website to rank well. You can’t just do one and hope for the best.
A well-written service page about skin checks in Perth won’t matter if no one links to it or talks about it.
Not directly—but yes, indirectly.
Social shares don’t count as traditional backlinks, but they do increase visibility, which can lead to backlinks, mentions, and citations.
Plus, patients do check Facebook pages and Instagram profiles when deciding on a provider. It’s part of your broader trust ecosystem.
Not necessarily. You can manage the basics (reviews, listings, social media) in-house. But for high-quality backlinks or PR outreach, an expert can help.
There’s no magic number—it depends on your competition. Quality matters more than quantity. Five links from credible local sites beat 50 dodgy ones.
Start with Google Business Profile, then prioritise Healthshare, HealthEngine, and HotDoc in Australia.
Off-page SEO isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about building lasting trust and visibility beyond your website. For doctors, where reputation is everything, it’s one of the most potent digital tools available.
And if you’re curious about the bigger picture of SEO for doctors, this breakdown covers the main pillars worth focusing on. It’s not just about backlinks—it’s about building a practice patients can believe in before they ever walk through your door.