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How to Get Your Optometry Practice Found Online: 5 SEO Tips
  • folksdigital
  • Comments 0
  • 08 Sep 2025

Running an optometry practice in Vancouver means juggling numerous patients, staff, paperwork, and other responsibilities. But there’s one challenge we keep hearing about from local clinics:

“We’re not showing up online. Patients can’t seem to find us, even though we’re right here in the community.”

Sound familiar? You’ve invested time and money into your clinic, your team is excellent, and your services are top-notch. But when someone in Vancouver searches “eye doctor near me,” your name is nowhere near the top.

We get it. Digital visibility can feel like a black hole. That’s why at Folks Digital, we’ve put together five straightforward, honest SEO strategies for Optometry that can move the needle for your optometry clinic.

Ready to stop blending in online?Let’s chat about how we can get your optometry clinic in front of the patients who need you most.

And no, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to understand these.

 

1. Know What People Are Searching For

Let’s start with something many clinics overlook. People don’t always search for “optometrist” in the way we expect. They might type:

  • “eye doctor Vancouver”
  • “kids eye exam Kitsilano”
  • “prescription glasses downtown Vancouver”

Understanding the language your potential patients use is key to appearing when they’re searching.

That’s where keyword research comes in. It helps us determine the terms real people in your area are using and tailor your website to match.

We don’t mean stuffing your homepage with the phrase “eye exam” 30 times. We mean naturally weaving in terms like:

  • optometry SEO
  • SEO services for eye clinics
  • SEO firm in Vancouver
  • SEO company in Vancouver

Want to get even more specific? Think about seasonal terms like “back-to-school eye exams” or location-specific ones like “optometrist near UBC.”

This step is all about speaking the same language as your future patients are already using.

2. Your Website Has to Do More Than Look Pretty

A clean, modern design is important, but what’s underneath the hood matters just as much.

Google considers how quickly your site loads, its mobile-friendliness, and whether visitors stay or bounce.

Here’s what we focus on with clients across Canada:

Website Element Why It Matters Our Take
Mobile-Friendliness Over 60% of users search from phones Your site needs to adjust to all screen sizes
Site Speed Slow sites drop in rankings Compress images and simplify code
Clear Calls to Action Helps guide users to book appointments “Book Now” or “Schedule Your Eye Exam” should be visible
Local Info on Every Page Reinforces your Vancouver presence Include your address, neighbourhood names, and directions

We always say: a fast, functional site builds trust, just like a well-run clinic.

3. Google Business Profile: Your Local Lifeline

When people in Vancouver search for an optometrist, Google usually shows a map with a few top choices. That’s called the local pack, and getting into it is a game changer.

The first step? Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).

Don’t stop at your clinic name and phone number. Fill in:

  • Services you offer (eye exams, contact lenses, children’s vision)
  • Specific neighbourhoods you serve (Mount Pleasant, Burnaby, West End)
  • Hours of operation, including special holiday schedules
  • Photos of your clinic interior and staff

Regularly update it and respond to reviews, even the not-so-great ones. That interaction shows Google (and patients) that you’re active and trustworthy.

We’ve seen clinics double their website traffic from local searches just by optimizing their Google Business Profile. It’s free, and it works.

4. Content that Speaks to Your Community

SEO isn’t just about technical tweaks; it’s also about connection. Your website should offer practical, local, and relevant information that your future patients are interested in.

That’s where content comes in. We’re talking blog posts, FAQs, and service pages that address real needs.

Some ideas for Vancouver optometry clinics:

  • “What to Expect During a First Eye Exam in Vancouver”
  • “Should I Book My Child’s Back-to-School Vision Test?”
  • “Do I Need Blue Light Glasses for My Work-From-Home Setup?”
  • “How Often Should Seniors Get Their Eyes Checked in BC?”

This kind of content does three things:

  1. Builds trust with your community
  2. Helps your site rank for more keywords
  3. Shows that you’re active and informed

And remember, Google notices when people spend time reading your content. That can boost your rankings, too.

This is precisely what we help clinics do with our SEO services: craft content that educates, connects, and converts.

5. Backlinks: Why Other Sites Need to Talk About You

Here’s a piece of the puzzle many clinics miss: backlinks.

A backlink is when another website links to yours. Google sees that as a vote of confidence. If reputable local websites are pointing to your clinic, Google thinks, “Hey, this place must be legit.”

You don’t need thousands. A few solid, relevant links can make a big difference. Here’s where to start:

  • Get listed in reputable Canadian business directories
  • Partner with local health blogs or parenting sites for guest posts
  • Ask other local businesses (pharmacies, wellness clinics) to link to you if you collaborate
  • Sponsor a Vancouver event or community group that mentions you online

Backlinks are one of the most valuable parts of any SEO service. And it’s something we actively pursue for every clinic we work with.

Pulling it All Together

Let’s recap what we’ve covered:

  1. Use real keywords people search for, not just what you think they search for
  2. Improve your website’s technical foundation, speed, mobile design, and clear info
  3. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile; this one’s not optional
  4. Create helpful, relevant content for Vancouver patients, and keep it fresh
  5. Earn backlinks from local sources, quality beats quantity

It’s not about tricking search engines. It’s about showing Google and your future patients that you run a trustworthy, professional, and helpful clinic that’s part of the local community.

What Comes Next?

SEO doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it all at once. However, starting with even one or two of these strategies can lead to real results, including increased website traffic, more calls, and ultimately, more patients walking through your doors.

At Folks Digital, we work with clinics just like yours across Canada. Whether you’re in the heart of downtown Vancouver or serving families in East Van, we know how to connect you with your local audience.

And we don’t believe in cookie-cutter plans. Every clinic is different.

If you’re tired of not being found online, let’s talk. We’ll help you gain the visibility your optometry practice deserves, so more

people can benefit from the care you provide.

Ready to be seen? Let’s ensure your clinic is easily found.

FAQ’s

Can I do SEO on my own, or do I need an SEO firm in Canada?

While some basics can be handled in-house, such as writing local content or managing your Google Business Profile, partnering with an experienced SEO company in Canada ensures your clinic receives a comprehensive strategy that encompasses technical SEO, backlinks, and in-depth keyword targeting.

How do SEO services help increase patient bookings?

Strong SEO improves your visibility in local search results, making it easier for people in Vancouver to find your services. With the right keywords and website structure, your site will attract qualified traffic, meaning more calls, more appointments, and fewer empty slots on your calendar.

How long does it take to see results from SEO for optometrists?

Results can vary, but most optometry clinics start seeing improvements within 3 to 6 months. SEO is a long-term strategy, and consistency is key. At Folks Digital, we track performance month-over-month to keep your growth on track.

What is optometry SEO, and why does my clinic in Vancouver need it?

Optometry SEO is the process of enhancing your clinic’s visibility on search engines, such as Google. In a competitive city like Vancouver, it helps your practice show up when locals search for services like eye exams or glasses. The better your SEO, the easier it is for new patients to find and choose your clinic.

What makes Folks Digital different from other SEO firms in Canada?

We specialize in local, clinic-focused SEO. Unlike general agencies, our approach is built for Canadian healthcare businesses. We understand how people search for optometrists in Vancouver, and we use that insight to deliver real, measurable growth for your practice.

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