SEO Pro Tip: Event link building

Whether you’re running an event or participating on behalf of your practice, there are many ways you can use that event to boost your search engine optimization. Browse through our suggestions for marketing and link-building tips to help you get the most out of your next event.

Our team and family members at a recent Optio Publishing event.

Run your own dental-themed event

Running your own dentistry-themed event is by far the most fruitful way of giving your SEO a boost. Some practices hold the same themed event every year, like Halloween Candy Buy Backs and Tooth Fairy days. You may also host your own free dental care day or an open house. Whatever your event, there are plenty of ways you can get patients and potential patients into your practice and improve your online profile at the same time.

Before the event:

• Add your event to national sites: Many national event websites let you promote your event for free. Some, like EventBrite, will even allow you to sell tickets on their site. Make sure to post in as many places as possible. That way, if anyone in your community is looking for something to do on that date, they will find your event.
• Add your event to local sites: You’ll also want to think locally. Local newspapers and classified sites often have events sections. Make sure to submit your event to as many local sources as possible. Plus, your patients probably read these local websites, and it’s always good to remind them about your practice.

During the event:

• Take photos: Be your own paparazzi and snap as many photos of your branding and your team as possible. Make sure to get photo release forms signed so you can use these photos in future promotions.
• Record yourself: If you’re giving a presentation, arrange for someone to film you.
• Network: Make connections with participants and ask them to share event information wherever appropriate. If a local reporter shows up, ask them what you can do to help them write an article about the event.

After the event:

• Say thank you: Reach out to the local businesses and organizations that participated in your event to say thanks. From the catering company to the event location, these are all great local link possibilities. You can offer a testimonial for their website or simply shout out to them on social media to encourage them to share more about your practice.
• Upload presentation slides: Presentation slides can be uploaded to a number of slide share websites. Make sure your bio or the description has a link back to your website and social media sites.
• Share videos: Upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo and other video-sharing sites. Add your link into the description or your bio so that people can find you easily.

Participating in an event

If you’re fundraising, sponsoring or attending an event in an official capacity, there are plenty of opportunities for links.

Before the event:

• Reach out: Contact the event organizer to find out how you can work together to promote your practice. Look for a recognized sponsor or vendor page on their website and make sure your name and website address appear there. Ask them to share your practice on their social media accounts with either a thank you or a message about your event participation.
• Show off your cause: If you’re fundraising for a worthy cause, make sure to link to your website on your fundraising page. Often these pages stay up long after the event is over and can provide extra benefit to your practice.
• Contact the press: Contact local media to let them know about the event and that you’d be happy to provide a quote for them as a participant. Offer to get them in contact with the organizers.
• Get social: Let everyone know you’re going to attend on your social media accounts and make sure to tag the event or event organizers.

During the event:

• Snap a selfie: Take lots of photos of your team and any branding you have along with you. Remember to get photo release forms signed from anyone on camera.
• Film your event: Take a quick video of your participation in the event to share on social media and on your YouTube channel.

After the event:

• Share photos: Share the photos you’ve taken with the event organizers – make sure to give them permission to share the photos on their social media site and on their website. Encourage them to link back to your practice.
• Upload videos: Upload your video to video sharing sites like YouTube and include a link back to your practice in the description of your video.

Do you have any event tips for your fellow dental professionals? Share them in the comments below.