How to perform keyword research for doctors

In a world where most patients turn to Google before visiting a doctor, your online presence can’t be an afterthought. Whether you’re a general physician, dentist, dermatologist, or orthopedic specialist, showing up in search results is critical—and it all starts with keyword research.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how doctors can do keyword research to attract the right patients, rank higher in search engines, and grow their practice online.

What Is Keyword Research?

Keyword research is the process of finding the exact phrases and questions people type into search engines when looking for medical information, symptoms, or healthcare services. For doctors, keyword research helps create targeted content that meets patient needs—and ranks well on Google.

Why Doctors Need Keyword Research

  • Attract Local Patients: Show up when someone searches “dermatologist near me” or “best dentist in [city].”

  • Boost SEO Rankings: Targeting the right keywords improves your chances of ranking on page 1 of Google.

  • Answer Patient Questions: Create blogs, FAQs, or service pages that answer real concerns like “how to treat sinus infection at home.”

  • Increase Appointments: More visibility = more clicks = more patients.

Step-by-Step: How Doctors Can Perform Keyword Research

1. Start with Broad Service Terms

Think about the services you offer and write down basic terms, like:

  • Skin treatment

  • Dental cleaning

  • Child vaccination

  • Back pain relief

These become your seed keywords.

2. Use Google’s Suggestions and “People Also Ask”

Go to Google, type in a seed keyword like “back pain,” and look at:

  • Autocomplete suggestions (e.g., “back pain causes,” “back pain when sleeping”)

  • “People Also Ask” questions

  • Related searches at the bottom of the page

These are real searches by real patients.

3. Use Free Keyword Tools

Try these tools to discover search volume and keyword variations:

  • Google Keyword Planner (requires a Google Ads account)

  • Ubersuggest (by Neil Patel)

  • AnswerThePublic (great for question-based keywords)

  • KeywordTool.io

Look for:

  • High search volume

  • Low to medium competition

  • Local keywords (e.g., “ENT specialist in JP Nagar”)

4. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

Instead of generic terms like “dentist,” use specific long-tail keywords like:

  • “best dentist for root canal in Bangalore”

  • “child-friendly dental clinic near me”

These keywords are more specific, less competitive, and more likely to convert.

5. Think Like a Patient

Doctors may think in terms like “hypertension” or “dermatitis.” But patients often search for:

  • “high blood pressure treatment”

  • “itchy red rash on hands”

Use layman’s language to match patient searches more effectively.

6. Group Keywords by Intent

Organize your keywords by purpose:

  • Service Pages: “pediatric clinic in Whitefield”

  • Blog Topics: “home remedies for sore throat”

  • FAQs: “How often should I get a dental check-up?”

This makes it easier to create structured content that aligns with search intent.

Example Keywords by Specialization

General Physician

  • “fever and cold home remedies”

  • “best general doctor near me”

 Dentist

  • “toothache relief at night”

  • “cost of dental implants in [city]”

 Dermatologist

  • “how to get rid of acne scars”

  • “eczema treatment near [location]”

 Orthopedic

  • “knee pain when climbing stairs”

  • “orthopedic doctor for frozen shoulder”

Pro Tips for Doctors Doing Keyword Research
  • Include your city or neighborhood in keywords for local SEO

  •  Check what your competitors are ranking for

  •  Update your keywords regularly based on trends and new services

  •  Use keywords naturally—don’t overstuff them

Final Thoughts

Keyword research isn’t just for marketers—it’s a powerful tool for doctors who want to grow their practice in today’s digital world. By identifying what your patients are actually searching for, you can create helpful content that earns trust, ranks well, and drives appointments.

Let's make your Business grow better together

Connect with Marketing Expert Today
FILL THE FORM & LET OUR EXPERT SPEAK TO YOU
GET A FREE CONSULTATION NOW
Take the first step towards better patient engagement and hospital growth.
Unlock Your Hospital’s Digital Potential with BusinExperts!
Trusted by 20+ healthcare institutions.
Let’s Connect on WhatsApp!