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Making it easier for patients to find the information they need.

04.09.23
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Why we should be optimising content to target Google SERP features (Google Search Engine Results Page).

As more patients turn to the internet for information about their health, search engines like Google have become a primary source of health information. However, patients don't always know how to sift through the overwhelming amount of information available on the web. 

Luckily, Google has implemented several search engine results page (SERP) features to make it easier for patients to find the information they need. In this article, we will explore the latest research findings on how patients use Google SERP features to find information about their symptoms.


Patients frequently use Google SERP features, such as knowledge panels and featured snippets, to find information about their symptoms.

A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research investigated how patients use Google SERP features when searching for health information. The study found that patients frequently use Google SERP features, such as knowledge panels and featured snippets, to find information about their symptoms. Patients tend to trust Google SERP features as a source of health information. 

Another study published in the Journal of Health Communication explored how patients use Google to search for information about their symptoms and how the search results influence their decision-making.

The study found that patients often use Google to search for information about their symptoms, and they pay close attention to the search results that appear at the top of the page. Patients prioritize information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand, and they are more likely to trust information that is provided by a reputable source. 

So, what does this mean for us? It's crucial to ensure that information is optimised for Google SERP features, such as knowledge panels and featured snippets, and that the information is easy to understand and trustworthy. By providing accurate, reliable information, online resources such as patient disease information websites can establish themselves as a reputable source of health information for patients.


Tips on how to optimise content for Google SERP features:

  • Focus on Providing Clear and Concise Answers

SERP features are designed to provide quick and easy answers to users' queries. To optimize your content for featured snippets and other SERP features, it's important to provide clear and concise answers to users' questions. Use bullet points, tables, and other formatting options to make your content easy to read and scan.

  • Optimize Your Headlines and Meta Descriptions

Headlines and meta descriptions are crucial for attracting clicks and getting your content featured on SERP features. Make sure your headlines and meta descriptions are descriptive, engaging, and accurately reflect the content on the page. Include relevant keywords and use action-oriented language to encourage users to click through to your website.

  • Use Structured Data Markup

Structured data markup is a way of providing additional information to search engines about the content on your website. By using structured data markup, you can make it easier for search engines to understand the context of your content and increase the chances of your content appearing in SERP features.

  • Aim for High-Quality and Relevant Content

Finally, it's important to remember that high-quality and relevant content is essential for optimizing for SERP features. Google's algorithms are designed to prioritize content that is useful, informative, and engaging for users. Make sure your content is well-researched, accurate, and provides unique insights or perspectives on the topics you cover.

In conclusion, optimizing content for Google SERP features requires a combination of technical know-how, strategic thinking, and high-quality content creation.

To find out more about how you can use SERP features to optimise your content for patient searches, contact Rob Wyer at swii.ch health (r.wyer@swii.ch)


References:

  1. Sieck, C. J., Kapp, J. M., & Lai, C. J. (2021). Patient Use of Google for Symptom Search: A Relationship-Building Opportunity for New Primary Care Patients? Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(5), e27160. https://doi.org/10.2196/27160
  2. Ruppel, E. K., Rains, S. A., & Tivis, R. D. (2020). From Google to the Clinic: Patients' Use of Online Health Information and Its Impact on Their Decision-Making Capacity. Journal of Health Communication, 25(3), 194-203. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2019.1708007
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