WEO Media
Presents
WEO media recording the Marketing Matters podcast

Organic Search Listings Above The Local Block


Posted on 5/16/2016
Google Search is constantly changing, that is something that every SEO practitioner knows. Recently we have seen a shake up in the most coveted spot in search; the top of the page. Today we witnessed a new development: #1 organic result above the local listings.

As recently as February, Google increased the number of ads it shows on the top of the page (above the fold) in search results from three to four. They have also recently decreased the number of Google Maps (Local) listings in the Local Block from seven to three.

What is the Local Block?

WEO Media is a dental marketing agency, so we are concerned with SEO for local dentists. As such, the local block (the map listings) often dominates the top of the fold for keywords that we target.

Traditionally, the local block has three local business listings in a box with a map which appears above the traditional organic search results.

Today, we witnessed for the first time, a single organic result shown above the local block.

Search listing above the local block

Is It Better for an Organic Result to be listed above the Local Block?

So the question is: is this a good thing? Well in my opinion, it is too early to say. Google is obviously in the testing phase for this page one change. Google is probably testing to see if the click-through-rates (CTR) for the #1 spot increase or decrease. More importantly for Google, whether the CTR for search advertising increases or decreases.

Unfortunately, Google has trained people to scroll past ads and the local block for the more trusted organic search results. So I wouldn’t be surprised if organic results between search ads and the local block get completely overlooked by searchers in many cases.

How to rank above the Local Block

Again, it’s too early to say whether the #1 spot will be reliably listed above the Local Block. Even we haven’t been able to replicate it on a majority of the keywords that we try to get our dental clients ranked for.

However, SEO best practices always apply. If you focus on making your code, meta tags, headings, and web design search engine friendly, you put yourself in a good position when these types of changes occur.

Marketing Services for Dentists & Dental Specialists


As leaders in our industry, we here at WEO Media can help you and your team navigate the intricate complexities surrounding today's dental marketing.


A computer with rocket launching

Dental Websites


Your dental website is the first impression your potential patients have of your practice, make sure that impression is the one you want to make.

A magnifying glass inspecting results from SEO

Dental SEO


When your business is at the top of Google’s search results, you should see a significant increase in website traffic.

A magnifying glass inspecting results from PPC

Dental PPC


Pay per click ads typically pop up at the top of search engine results pages and are an effective tool if you want to drive more traffic to your website.


Sales pipeline with a graph showing increasing result

Patient Pipeline


Optimize marketing efforts, increase practice revenue, and get higher returns on your investments.

Online reviews with 5 star ratings

Reputation Management


Drive patient reviews to the most important online review sites for dentists: Google, Facebook, and Healthgrades.

Multiple social media channels with play button

Social Media


We will work with you to implement strategies designed to grow your followers, and ultimately grow your practice.



Along with the basics, we also offer a wide-variety of additional marketing services. Some of these services include:
• 

Credit Card Processing:

We have partnered with an online credit card processing company to help your patients pay through your website. Our partnership also helps you save money with lower rates and transaction fees.
• 

Dental Practice Photography:

Custom photography can help potential patients feel connected to your practice before their first appointment. If you need an experienced photographer to update your online photos, our team is here to help!
• 

Patient Education Videos:

What's the best way to make sure a patient follows through on treatment recommendations? Make sure they have the information they need to understand the benefits of dental treatments offered by your practice.
• 

Direct Mail Campaigns:

Believe it or not, direct mail campaigns are still a powerful promotional tool, especially for people that have just moved to your area. If you want to target this demographic, we can design a custom campaign tailored to your office and brand.
• 

Email Based Newsletter for Patients:

An electronic newsletter is one of the best ways to stay in touch with your current patients. We want to avoid the old adage, “out of sight, out of mind.” Staying visible with a newsletter can lead to more scheduled appointments and better patient loyalty.
• 

Email Hosting:

We offer email hosting to ensure your business email matches your website domain. A matching domain and email address is much more professional that using Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail.
• 

Facebook Ads:

Due to Facebook’s popularity, paid ads can be a fruitful way to generate new patients leads. Facebook ads are also unique in that they allow us to target your key demographic (with laser focus) based on age, gender, geographic location, relationship status, “likes,” education, job title, and other aspects.
• 

Logo, Design, and Branding Services:

Your logo and brand may be more important than you think. Talk with our design team to learn more about your possible options, whether you need a new logo or want to update an existing one.
• 

Online Bill Pay:

Much like our credit card processing, online bill pay makes it easier for your patients to pay for their treatments, especially if they need a payment program. We use the latest software and security measures to ensure a seamless billing process.
• 

Patient Forms (Fillable PDF):

A fillable PDF makes it easier for your patient to complete their paperwork before their first visit. This reduces your set-up time, allowing you to see more patients throughout the day.
• 

Patient Forms (Secure Online):

Secure online forms cut paperwork out altogether, meaning your staff will not have to waste time transferring the data to your computer system. It is also a more environmentally-friendly option, a nice selling point for patients that want to keep it green!

We Provide Real Results

WEO Media helps dentists across the country acquire new patients, reactivate past patients, and better communicate with existing patients. Our approach is unique in the dental industry. We work with you to understand the specific needs, goals, and budget of your practice and create a proposal that is specific to your unique situation.


+400%

Increase in website traffic.

+500%

Increase in phone calls.

$125

Patient acquisition cost.

20-30

New patients per month from SEO & PPC.




Schedule a consultation that works for you


Are you ready to grow your practice? Talk to one of our Senior Marketing Consultants to see how your online presence stacks up. No strings attached. Just a free consultation from experts in the industry.

Let's Get Started



Why Choose WEO?


Not your Average Dental Marketing Agency


WEO Media specializes in dental marketing for dentists across the country, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored specifically for you.


We have helped dental practices across the country enhance their online presence, attract new patients, and increase patient retention. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the dental industry. Our expertise in SEO, website design, and content marketing ensures that your practice is easily found online.

Ensure your practice remains competitive in an ever-evolving landscape, our commitment to innovation means your marketing efforts will always be cutting-edge.


At WEO we take the time to understand your practice's specific goals and tailor our marketing strategies to meet your needs. Whether you need a new website, social media management, reputation management, or pay-per-click advertising, WEO Media provides customized solutions that fit your needs and budget.
Copyright © 2023-2025 WEO Media and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
WEO Media, 125 S. 1st Ave, P.O. Box 249, Hillsboro, OR 97123 \ 888-788-4670 \ weomedia.com \ 4/26/2025 \ Associated Words: Dental Marketing \