When someone has a toothache in Marbella, they don't open the phone book: they type "dentist in Marbella" into Google and call the first one that inspires confidence. If your clinic doesn't show up on that map with good reviews, that patient goes to the one next door. Here we explain what local SEO is, why it decides your clinic's future and how much it costs to do it well.
What local SEO is and why it matters to your clinic
Local SEO isn't "showing up on Google" in general: it's optimising your Google Maps listing so you appear on the map and in the local pack when someone searches for a dentist in your area.
- Patients search nearby and urgently. Almost no one drives 30 km for a cleaning; proximity decides everything.
- The map is the first thing they see. On mobile, the local pack with the top three listings appears before the regular results.
- Reviews decide between two equally close clinics. The patient compares rating and number of reviews before calling.
- Without a listing, you don't exist. If your clinic has no verified Google Maps listing, it's like not being in the directory.
Your Google Maps listing: the foundation of everything
The listing is your shop window on Google. If it's incomplete or badly done, you're handing patients to the competition.
- The right category. It should be "Dental clinic" or "Dentist", not something generic. It's what tells Google what you are.
- Real photos of the clinic. The reception, the treatment rooms, the team. Patients want to see where they'll sit.
- Updated opening hours. Nothing puts people off more than arriving to find it closed with the wrong hours listed.
- Attributes that set you apart. Emergencies, financing, parking, accessibility... anything that could decide a call.
- Correct phone and website. Make sure the call button works and goes to your real number.
Reviews: what decides a patient between two clinics
Between two clinics at the same distance, the one with more reviews and a better rating wins. It's that simple.
- The average rating matters. A clinic with 4.8 and 200 reviews conveys far more trust than one with 3.9 and 15.
- Ask at the right moment. When a treatment ends and the patient is happy, not a week later.
- Reply to all of them, good and bad. A professional response to a bad review also sells.
- Recent reviews count more. Google values activity: a review from yesterday weighs more than one from three years ago.
What you can do to appear higher (without promising miracles)
No one can guarantee you the top spot, and be wary of anyone who does. But there is work that steadily improves your visibility:
- A complete, active listing. Publish photos, offers and news regularly.
- Consistent reviews. A steady stream of real reviews beats a one-off spike.
- Consistency across the web. Your name, address and phone must match on your website, in directories and on the listing.
- Content that answers real questions. An article about "dental implants in Marbella" positions you as a reference.
How much local SEO costs for a clinic in Marbella
At Solaris, local SEO starts from €150/month + VAT, no lock-in. Here's what it includes:
Pack Local
150€ /mes + IVA
- Ficha de Google Maps optimizada
- Categoría, fotos y horario
- Informe mensual
SEO Local Premium
250€ /mes + IVA
- Everything in the Local Pack
- 4 local SEO articles per month on your website
Need more? We have a bespoke plan for multi-location, authority and reputation.
Do the maths: a single new patient a month (a cleaning and a check-up) already covers the plan. The rest is profit.
Why Solaris for your dental clinic
There are plenty of agencies in Marbella. We work differently:
- Specialists in local businesses on the Costa del Sol. We already work with clinics and businesses in the area; we understand your patients.
- Google Maps only. We focus on what really brings you patients: your listing, your reviews and the map.
- Affordable price and real results. €150/month, no lock-in and no surprises.
- We help you with reviews. We don't just set things up: we give you the system to ask for and manage them.