The Google local search results design has changed yet again. Instead of showing the top 7 or so results for a query, users are now shown only the top 3.

While various reasons are floating around online as to why this has been done, Google maintains, "We are constantly exploring the best way to bring a better search experience to our users. This update provides people with more relevant information, including photos, reviews and prices, for searches that have multiple results for a given location."

While you may be disheartened, think SEO is a lost cause, that the only way to go now is paid advertising, think again. While paid advertising may be a great additional marketing tool, there are still reasons to put effort into your SEO. In fact, top search experts are saying this latest could just make SEO even more imperative!

Practices Wanting to Compete for the Limelight Must

1. Claim your Google local page. Find out the status of yours by going to this Google Local Resource. 
2. Add as much detail as you can to the Google Local page, really flesh it out. Choose your categories well, add photos, update hours, add service area, forms of payment accepted, anything that can make you stand out from the crowd.
3. Begin asking patients to rate you online. Reviews are one of the best ways to capture attention. Notice how the eye is drawn to the entry with stars in the new 3-pack in the above right example.
4. Don't forget about your website. While the tips above will help, search engines want to know you're taking care of your website and keeping it relevant for visitors. If you haven't begun a blog yet, do. Posting a few paragraphs a couple times a month is a great way to keep your site fresh. Just think like a patient; what would someone be interested in knowing about?  Also, make pages for your specialties, update content when you get new technology, etc.