SEO for Wellness Businesses: The Complete Guide to Getting Found in Competitive Markets
The Visibility Problem Most Wellness Practices Run Into
Ok so if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the >90% of businesses that get NO organic website traffic.
This statistic wild, but true. Here’s the research from the AHREFS blog.
I’m sure, like all of us - you are working hard at building your wellness business.
You’ve got a stunning website, a perfectly curated Instagram feed.
But there’s one MAJOR problem…
Where are your clients some “expert” on YouTube said you’d get if you built an awesome website?
You’re posting, you’re networking, you’re hustling, but it still feels like it’s pointless.
I’m going to be completely honest with you...
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, you’re basically invisible.
And in urban markets like Vancouver, where multiple providers offer similar services within a small area, visibility in search becomes even more important.
I know this feeling, when I started my business a few years ago I was in the same boat.
I thought if I build it THEY WILL COME. But they didn’t.
So I started Googling “What’s the best way to find clients online” and “How do I stand out in competitive markets like Vancouver” and there are quite a few ways to do it but the one thing that kept coming up time and time again was SEO.
I said to myself “What Is SEO Anyways” I guess I’m going to have to learn a little bit about it. So I did and now I’m writing this for business owners that were in the same place I was many years ago.
It’s called SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which sounds boring and technical, but I promise it’s easier than trying to figure out what the Instagram algorithm wants from us this week or spending 4-5 hours a day editing a Facebook Reel for 20 views.
So grab your coffee, and let’s break this down in the simplest way I possibly can.
Step 1: Google Needs to Know Your Wellness Practice Exists
Picture Google as your go-to friend for recommendations - the one who always knows the best places to shop, eat and do business.
If she hasn’t heard of you, she’s not recommending you to anyone. And if Google’s not recommending your business, it’s like you’re invisible to potential clients. You want Google to suggest your practice to people searching for what you offer.
Here’s are easiest first steps to get on Google’s radar:
✅ Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP) – If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know this is the FIRST and most important thing to set up and claim if you have a business. It’s FREE and it’s IMPORTANT. Did I mention it’s FREE?
If you have a local wellness business (nutrition coaching, counselling service, acupuncture clinic or any other local services) go to Google Business Profile and claim your listing. Add your business name, location, and what you do. Bonus points if you upload good quality business photos.
✅ Set Up Google Search Console & Google Analytics – These are also FREE tools that will show you how people find you online and what’s actually working. (Think of it as a GPS for your website) Growing a business online is a marathon not a sprint and you NEED the data to understand where things are working and most importantly where they AREN’T working.
✅ Check If Your Website is Even Indexed – Go to Google and type = site:yourwebsite.com If nothing shows up, Google doesn’t even know you exist.
GoFix It: Head over to Google Search Console > "URL Inspection" > enter your website and request indexing.
Step 2: Find the Right Keywords (So People Can Actually Search for You)
Now that Google knows you exist, let’s make sure people can find you when they’re searching for your services on the Google machine.
Keyword research is probably the most complex, confusing SEO topic but it’s probably the most important one.
Keyword Research Explained (In simple terms)
Imagine you own a coffee shop, and you want people to find it.
But instead of telling them where you are, you have to guess what they’re asking for when they’re looking for coffee.
Some people might search “best coffee shop near me.”
Others might type “strongest espresso in town.”
A few might even search “quiet cafés to work from.”
Keyword research is figuring out exactly what people are typing into Google (it’s kinda like human psychology) so you can make sure your website matches their search.
🔎 The problem? You might be using the wrong words.
Here’s another example that might give you some clarity about keyword research 👇
Ok, say you’re a therapist in Vancouver.
You’re proudly marketing yourself as an “Somatic Trauma Integration Specialist” (sounds fancy, right?). But your ideal client isn’t searching for that.
Instead, she’s typing things like:
➡️ “trauma therapist Vancouver”
➡️ “therapist near me”
➡️ “anxiety counselling Vancouver”
How to Find These Keywords (For Free! )
1️⃣ Use Google Autocomplete – Start typing your niche in Google, and see what it suggests. These are real searches from real people.
2️⃣ Check “People Also Ask” & Related Searches – Scroll down after a search, and see what else people are asking.
3️⃣ Use Ubersuggest (Free Tool) – Pop in your niche, and it’ll give you a list of highly searched keywords.
Helpful Tip: Go for long-tail keywords (3-5 words) because they’re less competitive and easier to rank for.
Like these:
✅ “acupuncture benefits for stress and anxiety”
✅ “How to choose the right trauma therapist in Vancouver”
Does that make sense? Think about what YOU type into Google when you are searching for something.
Step 3: Optimize (make it better) Your Website
Okay, so now you’ve got your keywords. Where do you put them?
Here’s the quick checklist:
✔ Page Titles & Headings – Your homepage, service pages, and blog titles should include your main keyword(s).
✔ Website Copy – Sprinkle them naturally throughout your content (but no stuffing!) it has to be natural.
✔ Image Names & Alt Text – Instead of uploading a file named “IMG123.jpg”, rename it “self-care-tips-for-anxiety-relief.jpg” so Google actually knows what it is.
Extra Tip: If you’re on WordPress, install Yoast SEO—it’ll literally tell you if your SEO is on point. I’m not a huge WordPress fan, but that is a topic for another day.
Step 4: Start Blogging like it’s 2001 (Even If Writing Isn’t Your Thing!)
I swear, whenever I suggest adding a blog people look at me confused like who has a blog anymore.
You should because Google LOVES updated fresh content. Honestly, it’s one of the best ways to get traffic for free.
I’m writing this blog to give you some tips, but I’m also selfish and writing it for the sweet SEO benefits.
Step 5: Get some Backlinks
Backlinks are when another website links to yours, and Google sees it as a vote of confidence. The more quality backlinks you have, the higher you rank. It’s also one of the most important ranking factors, so don’t ignore this one.
How to Get Backlinks
✔ Write guest posts for industry blogs.
✔ Get featured on podcasts (and ask them to link back to you).
✔ List your business on directories like Yelp, Alignable, and niche-specific listings.
SeriousTip: Avoid spammy backlinks (Google hates that). Quality > Quantity.
Step 6: Don’t Forget Social Media (SEO Loves It Too!)
Your Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Facebook aren’t just for branding—they really do help SEO too!
SEO-Friendly Social Media Tips:
✔ Add your website link in your bio & posts.
✔ Post shareable content that links back to your site.
✔ Use keywords in captions & hashtags to make content more searchable.
Social Media Tip: Pinterest is actually a search engine! Pinning your blog posts can drive insane traffic to your site.
It’s Time To Start Where You Are & Do One Little Thing Each Day For Steady Improvement
SEO is not quick or instant, but it IS the most important marketing strategy!
Every little small step compounds and you will thank yourself later for starting today.
No SEO effort is wasted (although if it is, you’ll be able to see the issue through your newly set up analytics!)
So, start with one thing today. It could be claiming your Google Business Profile (if you haven’t yet), updating your website title with a new important keyword or brainstorming a blog post.
Need Assistance?
If your practice is established but not generating consistent visibility from Google, a structured review can help identify what is limiting your performance and how you compare to nearby providers.
Strategic SEO Advisory
Established wellness practices operating in competitive urban markets often require structured search infrastructure to remain visible.
The Strategic SEO Advisory provides:
• search visibility diagnostic
• Google Maps positioning review
• competitive landscape insight
• a 90-day infrastructure roadmap
Private 60-minute advisory session — $750