Why That Other Dentist Outranks You (And How to Change It)

It's frustrating to search for dentists in your city and see a competitor sitting in the spot you want. Maybe they're newer than you. Maybe they're not even that good. But there they are, capturing patients while you're stuck below them. The good news is that rankings aren't permanent—with the right approach, you can overtake them.

Step 1: Understand Why They Rank Higher

Before you can fix the problem, you need to diagnose it. Pull up your competitor's Google Business Profile and compare it to yours across these factors:

In most cases, one of three factors explains the ranking difference:

1. They have more reviews (most common) — see how to close this gap
2. Their profile is more complete and active
3. They're closer to the searcher's location (harder to fix)

Step 2: Close the Review Gap

If reviews are the issue (and they usually are), here's your action plan:

Calculate the Gap

Determine exactly how many reviews you need:

• Competitor reviews: [X]
• Your reviews: [Y]
• Gap: [X - Y]
• Buffer (20%): [Gap × 1.2] = Your target

Build a Review System

Consistent review collection requires a system:

• Identify the ask moment: Right after a positive patient interaction
• Make it easy: Direct link or QR code to your review page
• Train your team: Everyone should know when and how to ask
• Follow up: Send a text or email reminder same day

Set Monthly Targets

Break your gap into achievable monthly goals:

Step 3: Out-Optimize Their Profile

Even while building reviews, you can gain ground through better profile optimization:

Complete Everything They Haven't

• Add more detailed service descriptions
• Upload more (and better) photos
• Fill out all attributes
• Write a compelling business description
• Set up products/services with prices

Be More Active

• Post weekly updates (they likely don't)
• Respond to every review within 24 hours
• Add new photos monthly
• Update your services seasonally
• Answer all questions in the Q&A section

Step 4: Strengthen Your Website

Your website authority affects your Maps ranking. Compare your site to theirs:

• Mobile experience: Is your site mobile-friendly?
• Page speed: Does it load in under 3 seconds?
• Local content: Do you have location-specific pages?
• Service pages: Individual pages for each major service?
• NAP consistency: Does your site NAP match your GBP exactly?

Step 5: Build Local Authority

Activities that build local prominence (the “P” in Google's ranking factors):

• Citations: Get listed on healthcare directories, local directories, and dental-specific sites
• Local links: Sponsor local events, join the chamber of commerce
• PR: Get mentioned in local news or community websites
• Social proof: Active social media presence with local engagement

The Timeline: When Will You Outrank Them?

Be realistic about timelines:

• Small gap (within 10 reviews): 2-3 months with consistent effort
• Medium gap (10-30 reviews): 4-6 months
• Large gap (30+ reviews): 6-12 months

Remember: they're not standing still. Your pace needs to exceed theirs.

What If It's a Location Issue?

Sometimes a competitor ranks higher simply because they're physically closer to where most searches originate. This is harder to overcome, but not impossible:

• You'll rank higher for searches closer to your location
• Superior reviews and profile can overcome moderate distance disadvantages
• Consider service area settings to expand your reach
• Focus on keywords where location matters less (specific services)

Your Action Plan This Week

1. Document your competitor's current reviews, rating, and profile completeness
2. Calculate the review gap and set a monthly target
3. Create a review request system (link, process, follow-up)
4. Complete any missing sections of your profile
5. Schedule weekly posts and review responses
6. Set up monthly tracking to measure progress