Background
A regional dental clinic chain in Canada had strong word-of-mouth referrals but struggled to capture new patients searching online. While their website ranked for some keywords, they weren’t appearing in voice searches (Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa) or AI-powered answers (featured snippets, conversational queries).
The clinic partnered with Phoenix Media to implement Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) ensuring their business would appear as the direct answer to patient queries like “best dentist near me” or “emergency dental clinic open now.”
Challenges Identified
- Low Visibility in Voice Search The clinic didn’t show up in local “near me” voice queries.
- Missed Featured Snippets Competitors dominated “People Also Ask” and top snippet positions.
- Poor FAQ/Schema Markup Website lacked structured data for search engines to read and present answers.
- Unoptimized Content Existing blogs were generic and not conversational enough for AI-driven results.
- Lost Leads High-intent patients searching via voice ended up booking with competitors.
Phoenix Media’s Approach
1. Content Optimization for Answers
- Identified 50+ conversational queries patients were asking (e.g., “What to do if I break a tooth?”).
- Created FAQ-style content with concise, authoritative answers.
- Rewrote service pages to match natural language search patterns.
2. Structured Data & Schema Integration
- Implemented FAQ schema, LocalBusiness schema, and How-To markup to help Google identify content as “answers.”
- Optimized NAP citations (Name, Address, Phone) across directories for local SEO consistency.
3. Local Search Enhancements
- Claimed and optimized Google Business Profile with Q&A, reviews, and appointment booking integration.
- Added geo-specific landing pages for each clinic location.
4. Technical SEO Improvements
- Improved page speed (mobile-first focus).
- Added secure, mobile-friendly booking system directly accessible from snippets.
- Integrated analytics to track voice search queries and conversions.
Results (4 Months Post-Launch)
- Voice Search Visibility: Clinic ranked in the top 3 voice results for 20+ high-intent dental queries.
- Featured Snippet Wins: Secured 18 “Position Zero” results on Google (FAQs, step-by-step answers).
- Appointment Calls: Inquiries via voice-driven searches grew by 60%.
- Website Traffic: Organic traffic increased by 75%, largely from conversational queries.
- Revenue Impact: Additional $85,000+ in new patient revenue attributed to voice search leads.
Client Testimonial
“We never realized how many patients were searching for dental help through voice assistants until Phoenix Media showed us. Now we dominate those searches, and our clinics are busier than ever. Patients often tell us they found us by simply asking Google.”
Managing Partner, Dental Clinic Group
Key Takeaway
With AI-driven search and voice assistants shaping how people discover businesses, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is no longer optional it’s a growth driver. Phoenix Media helped this clinic own conversational search queries, win featured snippets, and capture high-intent leads that competitors were missing.