If you’re a dietitian in private practice, you already know how important it is to get your name out there. You want to reach people who actually need what you offer—people who are searching for support with PCOS, gut health, emotional eating, you name it.
And here’s the thing: when those potential clients are looking for help, many of them are going straight to Google.
That’s where SEO (search engine optimization) comes in.
As a website designer who also offers done-for-you SEO for health professionals, I’ve seen firsthand how smart (but simple!) SEO can help dietitians get found by the right people—without needing to dance on Instagram every day or throw money at ads.
In this post, I’m walking you through what SEO actually means, how it applies to dietitians like you, and what you can start doing right now to get your website in front of the people already searching for your services.
What is SEO and why does it matter for dietitians?
SEO is the process of setting up your website in a way that helps Google understand what you do, where you do it, and who you help—so it can connect you with the people actively searching for that support.
For example, let’s say someone searches for “IBS dietitian in Chicago.” If you’re an IBS dietitian in Chicago, and your website makes that clear? Google wants to show your site near the top of the results.
It’s like matchmaking. Google’s goal is to pair people with the most relevant providers nearby—and your goal is to make sure you show up as one of those top matches.
Unlike ads or social media, which disappear once you stop posting or paying, SEO builds over time. The more you optimize your site, the stronger your online presence becomes. It’s one of the most sustainable ways to attract clients who are already looking for what you offer.
The myth that SEO is too complicated
Let’s clear this up real quick: you do not need to be a tech wizard or know how to code to improve your SEO.
Most of the dietitians I work with felt overwhelmed by the idea of SEO until they saw how doable it actually is. Once you understand the basics—and have someone to guide you through it—it’s honestly not that scary.
And if you’ve been leaning hard on social media or hoping referrals will carry you forever… I gently want to say: SEO gives you more control. It brings in people who might not follow you on Instagram, but are searching for help.
A few of my clients have doubled or even tripled their website traffic by doing things like renaming pages, optimizing their Google Business Profile, and writing helpful blog posts. It doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be intentional.
Your website’s role in SEO
If your site is slow, confusing, or doesn’t look great on mobile, Google notices—and so do your visitors. A strong foundation helps both your SEO and your user experience.
Some quick wins:
- Make sure your site is mobile-friendly (most of your visitors are on their phones!)
- Keep navigation simple and clear (no one should have to click around endlessly to figure out what you do)
- Use keywords naturally—like “PCOS dietitian in Austin” or “sports nutritionist for teens”
Your page titles, meta descriptions, and even the names of your service pages matter. Instead of “Home,” name your page something like “Sports Dietitian in Denver | [Your Name] Nutrition.”
It’s small tweaks like this that tell search engines exactly what you offer, and where.
SEO mistakes private practice dietitians often make
No shame here—these are super common, especially when you’re DIYing your site:
- Not claiming or updating your Google Business Profile (seriously, this is free visibility)
- Using generic page names like “Services” or “Work With Me” without any keywords
- Skipping out on blog posts because you think you have to write essays (spoiler: you don’t)
- Not mentioning your location anywhere (even if you’re virtual, clients often search locally first)
Just fixing one or two of these can give your site a boost.
Simple SEO strategies that bring in more clients
Let’s talk action steps.
Here are a few things you can do—without needing a full SEO overhaul:
- Figure out what people are searching for (think: “PCOS nutrition plan,” “anti-inflammatory meals,” “how to eat with endometriosis”) and use those phrases in your content
- Add location-specific phrases to your homepage and service pages (like “virtual dietitian based in Seattle” or “in-person appointments in Brooklyn”)
- Include testimonials and FAQs on your service pages—this builds trust and helps with keyword coverage
- Write blog posts that answer real client questions (“Should I take magnesium for sleep?”, “What to eat with insulin resistance?”)
- Build backlinks by being a guest on podcasts, contributing to other blogs, or collaborating with colleagues—Google sees those as votes of confidence
It doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
SEO FAQs for dietitians in private practice
How long does it take to see results?
Usually 3–6 months for meaningful improvements—but you might notice small wins (like more traffic or higher rankings) even sooner.
Should I hire someone or do it myself?
It depends on your budget, time, and how much you enjoy tinkering. I offer both done-for-you SEO and low-cost trainings if you’d rather DIY with support.
What’s the difference between SEO and Google Ads?
Google Ads = pay to show up now. SEO = build trust and visibility over time. Ads stop when you stop paying. SEO keeps working.
Ready to grow your nutrition practice with SEO?
Here’s the bottom line: SEO isn’t magic—but it is a game-changer when it comes to getting found online.
If your website isn’t bringing in new clients consistently, SEO might be the missing piece. The good news? You can start small.
- Update your service page with clearer keywords
- Add your location to your homepage
- Claim (or improve) your Google Business Profile
And if you want help? I’ve got you. You can work with me one-on-one, or check out my SEO resources.
