Your Yummy Way To the Top of Google: SEO for Nutritionists and Dietitians
Do you ever wonder why some nutritionists seem to get all the online attention while your carefully crafted content is still stuck on page five of Google? You know, that distant page no one really scrolls to unless they’re super desperate? Well, the people on top probably know all the secrets of SEO for nutritionists.
If you’re a nutritionist or dietitian looking to build your online presence, knowing how to optimize your content for search engines is the key to getting discovered by more people who are hungry for your expertise. But don’t worry, this isn’t some complicated tech talk. Today, I’ll break it down into clear and easy-to-understand SEO tips that will help your website gain more visibility and rank higher on Google.
What is SEO for nutritionists and why should you care?
Let’s start with the basics: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is like seasoning for your website. Just like a meal without the right spices can taste bland, your website without SEO is harder to find in a sea of search results.
Imagine your ideal client searching for “healthy meal plans” or “how to reduce sugar intake.” If your website isn’t optimized, it won’t show up on the first page, and we both know—people rarely go beyond that first page. Good SEO for nutritionists means that when people are searching for solutions in your niche, your website is one of the first they find.
And how to achieve that?
1. Start with keyword research
Keywords are the ingredients that make up the recipe for good SEO. They’re the words and phrases people type into Google when they’re looking for something. For nutritionists, this might be things like “plant-based diet,” “low-carb meals,” or “how to meal prep.”
Here’s how you can find the right keywords for your website:
Think like your clients: What are they Googling when they want to solve a problem? Maybe it’s “easy gluten-free recipes” or “how to boost immunity with food.”
Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to see what terms people are searching for in your field.
Long-tail keywords are your friend: Instead of just focusing on general terms like “nutrition,” think about more specific phrases, such as “meal plans for busy moms” or “best vegetables for gut health.” These keywords may have lower search volume but are more targeted, which can bring you the right kind of traffic—clients who need exactly what you offer.
2. Create mouthwatering content
Now that you’ve got your keywords, it’s time to sprinkle them throughout your website. But here’s the trick: you don’t want to overdo it. Keyword stuffing (using your keywords too much) makes your content feel forced and can actually hurt your SEO. Instead, focus on creating content that is genuinely useful. Your audience comes to you for nutrition advice, so make sure your blogs, recipes, and service pages are packed with value. Google loves well-written, informative content, and so do your clients!
Here’s a recipe for success:
Write detailed blog posts: Think about the common questions your clients ask, like “How can I make balanced meals on busy days?” or “What’s the best way to get enough protein on a vegan diet?” Answer these questions thoroughly in your blog posts.
Use your keyword naturally: Make sure the use of keyword is not forced. For example, if your keyword is “plant-based protein sources,” you can use it like this: “When clients ask me about plant-based protein sources, I always recommend foods like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa.” One of my all-time favourite copywriter advices is that you write an useful content first, and then add the keyword where it makes sense.
3. Optimize your website for Google and humans
Yes, pleasing the robots is important in SEO, but let’s not forget the most important part: people! Google wants to provide the best experience for its users, so your website needs to be easy to navigate, quick to load, and mobile-friendly.
Here are a few ways to make sure your website is appealing to Google and humans:
Use clear headings: Break up your content with headings that use keywords.
Keep it fast: Just like no one wants to wait 30 minutes for an avocado toast at brunch, no one wants to wait for your website to load. Check your site’s speed and make sure it loads quickly.
Be mobile-friendly: More people are searching on their phones these days, so make sure your website looks great and it’s user-friendly on mobile devices too.
4. Write up meta descriptions
Your meta description is the brief snippet that shows up under your link on Google. Think of it like the “elevator pitch” for your blog post or webpage. It’s your chance to convince someone to click on your link instead of another.
Here’s what you should do:
Include your keyword: This signals to Google that your page is relevant to the search.
Make it engaging: The meta description should be informative and intriguing. For example, if your blog post is about “healthy breakfast ideas,” your meta description could be: “Looking for nutritious breakfast options? Check out these 10 delicious, easy-to-make recipes that will start your day right!”
Include a CTA: a Call To Action can encourage readers to click on your website and see what you have to say.
5. Don’t forget the links
Just like you guide clients through nutrition plans, you can guide Google (and your readers) through your website by using internal links. These are links to other relevant pages or blog posts on your site. Not only do they help readers find more content, but they also signal to Google that your website is well-organized. For example, if you’ve written a blog post about “meal prepping for beginners,” you could link to another post titled “10 Healthy Recipes for Your Meal Prep.” This helps keep readers on your site longer and builds SEO value.
External links, or backlinks, are links from other reputable websites that point to your own site. When a trusted site links to your content, it signals to Google that your website is credible and valuable. As a nutritionist, you can build backlinks by collaborating with other health professionals, contributing guest posts to reputable health and wellness blogs, or even getting featured in online publications. For example, if a well-known health magazine links to your blog post about "top anti-inflammatory foods," it boosts your authority in Google’s eyes, helping your SEO for nutritionists. The more high-quality backlinks you earn, the more likely Google is to rank your site higher.
6. Content URL slug
Make sure your URL slug is clear, concise, and packed with keywords.
Example: If I am writing a blog post about vegan sources of protein,
A good URL slug would be: lavenverswriting.com/vegan-sources-of-protein
A not-so-good URL slug would be: lavenderswriting.com/blog-post-1
7. Get your website listed locally
If you run a nutrition or dietitian practice and want to attract local clients, local SEO is your best friend. This means optimizing your site so that you show up when someone searches for things like “nutritionists near me” or “dietitians in [your city].”
How to improve your local SEO:
Claim and optimize your Google Business profile: Make sure all your information is accurate, including your business name, address, phone number, and website.
Use location-specific keywords: For example, “Registered dietitian in San Francisco” or “nutritionist for weight loss in Boston.”
7. Optimize your images
Images are an essential part of any nutritionist’s website, especially when you’re showcasing beautiful, healthy dishes. But did you know that images can also help with SEO?
Here’s what you should to to optimize your images:
Use alt text: This is a description of the image that helps Google understand what it is. For example, if you post a photo of a quinoa salad, the alt text could be “high-protein quinoa salad for weight loss.”
Compress your images: Large images can slow down your site, which hurts your SEO. Use tools to reduce image file sizes without losing quality.
SEO for nutritionists and dietitians doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding how to use the right keywords, creating valuable content, and optimizing your website, you’ll be well on your way to ranking higher on Google—and helping more people discover you.
Just remember: just like in nutrition, consistency is key in SEO too. Keep applying these tips, and soon enough, you’ll see the results (and the rankings) start to climb.
Curious to learn more about SEO? Check out my SEO 101 blog post >
