When a patient types your name into a search engine, are you there? One of the easiest and most effective ways to build and/or grow your practice is to ensure you have a strong online presence. If a patient enters your name into a search engine and nothing comes up, you are falling behind and missing out on opportunities to bring new patients into your practice. An even worse situation is if a patient or potential patient searches your practice and receives false or negative information. One of the easiest and most effective ways to benefit your practice is to create a strong and accurate online presence, or what we like to call your "webutation.” Here is our checklist for making your online presence known:
1. Do you have an updated website? Your website should act as a hub of information for your practice. You can provide links to other sites, provide educational sources and information, and include any press releases to improve credibility. If your website seems outdated, so will your practice.
2.Are you listed in online directories? Ensuring your visibility in online directories provides easy links to your practice website, phone number, and other information.
3. Are you active on review sites? With a plethora of patient review sites across the web, you’ll want to stay aware of what is being said about your practice. Being present means you can respond to patient feedback and join the conversation to make certain your practice is being represented positively and accurately.
4.Are you active with social media? Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are a great way for you to engage with your patient base regularly. Patients can easily find practice news and other pertinent information by simply searching for your social media profile. Furthermore, new applications even allow patients the convenience of booking appointments through their Facebook accounts.
5. Do you have a blog? Regular blogging is another great outlet for you to communicate with patients. You can comment on new services, new trends, case studies, and more. The point is your voice is being heard! This is your platform to say what you please.
6.Do you have video testimonials? Many successful practices are now posting video testimonials to sites like YouTube. These virtual patient surveys are an ideal way for potential patients to see the great work you are doing.
The key here is to make certain current and potential patients can easily find you online. By checking these items off your list, you guarantee that a patient’s search for your office is not only successful, but also accurate.
