Every day, people are swarming the internet to find the things they are searching for. Whether it’s a hot new toy or a rheumatologist, people are starting their searches online. The question is, are they finding you? If your practice doesn’t have a quality website, chances are they are not. And unfortunately, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to attract new patients. It is a new year and if you haven’t already, it is definitely time to update that website. Whether you are looking to fine tune your current website, or perform a complete overhaul, here are five essential ideas for updating your rheumatology website in 2019.
Contact information.
This is so simple, but so important. Prominently display contact information on every page, preferably in the top right corner and include the address in the footer of each page. Also, do a quick Google search of your rheumatology practice to make sure it is showing up in local searches. Ensure all pertinent information is correct and to up to date.
Patient forms.
Make it easy for patients to schedule appointments, register and access important forms before they arrive at your office. Implement a patient portal, which is an essential resource. The patient portal provides patients with results, medication reminders, care plans and the opportunity to review information that they may have forgotten. It is also a great vehicle for asking important questions as they occur. A patient portal puts information into the hands of your patients and encourages them to take an active role in managing their care.
News and updates.
Refreshing your site with recent blogs, news and other alerts or updates will help build an online presence. It also allows patients to feel comfortable that their doctor is engaged and up to date on current issues. Creating and posting quality content will help your practice rank higher in search engines, making it easier to find.
Services and insurance.
Don’t make visitors endlessly search your site for the important things. Clearly list what services you provide or insurances you accept. Make this information easy to access and note whether there are special arrangements available. Be sure to include information about the rheumatologists at your practice. Writing a short bio with a small photo will make current and future patients feel more comfortable and confident about who is treating them.
Link to social media.
Use your web site to drive patients to your rheumatology clinic’s Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile and even YouTube channel if you have one. It’s 2019, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to embrace social media and make it work for you and your practice. In today’s world, it is critical to have a working social media strategy, even in the medical field.
Your website can be a great tool to inform and educate your patients; use it to build a relationship that goes beyond a few visits per year. Build a better website and watch your rheumatology practice grow.
