Going online and searching for information is now a part of most of our daily lives.
There are now over 1 billion websites worldwide. Google is still king –with 78% of market share google handles 40,000 search enquiries per minute equalling over 3.5 billion searches per day.
Here’s some more quick facts:
- 85.1% of Australians access the internet daily
- 80% of internet users look for health information online – including 44% who search for information on medical professionals or healthcare facilities (data Nov 15)
We’ve also seen the power of mobile…
Latest data from the US shows that mobile media time is higher at 51% compared to desktop searches at 42%; and 62% of smartphone owners have used their phone in the past year to look up information about a health condition.
With the power to access information so readily available, a medical website now needs to be a standard part of all doctors’ key foundation marketing pieces. It is your electronic business card and yellow pages entry that allows people to find out about you, check out details of your service, and feel confident that you are a trusted and legitimate service provider.
With all this activity, interest and competition – is just having any kind of online web presence enough?
No. Not if you want to get found. If you are going to go to the trouble of having a website then it really is worthwhile to look at elements to make sure you can be easily found in searches, stand out from the crowd, create the right impression – and most importantly make your online shopfront get you results!
Here’s some tips:
- Website look and feel
It’s one of the first things your site is judged on – by google and by internet users. Website design styles have changed dramatically over the last 2 years and what looked good then can look dated now. If you have an old website then look at refreshing it.If you’re getting a new site, make sure it feels unique, doesn’t look like a template and the design is on trend. - Make sure it’s responsive design
With 51% of searches done by smartphone, if your website isn’t responsive design – then it’s time to update. Google also had an algorithm change in 2015 that penalises non responsive design sites. So if you’ve noticed you have dropped in rankings, this is likely to be the reason. - Know what you want the site to achieve
This will vary for each individual. It might be anything from an online profile to a sophisticated e commerce site. Your strategic marketing plan will determine what your site’s purpose is. We can help you with this. - Who is your website talking to?
In the main, your medical website is talking to the general public. Make sure that you are using appropriate language that is going to properly and clearly communicate with them. Remember that they aren’t clinicians, so a good “middle ground” language needs to be found. - Keep clear of stock shots
People want to get a feel of who you are. Wherever possible use real images of yourself, your practice and your staff.Think about videos – they are an ideal relationship building tool as well as an easy way to educate and inform, and your potential patients can more quickly and easily get a feel for who you are and what you can offer them. We can help you with this too. - Up to date information
Unlike any other form of marketing material – a website is able to be updated with information changes, images uploaded and news posted. Make your website a living thing – Google will love it! - Content Management System (CMS)
Make sure you have a CMS. It allows you to update information as and when you need to without being reliant on a web designer to do it for you. - Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Without your site being built on SEO principles and an ongoing SEO program, it’s unlikely – even impossible for you to rank well in searches. Get it built right and then invest in a reputable monthly SEO program, it’s one of the best investments you will make in your marketing.
A website is one of the most powerful tools your have
A properly conceived and designed site can clearly articulate through the use of imagery, words and function the key and unique facets of your practice, and as a resource centre and informational portal it can be a valuable part of your practice “team”.
How can we help?
CJU’s specific industry knowledge and full service approach means that we will develop your unique medical website that will achieve results that fit your business needs.
Call us today to arrange to discuss your new website or for an audit of your existing website.
