1. Make your medical website easy to load and navigate
You get only a split second to make a first impression. If your website is taking too long to load, users may abandon their search. Also, your website must be formatted for mobile phones, as many are searching online from a variety of devices. Make your layout easy to navigate right from the start. Your SEO should not compromise the useability of your site. Be sure to prioritize helpful content to make it easy to find.
2. Eye-catching images and videos
Top websites use images and videos to grab a visitor’s attention. Consider hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of your office and staff to make your website more personal. A high-quality video can communicate your approach in a very direct way. It can explain what your practice provides and help the visitor feel more comfortable with you as their potential healthcare provider. Putting the extra effort into creating and posting a short video on your site will save your users precious time reading and navigating your website.
3. Share valuable content
Cookie-cutter content will not give patients the feeling that you are aware of and care about their needs. Set a tone for your visitors and have it be a reflection of your practice, and in particular, what sets you apart. Valuable content can be on your pages and blog articles. You also want to ensure your website is accessible. When adding and sharing content to your healthcare website, writing for accessibility will benefit not just those that may have a disability but everyone.
4. Make it easy to engage
You don’t want to lose someone just because they don’t know where to find you. Be sure to list a phone number, address, and an interactive map to make it clear to visitors where you are located. Make it clear what the name of your practice is, where you are located, and how they can find you. Consider adding a HIPAA-compliant appointment request form right on your website.
5. Stay relevant
When your website looks and feels outdated, it’s hard to remain relevant. Plus, no one likes to read outdated or stale content. Failing to revise and freshen up your content is one of the top mistakes to avoid. Be sure you are updating your web pages and making content timely and engaging. You can also consider linking your social media sites so viewers can see what you are talking about now, and they can connect with you in the future. Your webpage is the start of a long-term relationship. Staying relevant is a good way to foster that relationship in the future.
6. Exhibit expertise and trust
Show visitors that you are the real deal. This may include posting reviews, feedback, or linking medical review websites. If you are an expert in your field, be sure to make it clear what you have that sets you apart. If you have advanced technology that is unique to your specialty, share it in a way that fosters trust. If your physicians have additional training, explain to readers why this matters. Be sure your website reflects trust.
7. Separate pages for easier navigation
Make sure when designing your website that you keep your audience in mind. If your practice has several locations, split up your pages based on location. If you offer different treatments, create a page for each treatment offered. If you have several providers, consider breaking up provider pages so users can easily find the doctor that their friend recommended. Anticipate the needs of your viewers and organize your website accordingly.
Use these tips to improve your medical website and help attract and engage potential patients online.