Is your calendar looking a little empty? What IS the secret to filling your waiting room with new patients? It’s the question that dogs every doctor.
I think you already know the answer. It’s why you’ve got a website up and running, to get the word out and attract new patients.
So why isn’t your waiting room as full as it could be? What more can you do to tweak your website to get that phone ringing? Glad you asked. While Google updates its algorithm regularly, there are a few big developments you are going to want to know about.
First Things First: Get Mobile-Friendly
Did you know every year, more and more people will use the internet on mobile devices like phones and tablets—instead of on their computers? The way your website works on mobile devices can differ drastically from the way it does on a computer screen. You want to be sure your website is ready for the mobile revolution that is happening right now. You could miss out on connecting with new patients otherwise. And just in case you don’t feel especially motivated to make sure your website is what’s called “mobile-friendly,” hear this: Google’s algorithm favors these websites.
This isn’t new, of course. Since 2013, Google has been warning that if pages on your site aren’t “mobile-friendly” people using mobile devices will no longer find them in searches on Google. Which simply means if your site isn’t “mobile-friendly” it will likely disappear from view for the 35% of people who search for it on their mobile device (phone or tablet).
This means that your online leads could decrease by a minimum of 35%. For the average practice you’re looking at a decrease in sales of $250,000. Can you afford that, a loss in revenue this year of $250,000?
Are you mobile-friendly? Talk to us today about our audiology website designs.
Next: Get Ready for Better, More Intelligent Searches
In the old days (read: last year), search engines like Google would look for certain keywords in your pages, so stuffing your site full of those keywords was the way to get noticed. Now, however, those search engines are employing more powerful programs, ones that learn and improve their understanding of language, so the public can ask real questions. They are going to be looking for real answers and that’s going to mean that the quality of your information—and your marketing copy—will matter hugely.
Are you happy with your ranking in the search results? Are you writing for people…or computers? We can help with your SEO strategy!
Mind (and Mine) Your Reputation!
“You are only as good as your reputation.” You’ve probably heard that before, but it is even more important now. Your online reputation is like a flower that needs constant care. Especially now that search results not only provide names and addresses but customer reviews as well. Luckily, those reviews can cut both ways. Bad ones can break you, but good ones can really help you stand out from the pack.
Fine-Tune That Online Advertising
Recent changes to Google Ads make the top text ads more prominent, and that’s where you’ll want to be. That means constant testing to make sure your pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns are working, your landing page looks great, and the information you provide targeted, clear, and concise.
Are your PPC campaigns working for you? Find out how to get more patients calling with PPC.
Prepare for the Future
So what can you do about these changes right away to position your practice for success going forward?
Make sure your online marketing efforts include:
- A website that is mobile-friendly.
- A direct response website and blog that speaks directly to your patients and written in words they understand. Offer useful information that your patients will be searching for.
- Strong online reviews to show up and stand out in local listings.
- PPC ad campaigns that are targeted, inviting, and concise.
Questions? Ask any marketing question you have. Talk to us today.