What Do People See When They Google You?

When a patient does a Google search, what pops up?  Doing research before purchasing products or using a new service is commonplace. When patients or potential patients type a doctor’s name into Google, having a strong digital presence will mean the physician is able to control what the patient sees first. Many doctors who already have an established practice often neglect the practice website or don’t utilize social media. If a site isn’t being actively maintained and updated, what pops up first in a Google search may be the competition.

How to grow your practice through social media

Often doctors that are specialist rely on primary care physicians (PCPs) or hospitals to refer new patients. The same goes for an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) expecting physicians to refer new patients. People today do a tremendous amount of research prior to seeing a doctor and referrals may not be enough to grow a practice.  Physicians with active social media channels help potential patients feel more at ease right away.

Advertising in healthcare

The best form of advertising for healthcare is in the form of education. Medical practices that regularly publish topics that are useful to the community enjoy a much better repoire with patients. Using the appropriate hashtags so people can find particular topics of interest is a great way to increase exposure. Educating the public allows a doctor to be seen as an authority in this field.

72% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal reviews from real people.  – Search Engline Land

What are the 3 things most patients check?

1. The website. People often assume if the website is out of date that the provider isn’t staying on top of medical technology either.
2. Social media channels. Potential patients look for social media channels and a physician who is active on social media will be perceived as more interested in patient care.
3. Ratings. More people turn to Google Reviews as a trusted resource for what to expect when visiting a new healthcare clinic than any other resource.

When are potential patients looking?

Often when a primary care provider has determined a patient should see a specialist, the patient is looking up that doctor while the appointment is being made. Having a mobile-responsive website in critical at this juncture.  A site should be easy to navigate from a mobile device and make a statement right away.

The difference a strong digital media presence makes

An active web presence allows a provider to take control of the image and information that is presented first.  Having strong, positive reviews on the Google My Business Knowledge Graph, accurate information on all social media channels, a robust mobile-responsive website and a frequently updated blog will result in the best digital impression possible.  Creating a strong digital web presence is not just about SEO but about working on all fronts including social media and content.  Using all the tools in the digital arsenal will assure patients learn just what a practice or facility has to offer.  This is the best way to outshine the competition.