Once upon a time, it was enough for providers to announce their presence in a community, whether through newspaper advertisements, signage, or simple word of mouth, and the patients would come. In the early days of the internet, attracting new patients proved to be only a little more difficult, as providers needed only to create a website. However, in today’s competitive landscape, with telemedicine services widely available and consumers more informed than ever before, providers must convey their experience, credibility, integrity, reputation, and professionalism all at once and typically through a single webpage. Failure to do so could mean the difference between attracting new patients and scaring them away.
People turn to the internet first for health information
Today’s providers need to serve as information resources not only for their current patients but for prospective patients as well. While patient education can require a significant time investment on your part, it is well worth the effort. There is considerable value in being a go-to resource for health information, as a few key stats show:
- Health information is among the frequently searched topics on the internet
- 80% of people turn to the internet first for health information
- 36% of survey respondents said they use the internet to find out information about medical facilities and hospitals, while 44% turn to the web for info on doctors, dentists, and other health care providers
The bottom line is, the internet is the go-to source for information regarding both health and providers. As such, it is important that you take measures to become an online resource for individuals in need of your knowledge and expertise.
Medical education can improve the online patient experience
There are several ways you can establish yourself as a valuable resource for existing and prospective patients alike, many of which have also been proven to increase medical practice loyalty. Here are the top three.
1. Blog regularly
Blogging is one of the best ways to connect with patients online and earn their trust, loyalty, and respect. 77% of internet users read blogs to gain information about or from a company or brand. Blogging allows you to showcase your expertise, garner interest in your services, and engage target audiences without explicitly selling your health care services.
2. Be transparent
Part of what makes content successful online is its usefulness, and health information is only useful if readers can understand it. When creating content for patient education, use everyday language that is simple for readers to understand. If your area of practice is characterized by complex terms and procedures, include a glossary of terms on your website to which visitors can refer. Be transparent in all forms of communication to earn patients’ trust and respect.
3. Encourage social follows
Approximately 40% of consumers over the age of 18 turn to social media for health information. If you are not on social media, it is time to join. If you are, encourage your patients to follow your practice for up-to-date information about your practice and field, and employ proven strategies for improving audience engagement on social platforms.
Attract more patients online
At Doctor Genius, we are number one in patient acquisition and retention. Take the first step toward attracting new patients. Call 1-877-477-2311 to set up a consultation today.
Doctor Genius, located at 16800 Aston Street, Suite 270, Irvine, CA 92606, provides a range of services for practice success. We seek to meet our clients’ needs by providing a variety of marketing, SEO, practice optimization tools, and coaching to transform the healthcare experience. Though we work to provide the most accurate information, the content found on this website is solely intended for entertainment purposes. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the information provided is entirely correct. You may not use the information on this site to cure, prevent, or diagnose a perceived medical issue. If you have healthcare-related needs, please speak directly to a healthcare professional. Never self-perform medical treatments discussed on this website. All images displayed are also for entertainment purposes only, and personal experiences may differ. Please note that the business tactics mentioned on this site might not be applicable to your industry or practice.
