Developing a Practice Website
A practice website may be the cornerstone of your marketing. Many individuals will go online to research businesses – including your practice – before making an appointment. There are numerous considerations before you create your practice website.
Posted in Marketing on Monday, February 15, 2016
Purpose – Obviously, you’ll want to provide information about your practice. But do you also want to provide other content (tips, information about presentations you’re making, etc.)? Do you want the flexibility to add features later such as online patient forms or the ability to make appointments online?
Design – Will you use an online service or hire a web designer? Is it important that you have a custom design to reflect your brand, or do you want to use a template from an online resource? Will you be able to easily update content when needed?
Web hosting – The company that will house your website should be reliable, as well as responsive to your questions. Find out what other services are provided with a hosting package including security, bandwith, customer support and email accounts. Preliminary research online – and with other business owners – should provide suggestions.
Web address – Shorter names may be easier to remember, so think through this carefully.
Search engine optimization (SEO) – This is important to make sure your website is search engine friendly. If someone in your area is looking for a chiropractor, make sure they can find you. Your web designer (whether you use an online service or an individual) should be able to assist you with keywords that will help make your website more visible.
Easy to navigate – Look at other websites for ideas on how to create a user-friendly website. Make sure visitors can easily navigate and get back to the home page, if needed. If you provide online appointments or contact information, make sure this is visible on as many pages as possible as your call to action.
Cost and timing – Both can range greatly. Do your research, ask questions and plan as much as you can ahead of time.
Google Analytics – Google Analytics is a free tool that provides insights into how visitors use your site, how they arrived on your site and how you can keep them coming back.