Search Engine Optimization: What Every Physician Should Know

Websites are an obvious staple for the modern business, but how do you insure that its accessible via a search engine? Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential from turning a passive web address into an active marketing tool that works for your practice 24/7. But in order for this to happen you need to create a relationship with search engine sites by adhering to their policies and having relevant connections to word searches and phrases; when this is proven true your ranking within search results will increase.

In the past people would most likely utilize the Yellow Pages to find the business that would best accommodate them, now popular search engines like Google and Bing hold the most influence over potential patients. For the modern world, save the phone book ads and invest that money into SEO. Here are 5 components of an SEO strategy  that will ensure long term results:

1. Technical Factors

Google has published guidelines that you should pay attention to in order to assure a good ranking for your website. The most important component being the ‘technical’ section which contains details that allow for Google bots to scan your site. Adhering to these rules will ensure your legitimacy and is the first step to showing up in search results.

2. Directory Listings & Indexing

It is important not to discount directories completely, the online directories can provide for direct links to your site which can help your rankings; while also being valuable in the hyperlocal searches. Having the balance of both localized searches as well as a larger site like a directory can strengthen your credibility to the big sites like Google and Bing.

3. Content

Content is not only important for your website but from an SEO perspective they provide for searchable terms which create the bridge between search engines and your site. Using keywords and keyword tagging posts allows for search engines to understand who your intended audience is and what terms should direct traffic to your page.

4. Social Media

Social media is a tool that allows you to directly interact with patients and potential patients while also providing your practice with free 24/7 exposure to a virtually limitless pool of prospective clientele. By using hashtags you are also enabling yourself to reap similar benefits of keywords by providing links to your site through relevant words. This also will create more traffic and interest in your site, furthering your relevance to Google search.

5. Active Progression

Having a static webpage nowadays can also result in a decrease in interest in your page as well as putting your page at less of a priority in search results. In order to keep your practice progressing it is essential for you to keep your website and your social profiles as active and updated as possible. For search engines inactivity on a practices digital platform is usually an indicator of inactivity in the business, an impression that never wants to be given to clients or search engines.

Every Business Can Be in the Business of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is near- lovers and haters of the holiday cannot escape the atmosphere it creates when every store features displays of chocolates, flowers, stuffed animals, and gushy cards. Restaurants, jewelers, florists, card-stores, craft stores, and even toy stores will cash in on the theme of love this February as couples rush to buy their significant other a special something.

But keep in mind that all businesses can capitalize on the holiday; while you may not sell products geared towards expressions of love, you can attract positive attention and remain relevant until the holiday passes. Use your online presence to interact with the holiday in a way that your current and prospective customers will appreciate.

Valentines: you can still send a valentine without attaching a sweet to it! If you already use e-mail blasts, take the opportunity to send a professional valentine to your current customers.

Online Decorations: you don’t have to decorate the office- you can decorate your Facebook page! Change your profile picture or cover photo to embrace the red and pink. You can do the same for blog sites, twitter, and other digital platforms.

Posting: take a break from professional, informative posts to address the theme in everyone’s mind. Post a friendly message wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day or a relevant fact about love or friendship.

Interact: converse with your online followers. Invite people to share their plans for the holiday or even their gift preference. Just remember to step up to the other half of the equation: have someone on hand to acknowledge or respond to posts left in response.

Spread the Love: ask people to share a story, post a heart, or send a valentine on your Facebook page in exchange for a small donation on your part to a local charity.

Don’t ignore Valentine’s Day- reconsider how you can embrace it to earn your business positive attention.

Social Media: Sochi 2014 Olympics

Social media enabled fans, athletes, and media to connect and converse during the 2012 Olympic Games. Digital media outlets like Twitter and Facebook heightened the relevance of the events as well as the public’s engagement with the athletes and outcomes. With an even greater number of networking outlets that have increased in popularity and usage, the 2014 Olympic Games promise to be broadcasted and archived across the digital spectrum like never before.

In addition to sharing their excitement and support for the events and athletes this year, Olympic fans will be using social media to address the controversy over Russia’s anti-gay laws. Twitter users are already trending #RussiaForLove to express their concerns and distaste for Russia’s stance on homosexuality. The #LGBT tag is also being used in posts promoting acceptance for different sexual cultures and identities. These tags have even spread to Instagram, and Facebook groups are being created in an attempt to spread awareness of the controversy and rally protest support.

The online conversation surrounding the 2014 Olympic Games has made the impact of social media apparent; digital outlets enable every Internet user to share and spread his or her ideas and opinions with ease. Social media posts often capture the feelings and reactions to any given event, movement, or even business, helping viewers and readers understand dominating public perspectives and stances. Across every industry and sector, digital media has become a powerful platform through which to spread information, ideas, and awareness.