Your Online Reputation Can Help or Hurt You

Not only has the Internet empowered patients by allowing them to find and choose healthcare practitioners, it has also enabled them to influence other patients’ perceptions and thus the likelihood a practitioner will attract new patients. There are a number of websites from which patients can find practice information and reviews about another person’s experience with a given doctor. The trend of patients sharing information in the healthcare sector is rapidly becoming popular, so monitoring and managing your practice’s online reputation has become a crucial aspect of practice growth.

Before choosing a doctor, patients test the waters by investing in the reviews left by prior patients. A good review can encourage a prospective patient to pick up the phone and make an appointment, but a bad review can steer away prospective patients- and their friends and families. There is no way to prevent a competitor or disgruntled patient from expressing a bad word about your practice, but there is a way to manage your reputation and minimize damage.

If patients concern themselves with your your practice online- for good or for bad- so should you. Having a  website is essential to ensuring that patients can rely on a credible source for practice information. Mitigating reviews will help you control your reputation and show that your practice actively engages with the community’s sentiments. Online reputation management is no longer an option; it’s a must.

 For more information on how you can protect your online reputation contact Prescription PR (631) 392-4255

How to Market a New Medical Practice

When you’ve found the perfect office and assembled the ideal staff for your new practice, its time to consider establishing a connection with your local community and new clientele base. Here are five ways to jump start promoting your practice and sustain successful marketing as your business grows.

 

Online Visibility:

In this day and age almost every person has or has access to computer or internet source, for many, this is their primary way of scoping out potential doctors and surgeons. Establishing a strong online presence will help with SEO (search engine optimization) therefore making your practice more likely to appear in local directories or in location specific searches like Facebook or Google+.

 

Marketing Material:

When starting a new practice, you have the opportunity to create strong branding and in turn compile effective marketing materials. If your practice applies specifically to certain people or a certain demographic be sure to incorporate that into your marketing. Also consider collaborating with a graphic artist to create a design that can be consistent in all your branding materials.

 

Offline Visibility:

This includes press releases, formal announcements, and introductions to other doctor in the local area who may provide you with referrals. One of the best ways to facilitate connections with doctors and expanding your presence in the local community is to have a physician liaison who represents you and distributes marketing materials on your behalf.

 

Communication Funnel:

Whether its car insurance or your favorite clothing store, once companies have your information they utilize it to ensure that you will be a repeat customer by sending your emails or notifications every week. The same can be done with healthcare, except instead of selling something you are creating rapport and strengthening patient loyalty. By getting data from patients and utilizing it in an effective way, you are reinforcing their connection to your practice consistently Having good communication and a good relationship with a patient, even when they aren’t in need of immediate care, will increase the likelihood that you will be the first physician they see when they do need medical care.

 

Credibility Establishment:

When a patient is satisfied and happy with their experience with you, be sure to encourage them to share their experience both offline and online. With all of the easily accessible resources online, patients can go to Facebook, Yelp, and other sites and endorse your skills and experience.

For help marketing your new medical practice, call Prescription PR today! 631-392-4255