Websites: The Prescription for Your Practice

Websites: The Prescription for Your Practice
By: Mario Gattuso

In today's competitive business world, a website is no longer a optional marketing channel, but instead a necessity. With the cost of website development being so low and the increased number of consumers using the Internet to search for businesses (like reliable online pharmacies), every business should have a website; medical practices (i.e., online pharmacies) are no exception. Here are some things you may want to consider when examining online pharmacy websites.

There are two types of websites to choose from: custom and prefabricated. Custom interactive websites will prove to be far more effective, look more professional, and have longer-lasting value than the cheaper prefabricated versions. Every practice is different, so a design company should take the time to understand what the practice has to offer and convey that in their site.

Effective websites take into account common practice management tasks, and integrate them with online tools that not only create a marketing presence but also empower the practice in its daily operations. Specific tools include keeping in touch with online pharmacy patients through email newsletters, greeting cards, and special promotions.

A few companies that specialize in chiropractic websites, for example, compile newsletters that they prepare and delivery automatically on behalf of a doctor to his or her patient database. Such newsletters, which can be updated on a regular basis on the website and automatically emailed to patients, are extremely helpful in keeping in touch with patients that do not come in as often. Additionally, patients who subscribe may forward it to others, which could serve as a form of referrals.

Practices should also consider providing potential patients with an incentive to visit the office (if possible) by having printable promotions or coupons on their website, where allowable by law. Websites can also feature patients, the ability to schedule appointments, access patient forms, and even verify insurance. This way, rather than request patients to come in fifteen to twenty minutes early, practices can post their forms online and request patient go online, print and complete them before coming in.

The opportunities for patient education online are almost limitless; a doctor can provide informational resources on preventative care and exercises, explanatory diagrams and illustrations, and descriptions of the unique services of their practice. On online pharmacies, the doctor can even prescribe needed medications.

A website can also assist the practice in selling different products and supplements to anyone, anywhere, and any time-not just to the existing patient base of the practice. Doctors should not limit their opportunities - current studies show the public is looking for health information, by the millions. Having an online presence now is crucial, not only in reaching new patients but also retaining existing ones. By not being online, a doctor misses out on 100 percent of the Internet-derived business he or she could see.

These days doctors and pharmacies are expected to have a presence on the Internet for potential patients. Instead of people running their fingers through the Yellow Pages, many now click with their mouse through their browsers to practices near them. The Internet has become the world's largest health information resource, so a doctor or reliable online pharmacy cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities that come with having a website.

The key to bringing in new patients who are searching online for health providers and information lies in search engine placement. Who would want a website if no one can find it? In selecting your website company, be sure that the commissioned company can create a search engine and marketing campaign aimed at excellent placement with search engines and directories, and uses both innovative and standard Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques. More traffic means more patients, a better bottom line, and a dramatic return on investment.

Through a website, they can get their questions answered in a non-threatening, non-confrontational way. This new technology is not only limitless, but also much more affordable than all previous means of publicity utilized by doctors in the past. A practice armed with these new tools will be much more efficient, effective and professional in gaining new patients and servicing them 24/7.

Whether you have a current website that isn't high enough quality, or if you have no website to speak of, the next decision is who should you turn to for the creation of your professional website? In terms of working with a freelancer versus an established company, as a general rule, it is usually best to work with a company that will provide the necessary customer service and support. Even if your "nephew Jimmy" or "nice kid down the street" can build you a professional and website to begin with - and that's a big "if" - will they be around when you need to update your website, or will they be off to college, or what have you?

It helps to find a company who can identify with the practice and even specializes in chiropractic websites. A company or freelancer that does not specialize in chiropractic field will require significant amount of time from the doctor in developing the content and educational materials for the website.

While several design companies specialize in custom websites for medical practices, not all are alike in the quality of their designs and services.

Through outsourcing there is no need to spend $15,000 on a custom medical or online pharmacy website, but instead under $1,000. In comparison to other forms of advertising, including yellow page ads and direct mail the return on investment of a professional website with quality internet marketing is greater than 10 times in our research, even if you paid $15,000 for your website. Furthermore, consumers see websites as the face of a business. A business lacking a professional and informative website can turn-off consumers, resulting in lost opportunities and business. Great examples of this are those Internet pharmacies that are not reliable.

Medical Web Experts is the number one provider of websites to physicians and other health-care providers. Our highly specialized websites for health-care organizations feature the latest in search engine optimization techniques and is built to suit your exact needs.







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