The Importance of Online Marketing for Private Practice
Technical innovation has significantly changed the way healthcare has evolved over the past decade. From EHR’s to telemedicine, it is nearly impossible to ignore the significance technology has had in medicine and its impact on patient care.
For most practices, it is a challenge just keeping up with the day-to-day operational changes that have been brought on by new technologies. Let alone taking the time to consider how online marketing fits into the overall business strategy. Online marketing and technology play a critical role as medical providers seek to adapt their practices to this new and rapidly evolving landscape. The days of patients thumbing through the phone book to find their doctor are long gone, and healthcare has become increasingly more competitive. Therefore it is important to have an online presence for your practice to let patients know what services are offered, what benefits these services have and how to schedule an appointment.
Whether you are a general practitioner, surgeon, dentist, medical group or hospital, it is just as important as any business to have and maintain an online presence. This will help drive new business, encourage patients to seek diagnosis, and maintain your existing customer base. It can even help expedite the registration and scheduling process for your practice.
If you are still not convinced, below are just a few statistics from Google and PewResearch Center that might have you reconsidering:
- 7 billion: number of Google searches daily
- 1 in 20 Google searches is for health-related information
- 80% of Internet users seek online health information
- 77% of patients used a search prior to booking an appointment
- 66% of Internet users search online for information about a specific disease or medical problem
- 44% of Internet users look online for information about doctors or other health professionals
Online marketing takes a lot of research, time and effort. Most practices are understaffed and overworked, and certainly do not have the luxury of a full-time marketing professional to spearhead their efforts. This is where the internet marketing and SEO professionals can help. By utilizing the right experts combined with the appropriate tools, you will quickly see the return on your investment. The truth is, in today’s healthcare marketplace most of us cannot afford to simply ignore the inevitable.