There is no denying that the healthcare industry has grown exponentially over the last ten years. As the industry grows, so too does the competition for patients.
A website plays a vital role in both informing potential patients while also convincing them your practice can provide the best solution for their problem — both in quality and affordability. When building a website for a business, there are similarities in strategy and design; however, healthcare websites can pose different challenges but also offer opportunities as well.
At Inneraction Media, we take into account many factors while building a website. Here are the primary considerations when planning a healthcare website.
HIPAA Compliance (If applicable)
Being able to state you are HIPPA compliant on your website can reassure potential patients that their personal and private information will be safe.
SEO Ready Pages
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is critical to your website being found by search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. There is a science to it that continually changes and grows. SEO is never a set-and-forget option. It is always in flux and must be rethought year-to-year.
Graphics, Photos and Videos
Graphics, photos and videos are a great tool on a website, both for aesthetic and information purposes. However, as helpful as they can be to help engage with the viewer, if not appropriate to the topic at hand, they can be a detriment as well.
Focus On The Patient
Focus on the patient and their needs and how you can help THEM. After all, you are asking them to trust you to be their healthcare provider. Showcasing others you have helped is a more important tool than anything else you could say to attract new patients. This is where videos can be beneficial. A well-done testimonial video not only focuses on the patient but, through their own words, provides positive reactions to your care.
Patient Reviews
Actual patient reviews are another tool to enforce the idea that you are the right healthcare provider for them.
Blog Functionality
A blog is an excellent tool for businesses. It helps with SEO, thereby increasing your reach on the web. Also, if used correctly, it can be a valuable asset for potential patients by informing them about topics that are pertinent to their situation.
Design
Design incorporates this list in its entirety. Designing the look of a website, one must present all information in an aesthetically pleasing way while also making sure the site remains functional and fluid.
A healthcare website all comes down to ease of use and presenting as much helpful information to the patients as you can. Healthcare is a field that constantly changes, so your website will need to change with it. We highly suggest a yearly review of your site, along with enacting any modifications or additions. If you’d like to talk about your website and how it should be working for you, give us a call at (304) 241-4959.