You may be thinking,“I’m a physiotherapist, my services can’t be sold online. Why do I need a website?”
Today, the Internet is one of the first places a person will go to get information; your patients expect you to be online, just like you expect other businesses to be online.
The truth of the matter is that these days, when most people are looking for a physiotherapist, they would likely search for or head directly to the business’s website to see if this practice can meet their needs and whether they would feel comfortable being treated there. Your website is another form of marketing, but it offers much more detailed information, which potential patients couldn’t get from an ad you placed in the Yellow Pages or other media. Simply, not having a web site is like not having a listing in your local phone book.
So, how and what exactly does your website tell your potential clients?
A well-prepared physiotherapy clinic website gives the impression you are looking to exude. It will give you visibility and imply that you are credible, legitimate and capable; three very important qualities that someone will be trusting with their health.It should give your visitors something to do, read and learn – and then make it easy for them to communicate with you. Good photos can really show off your practice. Let everyone see how professional and inviting your place of business is.
The design of the website is the first impression, and it is what keeps the potential client’s attention long enough to surf the rest of your website. Planned, abundant, relevant and well-written content can not only make for interesting reading for visitors, but place you as an authority in your field – I’m not talking about the usual “about us” and “contact us” pages. Besides pages on various injury types, treatments, health tips and regular articles, ideas for content include your service specialties so patients know if your practice can treat their ailment. You can also have a page on fees and policies to let potential clients know ahead of time what kind of payment options you offer and if you accept their insurance provider.
When you consider how much resources you could be spending on other marketing efforts, a website could prove to be most cost effective in not only raising awareness and staying in the minds of existing and potential patients, but also in getting them in through the doors. Remember, a website can always be changed in appearance, content or offerings to test new ideas and measure responses. Try doing that with other forms of marketing!
And if you are thinking “who’s got the time to do all this?“, give us a call on 1300 30 60 75, or visit www.physiopulse.com.au