Whether you like it or not, your online reputation can make or break your practice – so make sure you’re investing in quality online reputation management!
Image via Unsplash
Picture this: A potential patient is considering a cosmetic procedure. They’ve heard about your practice from a trusted friend, but before picking up the phone, they do what nearly everyone does these days – they Google you.
What will they find? Glowing reviews and a stellar online presence, or a handful of negative comments that make them think twice?
Your online reputation isn’t just part of a decision – it’s everything. Consumers are savvy to advertising methods and won’t just trust any marketing tactics you use.
They want to hear from real people who have had real experiences with your practice. 77% of patients use online reviews as the first step in finding a new doctor – and a negative review (even among thousands of accolades) can spell disaster.
Remember – patients are entrusting you with their appearance and well-being – they want to be sure they’re in good hands. That’s why you must focus on your online reputation management.
Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash
Building and Maintaining a Stellar Online Reputation
So, how can you ensure your practice shines online? Here are some key strategies that you can start using today to ensure that you have a stellar online reputation.
1. Monitor Your Online Presence Regularly
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Set up Google Alerts for your practice name and key staff members. Regularly check review sites like Yelp, RealSelf, and Healthgrades.
Knowledge is power – the sooner you’re aware of what’s being said about you online, the quicker you can respond. If you find that you aren’t happy with what you see, take action immediately.
2. Encourage Positive Reviews
One way to start building a positive online reputation is by gaining reviews from your loyal fans.
Sadly, happy patients are often silent patients, while the loudest are those with an axe to grind. So take the proactive choice and encourage satisfied clients to share their experiences online. You might be surprised how many are willing to sing your praises when asked. Just remember to follow all relevant healthcare regulations when soliciting reviews.
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
3. Respond to All Reviews – Good and Bad
When a patient takes the time to leave a review, acknowledge it. Thank them for positive feedback and address negative comments professionally and constructively. This shows that you value patient feedback and are committed to improving your services.
It can be tough to respond to negative reviews, but it’s important to do so in a calm and understanding manner. Avoid getting defensive or engaging in arguments with patients online. Instead, offer a sincere apology if necessary and try to find a solution to their concerns.
And always try to offer an email or phone number they can call to take the conversation offline and address the issue privately (and make sure to answer fast!)
4. Create and Share High-Quality Content
Establish your practice as a thought leader by regularly publishing informative blog posts, videos, and social media content. This not only boosts your SEO but also builds trust with potential patients — and as you become seen as a trusted source, patients will be more likely to choose your practice over others.
5. Be Transparent and Authentic
We live in an age of authenticity – patients appreciate honesty. Be upfront about your services, pricing, and potential risks. For example, rather than hiding negative reviews, address them publicly and show how you have worked to improve.
6. Engage with Your Online Community
Don’t just post content and forget about it – actively engage with your online community by responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in discussions. This creates a sense of connection and makes patients feel heard. And you’ll love how those who support you turn into loyal patients (and share your name with their networks!).
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Avoid The Wrinkles of a Bad Reputation
Investing in your online reputation isn’t just about damage control – it’s about building a strong foundation for your practice’s future. A stellar online reputation can:
- Attract more patients to your practice
- Increase patient trust and loyalty
- Improve your search engine rankings
- Set you apart from competitors
- Potentially allow you to charge premium prices for your services
Remember, it’s all about building a sense of trust and credibility with potential patients. And a strong online reputation can do just that. But how can you make sure you’re doing the right things to keep your rep shiny?
Ready to Take Control of Your Online Reputation?
You can’t afford to ignore your online reputation – particularly in a field where trust and credibility are crucial to bringing patients in the door. But if you feel overwhelmed with taking the right steps toward building a brand identity, a partner specializing in medical and cosmetic healthcare marketing can help.
At Revive Marketing, we specialize in digital marketing for healthcare and medical services – including spas, cosmetic surgery, and much more. Our team of experts can help you build and maintain a strong online presence that attracts new patients and builds trust with your existing clientele.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you shine in the digital world and achieve your practice’s goals. Together, we’ll build an online reputation that truly reflects the excellence of your services.