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5 Things Every Dental Website Needs Posted by Tyson Downs on 4/23/15 7:15 AM You know your dental practice needs a website. You know that most people research a business online as part of the decision process. You know that a good portion of your customers will find you through mobile internet searches.
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All of these are reasons why you want your dental website to be as successful as it can be. You aren't just a dentist, you're a business owner. You run a practice. Your website is often the first impression a client (or potential client) will get of your business. You need it to be as efficient and welcoming as possible. With that in mind, here are five things your dental website needs in order to be successful at welcoming clients - both new and returning.
1. A Contact Form Some dental websites only have an email address on their website. This is a huge mistake. Many people are used to contacting a business through a contact form. Why? Because it's convenient. It's right there on the page. They type in their message, hit send and then go about their day. If all you have is an email address, you'll reduce the number of potential clients who want to contact you. Think like your clients. To them, a contact form is faster and more convenient than a phone call. In a generation that is used to communicating through typing, a phone call is an absolute last resort. Besides, what if your customer can't call? Skip the email address link, and put up a contact form instead. Here's an example of how a contact form can look:
2. An Easily Locatable Phone Number Even though a phone number is a last resort for most people, there may be questions that they have that aren't answered on your website. (You can't think of everything!) Or they may genuinely want to call and speak to a real, live person. Some problems can't be solved through a contact form, or need to be attended to immediately. Put up a phone number. I know what you're thinking. "Don't most websites have phone numbers?" You'd be surprised how many don't have one on their website. It could have been a design oversight, or something deliberate. Perhaps the owner wants to cut down on calls, or maybe they just prefer communication through email. Either way, it's not about what you want. It's about what your clients need. They need multiple ways to contact you, so put in a contact form and a phone number. That way they always have a choice. Our preferred location for the phone number is upper right, in bold writing.
3. Online Appointments
How many of your patients are busy people? How many new patients just don't have time to call in? How many of them spend the majority of their time online? You can't answer that, but you can guestimate. An appointment setter just makes it easier for everyone. It's like a welcome mat that says "Come on in! We'd be happy to have you!" This is exactly the type of impression you want them to have. Appointment setters usually come with the option to download paperwork. The patient can print it out, fill it out at home, and bring it in with them. This will save them about 30 minutes of time in your office. That significantly cuts down on the time they'll be with you. For thinking of their needs, you'll be rewarded with the loyalty of returning customers. Here's an example of a dentist using this option on his website.
4. A Bill Pay Option How convenient is paying your bills online? You don't have to leave your home, running to different places, standing in line, wasting gas and your day. You just put in some information, click a few buttons, and your bills are paid. Don't you think your patients want that option too? Electronic bill pay options benefit you too. They allow you to accept multiple forms of payment besides cash. You can take checks, credit and debit cards. They also cut down on the amount of paperwork in your office. If a bill is paid online, a person can print out their own invoice or receipt. Meanwhile, all you have to do is look at it on your computer, since all the information is automatically stored. Any mistakes that are made can be easily fixed too. It usually just takes a few keystrokes.
5. An Updated Blog A blog helps you to be seen as an authority in your niche. Check out a few of your local competitors. They probably don't have blogs, and if they do, they only update them when something happens in their office - if at all. This is a terrible idea. Your blog should provide useful information to your patients. They want to know things like what to do if they get a popcorn kernel stuck in their gums, or how to soothe their baby's teething pain. They don't care about your birthday party or the fact that your dog just had puppies. (They might, but that's not why they're on your website.) They want answers to questions and information that is going to directly benefit them. Your blog should be updated regularly, at least once a week. Address common problems among your patients, like gum disease, sugar consumption and smoking. You may not get any comments, but trust me: people are reading. The more information you provide, the more they'll trust you. Trust is the basis for a good doctor/patient relationship. You may have built that trust in the office, but you can continue building that trust online through your blog.
There are other things that you can add to your website, like pictures of your staff and office instead of stock pictures. People want to see and become familiar with the people who are going to be inside of their mouths. The more transparent you are, the more likely someone is going to become a new patient - or keep returning. Remember, your website is the front door of your business for many people. Make sure that the features and design of your website invites people in instead of pushing them away.
Topics: Web Design