There are a few ways to realize that your practice may need a new website. There’s the obvious questions: does your website remind you of 2001? Then you need a new website. Do you struggle to navigate your website? Then you need a new website. Does your website have all of its content in one single page? THEN YOU NEED A NEW WEBSITE!
Cheshire Partners, LLC has come up with a seven ways you can tell if your practice needs a cyber-facelift!
1. Does your website look old?
The early 2000s may not seem that long ago, but when talking about technology–especially websites–you might as well compare it to the discovery of fire! Your website keeps you connected to potential and current clients, so it is extremely important that it is kept up-to-date with your practice and this ever-changing world.
2. Do you struggle to navigate your website?
If you struggle to navigate your own website, you can be sure that your clients do, too! Potential clients will not stick around if they cannot navigate your website–they will move down the Google list until they find a site that is easy and simple.
It is extremely important that your clients are able to navigate your website. It is also important that there is some form of interaction between the two parties. Features like “Request an Appointment” and “Prescription Refills” is sure to keep your clients happy and returning to your site. People love the convenience of being able to do their errands in the fastest and most convenient way possible. Providing these online services to your clients will place you ahead of the competition!
3. Does your website feature photos of previous employees?
It is important for your website to stay up-to-date with everything that is happening in your practice. Pictures of employees that have moved on from your practice can confuse your clients and leave them thinking that they are still employed with you. Use your website to introduce new employees with a “Meet Us” tab. It is a great way for clients to learn a little more about the veterinarians who are caring for their cherished family pets.
4. Does your website have a Mobile App?
In this technology-driven world, smartphones have become almost as important as oxygen. It is so important that your clients can stay connected with you on-the-go. In order for that to happen, your website must have a mobile app.
Mobile Apps allow your clients to access every component of your website on their smartphone–just at the click of a button. There is no need for them to go to a computer in order to request an appointment or get their pet’s prescription refilled. The convenience of this service is sure to keep your clients happy, and you ahead of the cyber pack!
5. Have you incorporated Social Media to your website?
Social Media has become such an important part of today’s society–from organizations and celebs, to individuals and mom-and-pop shops. Social Media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest have allowed people to stay connected and informed on-the-go. Practices who utilize this form of communication have managed to increase their web presence and client base, especially with young professionals.
6. Does your website look like everybody else’s?
Not every practice is the same, so not every website should look the same. Custom websites will make your practice visible. When it comes to marketing to your clients, the last thing you want is to fit in with the rest of the crowd.
Forget the stock photos and stock website layouts. Don’t leave your clients wondering, “Who is that?” when they visit your website. Your website should represent you, your practice, and your clients. Personalized websites have a warmer, more welcoming feel to your clients–it’s something familiar.
7. Is all of your content on your home page?
Not only does having all of your content on the home page make it hard to read, but it also confuses clients and gives you bad placement on Google. Creating landing pages and tabs makes your website a lot easier to navigate. Pull down menus allow you to break down your website into sections–which makes it finding things a lot easier.
Having sections like “Canine Care,” “Feline Care,” “Surgery,” or “Pharmacy” make it easier and more convenient for your clients to find exactly what they are looking for. This also makes it easier to make any changes or additions to your website, because every topic has a designated page on your website.
We hope that these tips help you decide if your practice is in need of a new website. Please give us a call if you have any further questions!