Healthcare marketing websites for organizations and practices of all types need to be maintained with regular changes for maximum effectiveness. It's a web-savvy rule that applies across the board for hospitals, manufacturers, physicians and surgeons, dentists, pharmaceuticals...virtually everyone. Here are the four main benefits that flow to your bottom line, usually with little effort in keeping content fresh and your website in top performing condition.
Not long ago we surveyed a group of professionals-subscribers to a major healthcare publication—about their website. About one—third of this group wants to change their site, but one-third had no plans to change. (The other third had no website.)
A website is definitely not a "set-and-forget" marketing tool. We didn't ask specifically about updating, but it's rare that people think about refreshing their online content after the initial launch—and that's nearly as counterproductive as not having a website at all.
Benign neglect really hurts. Regular website maintenance protects your initial web investment, fuels your return, keeps your marketing message fresh and timely, and is a healthcare SEO visibility plus.
When was the last time you made content changes? Do you have a regular update routine? If you can't recall, or your site hasn't changed in the past few months (maybe ever), here are four top reasons to do it now.
There are two cost-effective models for updating your website: Do-it-yourself or all inclusive packages.
With the do-it-yourself option, you typically pick a generic template, and make all your own updates via an online interface. If you have a fair amount of time and are a serious do-it-yourselfer, this may be a tempting way to go.
On the other hand, we find that busy healthcare practices, hospitals, organizations rarely update their site as much as they would like. "Busy" is the usual stumbling block and there's never quite enough time, writing talent is a rare gift, and there are always more urgent business matters at hand.
For the websites we create and host for our clients, we'll upload your changes up to two hours per month at no extra charge, just to assure that the site keeps producing.
The second option is to use a vendor who can make ongoing changes for you. That way, you can access professional talent who is skilled at both SEO and attracting patients (our firm offers this model). If you need our help, please call.
Either way, the primary goal is to get the job done. For an individual private practice, a group of physicians, a hospital or other healthcare organization, your website content could probably enjoy an update right now. As an added bonus, your competition is likely neglecting their website, so grab an advantage AND win additional business with a website update.
And...if you are among that group that doesn't have a website at all—how's that strategy working for you?
Marketing a healthcare organization can be challenging - even painful if you don't approach it with the right knowledge, tools, and guidance. By reading about mistakes and lessons others have learned the hard way, you can boost your marketing effectiveness and take a shortcut to success. Discover how to avoid these "Seven Deadly Sins". Plus, join over 30,000 of your fellow healthcare providers with a free subscription to our Insight Newsletter.