We all know that websites are important to our business – it helps us to create a point of difference from our competitors.
However, a poorly executed website can be a hinderance. In this blog post, we look at the common issues that websites have and how they can effect your business.
Five Website Challenges
Poor Mobile Responsiveness
According to Google, over 50% of website traffic comes from a mobile device such as a phone or tablet. This statistic highlights the growing trend of users relying on their mobile devices to search for information, services, and products. Additionally, over 60% of smartphone users have contacted a business directly using the search results, utilizing options like “click to call” to quickly reach out for services or inquiries.
Given these trends, it goes without saying that it is crucial for your clinic’s website to display correctly on mobile devices. With a significant portion of your potential patient base accessing your site via smartphones and tablets, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly mobile experience is paramount. A site that doesn’t function well on these devices can lead to a frustrating user experience, making it difficult for visitors to find the information they need, book appointments, or contact your clinic. This frustration can ultimately drive potential patients away, causing you to miss out on valuable opportunities to grow your practice and serve your community effectively.
Lack of SEO Optimization
There is no point in having a website if it can’t be found. Without proper search engine optimization (SEO), your website might get outranked by your local competitors, making it difficult for potential patients to find your practice online. SEO is essential for improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, ensuring that when patients search for podiatry services in your area, your practice appears prominently in the results.
To help improve your website’s ranking, you can create valuable blog content to share information with your patients. Blogging is a powerful SEO strategy because it allows you to consistently add fresh and relevant content to your site. This content can address various topics that are of interest to your patients, such as self-care tips for foot health, detailed explanations of common treatments and procedures, and updates about any changes or new services at your practice.
By covering these topics, you not only provide helpful information that educates and engages your patients but also naturally incorporate important keywords and phrases that potential patients might be searching for. This dual approach enhances your site’s relevance and authority in the eyes of search engines, improving your chances of ranking higher than your competitors. Regularly publishing informative blog posts can establish your practice as a trusted resource in the community, attract more visitors to your site, and ultimately convert those visitors into loyal patients.
Outdated Design and Content
An outdated website can give a negative impression and suggest that the practice is not up-to-date with current practices and technology, potentially deterring patients. Patients expect healthcare providers to have modern, user-friendly websites that reflect the quality and professionalism of the practice. When a website appears outdated, it can create doubts about the practice’s commitment to staying current with advancements in podiatry and overall patient care.
By having a fresh, updated website, you reassure patients that your practice is dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement. By investing in modern web design, you demonstrate your commitment to providing the best possible care and keeping up with industry standards. This effort can significantly enhance your credibility and attract more patients who feel confident in your ability to meet their healthcare needs.
Complex Navigation
If the website is difficult to navigate, with poorly organized information and hard-to-find contact details or services, patients may leave the site in frustration. User experience is a critical factor in retaining visitors on your website and converting them into patients. When potential patients visit your site, they are often looking for specific information such as your contact details, services offered, office hours, or the ability to book an appointment.
A well-organized website with intuitive navigation ensures that visitors can effortlessly find the information they need. Clear menus, concise headings, and strategically placed contact information make it easy for patients to understand your services and how to get in touch with your practice. Enhancing the usability of your website not only improves patient satisfaction but also increases the likelihood that visitors will take the desired actions, such as scheduling an appointment or contacting your office for more information.
Insufficient Patient Engagement Features
A lack of interactive features such as online appointment booking, patient forms, and educational resources can result in a less engaging experience for patients and missed opportunities for the practice to connect with its audience. Patients expect convenience and efficiency when interacting with healthcare providers online. If your website does not offer these interactive features, it can make the patient experience feel cumbersome and outdated.
Online appointment booking using an website such as Jane.App is a crucial feature that allows patients to schedule their visits at their convenience, without the need to call during office hours. This flexibility can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and reduce the administrative burden on your staff. Without this feature, patients may feel frustrated by the inconvenience of traditional booking methods, which can lead to missed appointments and lower overall engagement with your practice.
Similarly, providing patient forms online allows individuals to complete necessary paperwork before their visit, saving time and ensuring a smoother check-in process. This not only improves the patient experience but also helps your practice operate more efficiently. If patients cannot access these forms ahead of time, it can result in longer wait times and a more stressful visit.
Educational resources, such as articles, videos, and FAQs about common podiatric conditions and treatments, are also vital for patient engagement. These resources empower patients with knowledge about their health, fostering a sense of trust and connection with your practice. When patients can access reliable information directly from your website, they are more likely to feel confident in your expertise and remain loyal to your practice.
Need help with your podiatry website?
Book A Free Website Consultation
Is your website delivering for your podiatry clinic? If not, then why not book a free website consultation with Lens Digital? We can discuss your website, what challenges you are facing and how we can help you.
Fill in your details below and we will be in touch to arrange an appointment that is convenient for you.
