Monday, 27 October 2014

6 Search Engine Optimization for Doctors Tips for Your Tight Budget



The beauty of search engine optimization for doctors is that it allows even the smallest medical practice to compete for the highest search engine rankings.  Unfortunately, some small family practices still don’t seem to understand that.  In fact, when it comes to search engine optimization for doctors, small medical practices have significant advantages. First, they don’t have to cut through a maze of red tape to get permission to try something new.  Second, they are more available to build relationships with patients in a way that large health care organizations simply cannot.  And we know that patients are more likely to to go to medical professionals they know and trust than from faceless names behind corporate logos. So even if you can’t afford to do everything right now, implementing at least a few SEO strategies is better than implementing none at all. 

1.      Find the right search engine optimization for doctors company.  If you want professional help with your search engine optimization efforts, you can certainly find a company that will work with the budget you have.  Some will even work with medical practices that have as little as $300 to spend each month.  Before you sign a contract, however, make sure you check references.  Call other physicians and medical clinics who use the SEO company you’re considering to make sure they’re satisfied with the service they’ve received.  If you’re going to shell out for professional services, then you might as well make sure they’re going to give you want they’ve promised.

2.      Customize.  When you’re looking for that perfect search engine optimization for doctors company be sure to look for one that will give you custom pricing.  Many SEO companies offer packages of services to choose from, but chances are that some of those packages include services that you don’t need.  So find a company who will gladly charge you based on the services you do want rather than making you pay for the services you don’t.

3.      DIY. Even if you’re more comfortable having a professional do your SEO, there are still some things you can tackle yourself. Try starting a medical practice blog. You should be doing that anyway as it’s a great way to connect with patients on a more personal level. Or you can try building some inbound links by submitting articles or commenting on other health professionals blogs.

4.      Do it Now.  Search engine optimization for doctors results take time, which means that the faster you get started the sooner you’re going to pull ahead of your competition.  The longer you wait the longer you’re giving your competition to snatch up your potential new patients simply because these individuals found your medical practice competition first.  The best time to consult with a professional is before you construct your website or anytime you’re redesigning your website.

5.      Read a Lot.  It may be that you simply can’t afford to hire a search engine optimization for doctors professional right now.  If that’s the case, at least consult with a professional once to have him review your medical facility site or give you some pointers that might be unique to your industry.  Then read as much as you can about the best way to go about search engine optimization for doctors and the most effective and efficient strategies you can use.  But be brutally honest with yourself when making this decision.  If you don’t really have the background and knowledge to do effective SEO then professional assistance is the very best gift you can give to yourself and to your medical practice.

When you decide that it’s time to hire an internet marketer or search engine optimization for doctors professional, contact other medical practices in your area for recommendations.  Find someone that has contributed to the success of others in your area and then put his or her skills to work for your own family practice.  When you see your increased search engine rankings and the increase in traffic to your site and your medical office, you’ll be glad you did it!