Your online reputation matters! Potential patients look at your reviews, posts, videos and pictures. New and existing patients share their experiences on social media. You can’t bury your head in the sand in hopes that it will eventually disappear. Your online reputation is here to stay. Now is the time for you to take action.
Google Search Results Show Your Online Reputation
Conduct a Google search for your primary procedures. Some of the results will show some average Google review ratings and a link to write a Google review. There’s also a link to a Google+ page.
As you mouse over the results, a Knowledge Graph appears on the right side. This information comes from the doctor’s Google+ page. Before & after photos, new product or service photos can be added in this area. On the right is a link to Google’s map. The Knowledge Graph shows basic information about your practice. What’s this? Some of your reviews appear here, and a link to other review sites that have your reviews. It’s your online reputation again. Today, it’s easier than ever before for potential patients to find out about other’s experiences.
Manage Your Online Reputation
Now that you see how easy it is for patients to learn about others experiences, you can understand why it is critical to manage your online reputation. Here are some tips:
- Claim and manage your google+ business page so that your information is correct in search results.
- Ask patients for google reviews.
- Attempt to resolve negative reviews, but don’t get into an online dispute. Strive to obtain more good reviews to offset one or two poor ones.
- Post hashtagged tips, blogs and information on your Google+ business page.
- Claim and update your business information on other review sites.
- Be professional. Don’t post questionable images or content on your personal social media pages.
- Monitor your online reputation on a regular basis. Set up a Google alert, check your reviews or use an online tool. Choose what works best for you, but actively keep up with what is being said.
- Ensure that your website reflects your brand and reputation. If information is dated or incorrect, patients can get the wrong message.
If you are struggling to build or rebuild your online reputation, talk to our PUMC experts or check out more of our tips. Our staff has helped many plastic surgeons and medical spas build strong online reputations that increase patient traffic.