In the old days of finding a medical practice, most patients would use the phone book and choose based on alphabetical order. The practices that started with “A” were sure to receive numerous phone calls, while the ones on the lower end of the alphabet were not always as lucky. But with increased access to the Internet and and the widespread popularity of computers and mobile devices, it’s a whole different ballgame, and whether your medical practice starts with “A” or “W,” anybody can be found first if your website contains the right elements.
If you are already a member of the Crystal Clear family, then you have already invested in our superior digital marketing services to optimize your website, strengthen your online presence, and find, serve, and keep your patients more profitably. This also means improving your odds when patients are searching online for services. Being the number one search result on Google is a goal of most of our clients, and while Crystal Clear can help get you there, it’s also important to know that it doesn’t happen immediately.
My Site is Live, Now What?
It is a common misconception that once your medical practice website goes live, your search rankings on Google will automatically jump higher. One of our most frequently asked questions goes along the lines of, “I just searched myself on Google and I’m not on the first page. Why isn’t my site working?” Our answer is this – it takes time. About six months or so, on average. Understanding how search rankings work takes a little know-how, but it’s not rocket science, and the more you know about the process, the better you will understand about how your site is functioning and why.
What it Takes to Be Number One
In order for your medical marketing website to perform successfully in organic searches, it needs to develop a relationship of trust with Google. This means that Google needs to find your site, trust that it’s real and relevant to its users, and index it for future searches. The sites that Google ranks favorably contain:
- Meta data
- Unique content
- Photos and other media with alt text
- SEO optimization
- Appropriate keyword placement
- In-bound links
And that’s just naming a few elements. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure what some of these mean; we’re here to help you every step of the way at Crystal Clear.
When Will I Know When it Happens?
Unfortunately, Google is not going to show up at your practice door with cake and balloons once you reach the top spot in relevant search results. But that also doesn’t mean you should be Googling yourself every five minutes to check on your status, either. At Crystal Clear, we provide detailed monthly reports to our clients outlining how well you are performing in organic search and how your digital marketing strategies are improving that performance over time.
If you are already a member of the Crystal Clear family, then you are already well on your way to the top. If you haven’t signed up with us yet, it’s never too late to get started on your journey to success in the online space, and we can help. Contact us today to get started and find out why it’s always a great day at Crystal Clear.
