When patients are looking for a new medical provider, they search for someone who is trustworthy and has a good reputation. Online reviews provide information and social proof about a medical practice. If patients have had a good patient experience with a certain doctor, other patients can trust that they will also receive the same type of treatment.
Social media has enabled patients to easily share their experiences with friends, family, and others. Google, Facebook, and Instagram can be used to build social credibility and gain trust. However, it can be difficult to get patients to leave public reviews. However, providing a great experience for the patient leads to more reviews, recommendations, and future patients.
Importance of Using 5-Star Reviews
Medical practices often have to compete for patients. Practices that focus on their marketing will attract more patients. In fact, a study found that 90% of patients who responded use online reviews to evaluate doctors, and 71% use reviews as the first step in finding a new doctor. Therefore, your online reputation is the first impression you make on many potential patients.
How to Get Reviews from Patients
Once you have a system for getting reviews, they will be easy to obtain by simply asking your patients for them. Sending a follow-up email after a visit boosts patient satisfaction and shows that you care. However, it also provides an opportunity to obtain a review. Software can be used to automate and even customize emails. The emails can include a link at the bottom to give a review. A simple, “Please leave us a review on Facebook or Yelp” after the signature will also work.
Another option is to send out a simple survey. One question, such as “Would you recommend our practice to your friends and family?” is a straightforward and quick way to get feedback that can used for marketing promotion.
Share 5-Star Reviews
In order to get your medical practice’s name in front of the greatest number of potential patients, they need to be shared on multiple platforms and in multiple mediums. A 5-star review about your business on Yelp doesn’t just have value on that site. You can also share it to potential patients outside of Yelp. Since reviews are key to obtaining new patients, it is important that they appear in multiple places, so they can be seen.
- Share the 5-star Review via Email.Reviews from satisfied patients who have had a great experience should be shared with others. In your next email blast or newsletter, let your current and potential patients know that other patients love your practice. This provides further validation to patients that your practice is caring and trustworthy.
- Add the Review to Printed Marketing Materials. Even in this digital age, there is still value in printed materials. When a patient visits your practice for an appointment, their receipt can list links to your social media and review platforms on the back with a message to review your practice.
- Blast it on Social Media.Social Media is a great way to create business. Regularly update your status on social media with updates about your practice, including backlinks to your profile on online review sites. For example, on Facebook, update your business’s status with a quote from a 5-star review with a link to the actual review. Social media reviews provide the social proof that some patients need, before feeling confident in your practice.
- Add it to Your Website. New patients may visit your website, either through a referral or search engine. To leverage the reach of the positive review, display them on the home page or add a tab for reviews. They should be easily accessible. Don’t make the potential patient search for them.
- Highlight the Employee. If the review highlights the outstanding service of an employee, thank the employee publicly and possibly with a small gift. You should also be sure to thank the reviewer took time to praise the employee. It further emphasizes that you have a caring practice.
Five-star reviews can be an effective marketing tool for your medical practice, when you maximize their reach. Find out how Net One Click can boost your 5-star reviews to social media platforms to help authentically build your business.