Why Healthcare Companies Need Strong Reputation Management Systems

In the modern digital age, it seems that societal rules are being rewritten on a daily basis. This is especially relevant when it comes to the healthcare industry. The pre-internet era stated that if you had adept skill and a pleasant bedside manner, your client base was assured. As of late, the internet has altered the healthcare landscape, changing the rules indefinitely.

Now, to gain and retain customers, it is imperative for healthcare providers to utilize a strong online reputation system. This not only grows an existing client base, but it ensures a positive internet presence.

The following post will further examine why it is necessary for healthcare companies to utilize strong reputation management systems.

What is a Reputation Management System?

For those new to this concept, a reputation management system can seem somewhat lofty. A management system involves methods of controlling what customers see when they search your name on Google. This control is accomplished through search engine optimization, the management of social media, and the overseeing of personally related content and media.

This management is all-encompassing, and can become a full time job. This is why many healthcare providers are outsourcing their work to reputation management companies, such as Chatmeter.

Online Reputation Impacts Potential Clientele

A solid reputation system is essential because your online presence impacts all potential and future clients. A study, conducted by Outbound Engine, revealed that 88% of customers rely on online reviews to make their decisions. When questioned further, it was revealed that those surveyed approached these reviews in the same way that they approached personal recommendations from friends; they trust the input of the collective consciousness.

Thus, if you utilize a solid reputation system, you can grow your client base and strengthen your brand’s trustworthiness.

Use SEO to Impact your Reputation

One of the main tenets of reputation management is search engine optimization, or SEO for short. SEO is the process of optimizing online visibility of your website through web search engine results. For healthcare companies, SEO practices are imperative to enforce your desired reputation.

A study by Hubspot revealed that 75% of searchers never look past the first page of Google results. It further revealed that many customers only research the first ten websites that show up. This means that your clientele’s impression of your healthcare practice is gleaned from the first page of Google.

Thus, with this information, it’s crucial that your company is visible on the first page. Even more so, the links featured need to be positive, relevant, and fully pertaining to your practice. A reputation management system can help you accomplish this goal. They will use SEO practices to make certain that your clients are aware of you, can get in touch with you, and only see the information that is relevant to them.

Review Management is Tantamount

For healthcare providers, managing reviews are vital to positively impact your potential client base. This is because positive reviews are tantamount to more leads and a stronger reputation.

While many doctors would rather not be influenced by websites like Healthgrades, Yelp, and RateMDs, it’s imperative to manage the reviews featured on these sites. A study conducted by Software Advice revealed that 62% of customers use online reviews to find a new doctor. Furthermore, 19% of those surveyed revealed that they use online reviews to evaluate an existing doctor. Thus, it becomes necessary for healthcare providers to actively engage and foster their reviews for retention and expansion.

Review Responses Matter

It’s important to note that review management is not simply elevating good reviews, it is also engaging with bad ones. The internet is not a forgiving place; once something has entered the digital sphere, it becomes nearly impossible to remove it. Thus, bad reviews will not go away; yet, you can always engage these reviews in a productive and positive manner.

If you respond publicly in a review forum, you can impart your perspective and understanding of the situation. More so, you reveal to your potential customers that you are engaged and committed to providing a positive customer experiential. Thus, ironically, embracing the bad reviews can open the door towards more good ones!