Five Important Steps to Managing Your Online Doctor’s Profile

As a medical practitioner, it’s essential to stay aware of what your patients are saying about you online. While managing your online profile may not be your top priority, it plays a crucial role in growing your practice. Many doctors rely on recurring business and referrals, but online reviews can significantly influence new patients' decisions. So, how can a busy medical professional manage their online presence effectively?

1. Begin with a Self-Assessment
Start by researching your online presence. Google yourself, review your social media profiles, check your patient reviews, and assess your website. This will give you a clear picture of where you currently stand. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to enhance your online image.

2. Plan Your Strategy
Next, create a solid reputation management strategy that focuses on online reviews. You have a few options here: manage the process yourself, delegate the task to a staff member, or hire outside help, depending on your time and budget. The key is to take control of your online reputation and actively manage how it evolves.

3. Analyse Your Medical Practice as a Whole
Recognize that patients often try to resolve offline issues online. Evaluate how your entire practice is run, from staff interactions and exam room cleanliness to patient wait times. Be mindful of online comments about these areas and be prepared to address any concerns that arise.

4. Ask for Reviews
Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews. Pay attention to those who had a good experience, and after their consultation, send them a link to leave a review. Requesting reviews personally, face-to-face, can be effective. Make it easy for patients to leave feedback, whether through an email link or even providing tablets in your waiting room for real-time reviews.

5. Never Ignore a Comment
Whether a comment is positive or negative, always acknowledge it. If a patient leaves a negative review, express regret about their experience and offer to follow up with a personal call. For positive reviews, a simple “thank you” shows appreciation for their time and effort.

The Bottom Line
The key to managing your online profile is staying authentic. Avoid posting fake reviews or engaging in unethical practices. Your reputation is your calling card, and you owe it to yourself and your practice to manage it carefully, both online and in-person. Remember, as much as you’re a healthcare provider, you’re also a business owner. Curating your online presence thoughtfully will help grow your practice and boost your bottom line.