Once upon a time the term online reviews didn’t exist. Instead, there was something called word-of-mouth. It was the only way you found out about the best doctor, dentist, or other health care provider you needed. Of course, then you could also let you fingers do the walking (that’s the Yellow Pages for you millennials out there). But even then, you still called your Aunt Mary and talked to your neighbors to find out the skinny about the newest chiropractor in town.
Online Reviews are Like Word of Mouth on Steroids
Today, there is still word of mouth when it comes to finding the best providers. But now potential patients are much more likely to check out reviews on Yelp or Google. Yelp and Google are literally word of mouth on steroids.
Just how many people turn to the internet for advice on providers? A 2020 survey revealed that almost three quarters (71%) of surveyed patients use online reviews as the very first step to finding a new doctor. And another survey in 2020 showed that 79% of consumers trusted online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family.
And this isn’t surprising. Patients like to read what total strangers are saying about the person who’ll be treating their health problem.
Even if potential patients get a referral from someone they trust, they’re still very likely to look up the doc online. Why? Because they want to make sure that what their friend’s telling them isn’t a fluke. If 90% of the other folks online also love this doctor, they can feel good about the choice they’re making.
Online Reviews Helps Your Business Show Up Higher in Google
While no one knows how Google decides to put a business on page one, more positive online Google reviews can help. Not only are those positive reviews more likely to put a provider on page one, but they’re also more likely to show up in the Google 3-pack. According to the SEO company Moz, reviews make up about 15% of the factors Google uses when choosing the 3-pack.).
What is the 3-pack? Those are the top three results that show up when someone does a search for a business in their area. Unlike a regular listing, the 3-pack not only calls out the name of the business, but it also provides the address, open hours, and phone number. This really makes the top three stand out.
Get Rated on Other Sites to Get Found
Besides Yelp and Google, there are many other sites where you can list your business to get ratings. A Facebook Business page is a great place to add next, if you plan to use it as one of your key marketing strategies.
In addition, there are over 20 sites that rate health care providers including RateMds, Healthgrades, and Top Doctors. The more listings and ratings, the more opportunity for Google to see your site as important and relevant.
Getting 5 Star Reviews
So the question for many providers is, “How do I get 5 star reviews”? Getting great reviews isn’t hard, but you do need to provide excellent care in a compassionate manner to warrant them. And everyone in the office needs to do so as well.
Don’t just wait around and hoping for great reviews. Ask for them. The best time to do it is when a patient has just thanked you for helping them. Frame the question in terms of helping other people. For example, you could ask, “Would you like to help other people get the same kind of care you received?” When they say yes, it’s important to provide them with easy ways to make that happen such as sending them the links to your review pages by email.
Lynn Chapman specializes in helping health care providers attract and retain their ideal patients. You can find her at Sound Medical Marketing.