These Mistakes Can Scare Physical Therapy Patients Away Online

Here we are sharing some common mistakes that practice owners make online.

While it’s easy to think these aren’t that big of a deal, they’re actually scaring new customers away.

1. Having a Website that’s Not Mobile-Optimized

Almost everyone and their grandma is using a smartphone or tablet these days. If your website is not optimized for mobile, it can be nearly impossible to navigate.

While you may get a teeny percentage of patients who will switch to a computer, most will get frustrated, close your site, forget all about you and move on…likely to your competition who does have a mobile friendly site. As a result, you’ll miss out on potential new business.

2. Not Updating Your Social Media Accounts

More and more people are validating, cross-checking, and learning more about PT practices on social media platforms. It’s obvious that not having a social account can hurt your practice, but few realize that having a poorly updated page can cause damage as well.

For example, if a patient searches for physical therapy in your city on Google, clicks on the link to your Facebook page, and sees that you haven’t posted in months or even years, there’s a good chance they’ll assume you’re not organized, not up-to-date, and aren’t a quality practice.

Simply having these accounts is not enough. Make sure you post regularly so patients can clearly see you’re still in business and are using social media to communicate.

3. Getting Defensive while Responding to Negative Feedback



It’s hurtful when patients leave negative feedback. Especially when it’s a particularly difficult patient (you know the ones I’m talking about) who was the main cause of the problem.While it’s our first instinct to protect ourselves and our good name, getting defensive and causing an online argument for all to see can really hurt your reputation.

Instead, acknowledge the patient’s frustration and invite them to take the conversation offline. This will demonstrate your commitment to good service and will make future patients more comfortable doing business with you.

4. Not Responding to Positive Feedback

Just as it’s important to have a thoughtful response to negative feedback, it’s equally important to respond to positive feedback.

Think of it this way, the patient has taken time out of their day to share their thoughts with you and refer future clients. By not responding, it gives the impression that you don’t care.

By taking the time to respond, it not only makes that patient feel appreciated but also, it’s another way to demonstrate your commitment to good service.
 

Why This Works…

The Internet has revolutionized the world of marketing for PT private practices and completely changed how we, as business owners, need to manage our reputation and marketing.

Taking care to ensure you have an active presence online will not only help patients discover your clinic(s) and also get a sense of what kind of service they can expect.

A practice that is responsive, available, and ensures patients have a friction-free experience will be much more appealing.

What do you get out of all this?

By caring for your online reputation and making sure you’re easily accessible, patients will be drawn to your practice. 

As a result, you’ll have a much easier time attracting new clients, keeping long-term patients, getting more referrals, and growing your business.