As the importance and influence of online patient reviews continues to grow, boosting your online reputation becomes crucial. Encouraging positive patient reviews, especially to your practice’s Google Places listing, can make a huge difference for your online presence.
Claiming your Google Places listing is the first step toward maximizing your practice’s visibility on the web, but how can you increase the number of positive reviews to your listing?
Here are a few ideas for directing patients to your Google Places listing:
1) Use word-of-mouth
The best source of positive online reviews is from frequent and satisfied patients. Try encouraging patients to post reviews when they visit your practice. Have handouts ready at the check-out desk with your Google Places listing URL and some words of encouragement and appreciation!
2) Implement a QR Code
Statistics suggest that most of your patients are smartphone owners. And, many patients may even spend time in your waiting area on their mobile devices. Try implementing a mobile marketing strategy!
Add a QR code to practice brochures, mailings and business cards. A QR code acts like a bar code that brings users to a specific mobile landing page when scanned by a smartphone or other mobile device. You can direct patients to your Google Places listing upon scanning your QR code. The idea is to solicit positive reviews from satisfied patients with a click of a button!
3) Set up a Kiosk
Does your practice have a computer or tablet designated for patients to check in for their appointment? This is a great opportunity to encourage returning patients to write a review for your Google Places listing! They’re at your office, with access to the computer and connected to the web. When they complete their online check-in, prompt them to write a review on your listing.
For new patients, you can also set up a kiosk, complete with a computer or tablet to write a review upon their exit.
4) Reach out on Social Media
If you’re active on social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter and Google+, reach out to your fans and followers. Post links to your Google Places listing encouraging patients to post reviews.
5) Send an Email Blast
Do you currently ask for an email address on patient forms? If not, this is a great opportunity to reach all patients at once with practice news or information. Send out an email blast, with a link to your Google Places listing, asking satisfied patients to post reviews.
The more reviews, the better!
The more reviews on your Google Places listing, the more weight it will have in search engines. The more positive reviews from satisfied patients, the better your online reputation!
Have questions?
Post to our Facebook wall with any questions you may have about your Google Places listing!
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