Optometry Websites - Unleashing the Power of Technology in Your Practice

Technology has changed the way that everyone does business in the 21st century. Just 20 years ago, administrative assistants used electronic typewriters for office correspondence. Now most people don't even know what a typewriter is. Computers have replaced those old relics from a bygone business era. Brick-and-mortar stores now have online competition through optometry websites.

Optometry websites are an underused resource available to practitioners today. Surveys indicate that customers would like to do more and more business on the internet. Patients would also like to get information about their current optometrists that they can research at their convenience. How can you use your website to transform your business and help your clients while maintaining privacy?

Your website probably has a contact option where patients can send you a message that will be forwarded to your office e-mail. Encourage your patients to use this feature if they need information or would like to schedule an appointment. Most will be very happy to have multiple ways to get in contact with your office. To protect privacy and maintain file security, your patients will have to sign up for this option when they are in your office or by sending you a signed permission note with their e-mail address attached. You of course will want to keep this in their patient files. This will protect both you and your patients from invasions of privacy.

• Use your website as a marketing tool. Update your content regularly, so that patients will have something interesting to read when they visit. Make sure that your site stands out from the crowd of other optometry websites. If you are running any specials are offering any new services, make sure to mention this somewhere on your webpage.

• You probably spend a lot of time answering the same question over and over. Why not use your website to answer these frequently asked questions? There are many businesses that offer a FAQ page. You and your staff already know the kinds of questions that optometry patients need to know. Write the questions on the FAQ page and then answer them in an easy to read language your patients will understand.

No website will ever replace good customer service. If you intend to use your website to assist your customers, make sure that all inquiries are followed up promptly. Your other office technology, like voicemail and e-mail, should not become crutches to avoid speaking to customers. Always remember that your customer base is like a pot of gold. If you treat them well, they will refer others to you and your practice will grow.

Most doctors use less than 20% of the potential of their website for gaining new patients. A great looking website is only one part of getting patients from the internet. Are you getting as many patients as you can from yours? You may find the free expert guide, “7 Mistakes Doctors Make When Getting Their Website Done,” a valuable optometry websites resource.